As a kid, I wondered about the sign hanging on my wall: Prayer Changes Things. I understood that promise to mean my prayers would always produce results.

How people respond to our thoughts and questions tell us a lot about what they’re thinking. With a little practice using this “sixth sense,” we might have others believing we are clairvoyant or psychic—even divinely prophetic.

Apart from microscopic inspection, cubic zirconia gems look just like diamonds, but they aren’t worth nearly as much. Why? Because perception of value determines the amount people are willing to pay.

We should not confuse value with cost. What’s the distinction? Cost has to do with the amount. Value has to do with the reason behind our sacrifice.

The week before Easter, I went to the drugstore and bought an ice cream cone in exchange for an egg, which was possible because eggs were in short supply, of more value to the store than an ice cream cone. Life was so simple back then.

What was that $500 bill worth? Nothing, I decided, because he had no intention of ever spending it. The value of anything is determined by what people are willing to pay and why.

Father’s Day is not a happy time for everyone. Some people don’t know who their father is. Others lived in an abusive environment where they were told they would never amount to anything good.

I can’t seem to find the right focus that will show my best side. I promise to keep trying, because God is still making me better.