Small Church

I don’t know if we have that many years left in these retiring bones, but I will walk them all with you,” she said, turning to run her palm along my cheek. “I love you.” Melissa, a brilliant and ambitious researcher, had made the impulsive decision to marry at a young age, just as she embarked on her first research program in Africa. However, her marriage to a driven and opportunistic man proved to be a fleeting endeavor, as he abandoned her in pursuit of a promising job opportunity elsewhere. Now, fate plays a twisted game as he resurfaces, teaching classes at the very university ...

Who’s that knocking at my door? Come on in, stay awhile for sure! Nestled in the hills of the Lake Michigan shoreline, the ranch overlooks open fields and rich oak, maple and beech tree groves. It has been owned by the Katzen family for generations. Once a working ranch producing cattle and milking cows, it has now turned into a therapy ranch for a multitude of special populations. The big, burly, yet misunderstood farmer, Maxwell, moves his farm further along with his plans for spring planting and a bulging livestock business. All the while, a beautiful young veterinarian finds that his ...

Avery, a young widowed mother, strives to care for a beaten-down domestic survivor on the ranch. How might Scout Westbrook, a burly young military veteran influence both of their lives? Nestled in the hills of the Lake Michigan shoreline, the ranch overlooks open fields and rich oak, maple and beech tree groves. It has been owned by the Katzen family for generations. Once a working ranch producing cattle and milking cows, it has now turned into a therapy ranch for a multitude of special populations. The leaves are beginning to change on the ranch and the early fall harvest is in full gear. ...

Her arms went around Dylan as she laid her head upon his heart. It was beating so fast, and this moment was perfection. In the calming waters of Lake Michigan lies a healing haven, an island designed as a sanctuary for the heartbroken. Those who lost their partners, either to death or through a divorce, seek solace, spiritual support, and a chance for a new life. Time slows, wounds heal, and love blooms again on this island. Individuals, each bearing the weight of their pasts, make their way to this haven. Brought together by grief, they step onto the island's shores, with the whispers of ...

”I would love for us to spend more time getting to know each other and maybe a kiss or two,” he offered with a little wink. In the calming waters of Lake Michigan lies a healing haven, an island designed as a sanctuary for the heartbroken. Those who lost their partners, either to death or through a divorce, seek solace, spiritual support, and a chance for a new life. Time slows, wounds heal, and love blooms again on this island. Individuals, each bearing the weight of their pasts, make their way to this haven. Brought together by grief, they step onto the island's shores, with the ...

“I’m lost and feeling off balance and uncertain of my future. I hadn’t expected to hit this age and not fully comprehend my place or God’s plan for me yet,” she sighed. "The Chalet" is a Christian, rural, coastal resort community where middle to older age adults go to support several summer volunteer projects. These projects include building and improving housing for the needy and serving through the community’s action agencies. Those who volunteer, support each other's spouse losses and other challenges as they work to help the community. Romantic relationships are developed as...

A gorgeous teacher and a handsome officer meet abruptly. Who do you think might win the fight for intrigue? Nestled in the hills of the Lake Michigan shoreline, the ranch overlooks open fields and rich oak, maple and beech tree groves. It has been owned by the Katzen family for generations. Once a working ranch producing cattle and milking cows, it has now turned into a therapy ranch for a multitude of special populations. The winter snow is blanketing the ranch with a glistening array of pure white as far as the eye can see. Winter has a unique effect on a ranch located near the dunes and ...

What does an addict, an abused woman, and a good Samaritan have in common? More than you can ever imagine. Nestled in the hills of the Lake Michigan shoreline, the ranch overlooks open fields and rich oak, maple and beech tree groves. It has been owned by the Katzen family for generations. Once a working ranch producing cattle and milking cows, it has now turned into a therapy ranch for a multitude of special populations. The prodigal son returns to Little Bend to repent and seek grace from family and friends. His challenges are many, but hope abounds in his recovery especially as he forms ...

She understood they were not officially dating or in a romantic relationship, yet every gesture and sign from him seemed to prioritize her comfort and well-being. In the calming waters of Lake Michigan lies a healing haven, an island designed as a sanctuary for the heartbroken. Those who lost their partners, either to death or through a divorce, seek solace, spiritual support, and a chance for a new life. Time slows, wounds heal, and love blooms again on this island. Individuals, each bearing the weight of their pasts, make their way to this haven. Brought together by grief, they step onto ...

“Why can’t we just fall in love with men that are simple, stay at home, and don’t try to take on the world?” Raya radiates beauty both inside and out while exuding an unshakable faith. Her life plan includes being a participant in the community she loves, marrying the man she has been with since high school, and building a loving family. Unfortunately, as often happens, life doesn’t exactly work out the way Raya was planning. It seems that no matter how much she tries to grasp the roadmap for her life, it spins in new, and not so desirable directions. Will she eventually find the ...

The accident that killed Brendan’s wife devastated his life. How will he raise his two young girls with the killer still in town? Nestled in the hills of the Lake Michigan shoreline, the ranch overlooks open fields and rich oak, maple and beech tree groves. It has been owned by the Katzen family for generations. Once a working ranch producing cattle and milking cows, it has now turned into a therapy ranch for a multitude of special populations. Summer has made its way to the ranch with a flurry of activity. The mid-summer harvest of vegetables and the slaughter of cattle is providing ...

“Yep, and we all do crazy things for the woman we love.” The Living River Ranch has served thousands of visitors throughout its many years of operation through the love and commitment of Margaret, Matthew, and their families. It is time to expand the ranch toward a higher calling, answering the need to support the next generation of youth with many new life challenges. This second ranch is located in Northern Michigan on an abandoned, century-owned farm. The eight-bedroom main farmhouse and barn need significant work to provide a place for healing for many new clients. This new business...

”Based upon his reaction to her, he should probably keep his distance in the future, as he didn’t see this beauty wanting a rodeo cowboy to be her happily-ever-after.” Tanner Creek Ranch, located in Northern Michigan, overlooks majestic fields of hay and alfalfa. It has been owned by the Tanner family for generations. Once a working farm producing crops and raising cattle, it has become a therapy ranch to rehabilitate various domestic and specialized animal populations. Eric recently admitted defeat in regards to his family’s farm and fortunately was accepted into the fold at Tanner...

I forgive myself for what I allowed my life to become, before I was strong enough to fix me. Those who come to Lost Arrow Ranch are enchanted by the beauty around them. A world-class trout stream running through serene meadows edged by oak and maple groves, creates a peaceful experience for those building a new life. A fully functioning ranch in northern Michigan, Lost Arrow strives to create second chance opportunities for those from the toughest of backgrounds. The Payne family devotes their lives to helping others find their footing, using a traditional ranching environment and ...

Beth Haldane is worried. First, her dear friend and fellow single mother Jen suddenly gets married to a new man who seems too perfect to be true, then she moves out of leafy Dulwich Village—and now seems to have disappeared without a trace. Beth knows Jen would never leave her little daughter to handle playground predicaments or her sneaky stepmother alone. Heading to Jen’s new home for answers, Beth’s knocks on the front door go unanswered. Police are convinced the lovebirds are on an extended honeymoon, but Beth suspects Jen’s new husband is up to no good.

Built to Stand: One Man’s Call A Novel Inspired by the True Story of Marvin McKenzie He rode bulls before he could drive. He climbed steel beams hundreds of feet in the air. He stood behind pulpits with fire in his bones. But Micah Carson’s greatest strength wasn’t in his back or his fists—it was in his call from God. Born in a dusty timber town in 1958, Micah’s early life was a storm of broken promises and broken people. When his parents’ marriage collapsed during his grade school years, Micah learned to survive on grit and independence. Then Dan McGraw came along—his rough-...

A Simple Visit. A Sincere Word. A Spiritual Lift. Encouragement isn't just a kind gesture—it's a biblical ministry. After decades in pastoral ministry, Marvin McKenzie stepped into a new calling: not to retire from service, but to carry encouragement to the very ones who have carried the burden of ministry for years—pastors, their families, and the churches they faithfully serve. In Ambassador of Encouragement, Pastor McKenzie opens the door to a unique and deeply needed ministry: traveling from church to church, unannounced and with no expectations, simply to strengthen the hands of ...

God does big things through small groups: He heals, unifies, encourages, and equips. Christ trained his twelve apostles in a small group. Paul and Barnabas were called to international missions while participating in a small group (Acts 13:1-3). Essentially, all believers owe something to those initial small groups, and many of us have experienced great blessing through contemporary ones. God does big things through small groups, and that’s why we participate in them and aim to lead them. In this study, we will look at the WHY of small group leadership. Why should we participate in and ...

“I love you,” Maria said, as the last vestiges of anything holding her back in life fell away. Living River Ranch, a beacon of love and commitment nurtured by Margaret, Mathew, and their devoted families, has been a haven for countless visitors over the years. Now, as the ranch evolves, it embarks on a purpose-driven expansion, responding to a higher calling to support the burgeoning aspirations of the community's next generation. The ranch's compassionate reach extends to both animals and humans in need, as well as neighboring ranches, embodying a steadfast commitment to rising up ...

All of that was secondary to the love she found with Jonathan and the unwavering support in everything, from the man she once wanted to chase out of town. Living River Ranch, a beacon of love and commitment nurtured by Margaret, Mathew, and their devoted families, has been a haven for countless visitors over the years. Now, as the ranch evolves, it embarks on a purpose-driven expansion, responding to a higher calling to support the burgeoning aspirations of the community's next generation. The ranch's compassionate reach extends to both animals and humans in need, as well as neighboring ...