When I was present at the first death, I was 17.
At the second, I was 32.
At the third, I was 44.
CONTINUE READINGPresent at Their Passing
Whose Pins Are You Juggling? A Parenting Story
My 16-year-old son had just gotten a job working at the local supermarket, and was attending orientation, his first day at work. He called me to come pick him up when they were done, and my 23-year-old daughter, having nothing better to do at the time, drove with me to keep me company. We sat in the parking lot together, waiting for him to emerge from the store.
Time passed. No son.
continue readingWho Chose Whom?
A long time ago, I made a choice.
I chose to follow Jesus. I chose to ask God into my heart. I chose Christianity over all of the other religions out there.
Or did I?
continue readingThe Blessing of Forgiving Our Parents
One conversation changed my relationship with my mom forever.
“…forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
These are hard words that Jesus gives us in the Lord’s Prayer. As Christians, we know we ought to forgive—in fact, we’re commanded to do it. But often it’s easier said than done.
continue readingThe Case Against “Do the Next Right Thing”
Why adding one word changes everything—and not in a good way.
I first heard it in a Disney movie a few years ago, in a song from Frozen 2: “Do the next right thing.” More recently I’ve seen this phrase on posters, t-shirts, and used by addiction recovery groups.
In Frozen 2, “Do the next right thing” is sung by a character in despair over her bleak future: she is trapped in a cave and has just lost a good friend. I was empathetic to her plight … but when she sang that line, my mind instantly rebelled.
Continue ReadingUnshockable Parenting
What will you do when your 17-year-old tells you that his girlfriend, the one you counseled him not to date because she is not a Christian, is pregnant? How will you react when you find out from another parent that for the past six months, your daughter has been going by a different name and using the boys’ restroom at her middle school? What will be going through your head when your teen proudly displays her new tattoo or eyebrow piercing at church? What will be your facial expression when your young adult son tells you that he’s pretty sure he no longer believes in God?
continue reading“I Must Decrease” … But How?
To hear the world tell it, it’s all about me.
Being true to myself.
Doing what makes me happy.
Following my dreams.
Living my best life.
Speaking my truth.
Becoming the best version of myself.
Listening to my heart.
Secondary Characters, Center Stage
Is there a name for a genre of books where a secondary character in a beloved classic takes the starring role in their own story? If there is, sign me up to read them—when they’re as well-written and engaging as the four below.
continue readingHome
“Sore Afraid” at Christmas
Who doesn’t love “A Charlie Brown Christmas”? Who doesn’t smile at Charlie Brown’s sad attempt to put on a meaningful Christmas play, Lucy and Schroeder at the piano, Snoopy’s festive doghouse, and Vince Guaraldi’s unforgettable music?
continue reading
Great and Noble Tasks 