Olivia and Cor had a choir concert yesterday afternoon. And they sounded great! Olivia had an especially prominent role in the concert, as a senior. She sings in the top choir and the top ensemble, but she also serves as … Continue reading
We baptized seven people today, just outside of Bowman Hall. And honestly, it felt even more special than I expected. I mean, it’s always exciting to watch people publicly proclaim their faith in Jesus. And every time, I’m encouraged by … Continue reading
Our family does not just “deck the halls” at Christmas time. We also “sing the Yuletide carols.” Fa La-la-la-la La-la-la-la. Olivia is especially busy these days, as one of the Kent Roosevelt High School ACEs (the top ensemble of the … Continue reading
When I chose to be vaccinated against COVID-19, I felt relieved. Relieved that I was less likely to get sick, myself, and relieved that I was less likely to infect others. And I honestly thought that I was simply at … Continue reading
I contemplate my own mortality more during the month of November than any other time of the year. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the natural world is losing all its color and entering into a period of dormancy. The light … Continue reading
It rained all morning. I was worried that we might not be able to follow through on our plans to organize a group of volunteers from H2O Church at Kent State University for a leaf-raking service project. But fortunately, conditions … Continue reading
I love to observe trends in culture. I discovered this passion during my years living in the Netherlands, trying to fit in as a foreigner. But one doesn’t have to live in a different country to become a student of … Continue reading
I’m fascinated by the history of northeast Ohio. Especially its “Gilded Age,” in the last decades of the 19th Century and first decades of the 20th Century. So when my friend Jason texted me with a link to a story … Continue reading
[Note: This piece reflects my experience of Thursday, October 29, 2020, one year ago during the descent into our Pandemic Winter. I never finished writing it at the time, but weather conditions this week have reminded me of the experience … Continue reading
We recently completed the process of shooting Olivia’s senior portraits, and we’re thrilled with how they all turned out. Our friend Jana was the photographer, but hiring her for the job wasn’t just a case of nepotism. She’s a legitimate professional, and … Continue reading