Lilka Finley Raphael4 min read 
For those who might not know, The Crossmap Podcast features inspiring heart-to-heart conversations with Christian newsmakers of the day including authors, experts, pastors, and entertainers on topics that are good for the entire family while honoring your faith-based values.Crossmap managing editor Chris Carpenter engages guests in thought-provoking but light-hearted banter...
The manger highlights the way God uses our deepest pain, the things we wish were different, the despised and the lowly, to bring him the greatest glory. God’s kingdom is upside down. The last shall be first, the weak shall be strong, and the foolish shall shame the wise. And God incarnate will be la
I began my writing career having been inspired by this quote back in 1990 from film director John Waters (Cry-Baby, Hairspray) from a backpage article for the special edition Newsweek issue to kick off the last decade before the Twentieth Century. "Sex, drugs and rock and roll all seem so old hat
Chris Chu
Life can often feel like a series of highs and lows, but few moments test our faith and resolve like a medical crisis. Whether it’s a personal diagnosis or a loved one’s illness, these situations can leave us feeling vulnerable, fearful, and overwhelmed. But, even in these darkest moments, there...
Lilka Finley Raphael has been a licensed pharmacist for over thirty years. Still, she has learned that the most potent prescriptions are not in bottles. Prayer and persistence are far more effective than any medication dispensed. A love for writing, gardening, and photography prompted Lilka to share her experiences and life lessons on her blogs God, autism and me, B Is for Blessed, and God and the Garden. Lilka’s most recent accolades include a Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference 2024 Selah Award Finalist for the Published Devotion category and recognition at the Asheville Christian Writers Conference as 2024 Sparrow Award winner. Lilka is also a monthly contributor to Edie Melson’s the Write Conversation, a Writer’s Digest top one-hundred website for writers. However, Lilka’s greatest achievements are her two adult sons who have flown the nest. Happily married for thirty-one years, she lives east of Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, Rod. They share their home with two German Shepherds—Holly and Ivy—and one naughty kitty, Moxie. Lilka's musings and photography are available at lilkaraphael.com