We started decorating our house for Christmas on Friday, but it took the rest of the weekend (and even a bit of the beginning of this week) to finish. The place looks beautiful now. Bright and cheery and Christmassy… But … Continue reading
I read Psalm 75 when I woke up this morning, and it felt surprisingly fresh and relevant for Thanksgiving Day 2021. We thank you, O God!We give thanks because you are near.People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds. God says, “At … Continue reading
We Midwesterners love to fret about the Fall. “The maples don’t seem to be as vibrant as usual this year.” Or, “It’s awful warm for October, don’t you think?” Or “I’m worried that we’re going to skip fall and jump … Continue reading
There’s really no such thing as “just another day at the office” in my line of work. Because people are complicated. And spiritual development is supernatural, by nature. But, perhaps most of all, college ministry is weird — especially when … Continue reading
Olivia went to the Kent Theodore Roosevelt High School Homecoming Dance this weekend. And she was lovely. She bought her dress from a thrift store and did much of the alteration herself. She went with a couple of friends, and … Continue reading
Dear Olivia, What a gift it is to be your father! I know that you’re supposed to be the one receiving the gift for an occasion such as this — but it really does feel like a privilege for our … Continue reading
Dear Cor, Sometimes, I worry you ended up with a birthday at the worst time of the year. The weather can be so hot and humid (like it was at the beginning of this week). And the start of the … Continue reading
Olivia and Cor had their first day of school today. They still have to wear masks within the school building, as a precaution against COVID-19. But still, it’s good to remember that things are way better than they were at … Continue reading
We sing weird songs to children. And we do it without even thinking about it. In the process, though, I wonder how much we’re carrying culture without even knowing it. Old MacDonald had a farm: E-I-E-I-O What do those letters … Continue reading
This month marks our 23rd wedding anniversary! So we decided to celebrate with a two-night getaway to the New River Gorge of West Virginia. It truly felt like a getaway — a four-hour drive from home, in a different region … Continue reading