Wherever you are, be all there (20 years after Alexis)

August 26, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

Today is the 20th anniversary of Alexis’ death. She has been gone a long time. Thankfully, it has been long enough for us to heal, although it will never be long enough for us to forget or “get over” her. I am sure there will always be a thin veil between our various joys and […]

Which first day is harder for parents: kindergarten or a senior year of high school?

August 20, 2019.Reading time 2 minutes.

“The days are long the years are brief.” That’s how someone described the parental passage of time to me once, and it is probably true. Time usually doesn’t feel like it is flying by while it is happening, but when we look back it is easy to gasp and wonder, “How did my little kindergartener […]

Drinking the bitter cup

August 5, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

I don’t want to go through this. I don’t want this to be my life. I don’t want an addicted child, or an ill spouse, or the stigma of bankruptcy or divorce. I don’t want my plans to fail or my best efforts to come up short. I don’t want to drink a cup of […]

Loved

July 30, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

This essay was taken in entirety from a prayer devotional that our high school pastor, Steven Draeger, wrote for our students for their time this week at camp. It is beautiful, and I hope it speaks to your heart as it will no doubt speak to theirs. Know you are loved! You are God’s beloved. […]

Naked Verbs

July 3, 2019.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Sometimes verbs are more powerful without all of their accompanying grammatical clothing. Consider these naked verbs from the 147th psalm. In describing God’s activities in their most stripped down forms, the psalmist says that God: Builds up Gathers Heals (the brokenhearted) Binds up (wounds) Determines Calls (by name) Sustains Casts down (wickedness) Covers Supplies Provides […]