At the beginning of 2020, I felt like God was encouraging me to more regularly practice the spiritual discipline of silence. Consequently, I moved Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter off of the first screen on my iPhone — putting them inside … Continue reading
My heart is heavy this morning, as I’ve been processing two new stories of racial injustice that have hit the news cycle in the last couple of days. George Floyd died in the custody of police officers in Minneapolis over … Continue reading
I try really hard to dismiss judgmental thoughts toward others. But the truth is: I’m not very good at it. One person is masked and gloved and extra-vigilant for anyone stepping within a 10′ radius. And I think: “What’s up … Continue reading
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the recent news of Ahmaud Arberry, who was killed earlier this year, in Georgia, with no apparent reason except for being black in a white neighborhood. The story has been in the headlines … Continue reading
Student protests against the Vietnam War grew so intense in the spring of 1970 that the Ohio National Guard was called in to patrol the campus. Shortly after noon on May 4, 1970, something triggered the military personnel to fire … Continue reading
Our household is now on Day Fourteen of our quarantine within the quarantine! Cor rejoined the household last night, after 72 hours of no fever, and we’re thankful that his sickness only lasted for five days — and it seemed … Continue reading
Marci and Cor have been running a low fever (average around 99.5° F) for several days now. They’ve had very little in the way of other symptoms, though Cor has been extra-sleepy and there have been a few moments when … Continue reading
I’m thinking a lot today about the ways that the pressures of our environment shape us. This includes the current COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine, but also other things. In particular, I’ve been reminded of Bill Hettinger (my late grandfather-in-law) telling … Continue reading
I’ve noticed that the COVID-19 quarantine feels different now. At first, there was impending doom and darkness. It felt weird and scary, but it also brought adrenaline and compelled me to pray. I felt close to God, even as I … Continue reading
Dear Elliot, Happy Birthday! It’s a weird birthday, with everyone ordered to shelter-in-place because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, I’m praying that it can somehow be a Happy Birthday. You’ve brought so much happiness to my life over these last … Continue reading