This past weekend we drove to Michigan for a wedding. A wedding that just a scant 7 months ago, we thought might not happen. My brother, who wandered for a few years, who dabbled, who threw out, who turned away, who scoffed and even argued at time… more »

I can't tell you how many times I wish I could take one back. A comment that flew from my mouth had nothing to do with how I felt, it was just "something to say." I would venture to guess that 6 out of 10 rude comments from strangers and distant acq… more »

There was a silence that left my stomach in a bit of a knot after hearing those words come out of my four year old yesterday. I recognize and appeal to you his very "four-year-old-ness" and exempt him from a life destined for sin and shame. I know… more »

"When is that ever appropriate?" That question rolled through my head as the receptionist at the doctor's office held out a blow pop in front of me as an optional treat for my child. I shook my head and told her we were just about to get some lunch.… more »

For Owen it came early, just a scant nine months of breathing air and he was beginning to understand authority. The light, but decisive, tap to his diapered bottom after his little back had arched and his voice had rung with anger at our insistence tha… more »