Several weeks ago, my family took our summer vacation back to the small town in eastern Montana where I grew up. This was the first time I had been back since I moved away which meant that it was the first time my wife and children as well. For those of you whom have never been to [...]

My husband and I just spent the last day and a half attending the local Tulip Festival with our 6-year-old and 3-year-old. I always start out on such excursions with a feeling of excitement and visions of a happy family of four enjoying the activities. There is no fighting or whining or complaining or disobedience. The children are [...]

Today is Mother’s Day. First off, to all of you moms and grandmother’s out there, thank you. Thank you for being the amazing blessing that you are. I pray that God blesses you in a special way today through the actions of your family and friends.
Conveying gratitude on this subject is like trying to ask [...]

 There are times when my now 6-year old daughter desperately needs assurance. This often manifests itself in a question either about love ("Will you always love me?") or in a question about commitment ("If bad guys stole me, would you come find me?"). While she is very easily passified with my sincere and genuine answers [...]

It is once again time for my “Exploring Racial Justice” post.  I’ve read the chapter, but have run out of energy for writing the post.  It’s been a long week of sickness, stress at work, and water in the basement.  I’m not asking for pity.  Yesterday, I would have.  But today, I am thankful for [...]

 
In the book, "Disciplines of a Godly Man", the author R. Kent Hughes talks about the change in the personality of suburban architecture. Gone are the days when houses had large front porches where neighbors would gather to spend time together, sharing life’s experiences with each other. Today, the modern house is a castle where [...]

Everyone has something that they purchased that they feel was worth every penny. For my wife, it is a particular pair of shoes. For my dad, it is a particular fly rod. For me, it is a lunch from the place I complained about every day I was in school. Let me explain.
The school my daughter [...]

Our family has experienced loss in the adoption process, and as such, I’d like to piggy back of Heather’s post. When our precious daughter died 3 months after arriving home from India, in addition to heart wrenching grief, I remember feeling lost.
Our dreams are often altered. Sometimes God gives us a gentle nudge in a slightly different [...]

Because we are Christians, the Christmas season (that is, from approximately Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day) is one in which our family is particularly focused on Jesus.  Traditions my husband and I (both raised in believing families) experienced as children included attending Christmas Eve candlelight service, giving gifts in celebration of Christ’s birth, and gathering [...]

 It is the wee hours of the morning and I have been evicted from my bed by my son, who at first sneaks in and cuddles with me, then slowly pushes me off towards the edge of the bed. After a while of fighting this as well as being spurned on by the whines of [...]