When reading history books, we often see titles of people based on merit or position. We see Catholic churches named after Biblical people, often starting with the word “saint.” I realize that there i...  Read More

When I speak to my children, I typically change my tone or change the inflection of words to emphasize the importance of what I am saying. I tend to do this both consciously and subconsciously. My wif...  Read More

One of the hardest things my wife and I encounter in our lives is our children's growth in Christ. Everything we say and do around them and with them leaves a seed and will impact their lives. The mos...  Read More

As a parent, I can still remember the joy of seeing my children as toddlers trying to take their first steps. Coming alongside them and helping them progress in their development was a joy and lasting...  Read More

Our current landlords own some apple and pear trees. In the fall, they let us pick apples and pears and fill as many baskets as we want. We use an extendable picker to pluck the fruit from the tree. T...  Read More

What does liberty truly mean? We use this word often. In the Navy, being granted ‘liberty’ means you are free to roam around for a few days on shore after coming off of a ship. As Americans, we often ...  Read More

My wife jokes that she doesn’t bake and I am the one who does all the baking. And by ALL the baking, I make chocolate chip cookies. My wife does so much more, and one of the things she likes to bake i...  Read More

What would you do if you were promised to have a child that through him, would be the gate to amazing things that could change the world? How long would you wait for this promise to take place, even k...  Read More

While growing up, my family had certain traditions at Christmas. These were consistent almost every year. I got comfortable with them, and after I met my wife, we started our own Christmas traditions....  Read More

Being an heir of something today doesn’t seem to have as great of an impact as it used to. My kids are my heirs and will inherit…something…after my wife and I are gone. They may not inherit much. My m...  Read More

I pray that my children will know the difference between right and wrong. As a parent, I hope that they can grow up and teach their children the truth about Christ and have a personal walk that is int...  Read More

I can think of countless times when I’ve promised my children something just to break that promise later. What is a promise, and how binding is the ‘contract’ we make with someone else through that pr...  Read More

Fools without FaithHas anyone ever called you foolish? Do we act foolish sometimes? Do we act as someone who disregards God’s revelation? Also, many movies and TV shows portray someone being ‘bewitche...  Read More

Justified By FaithMy wife will tell anyone that I am a rule follower. She says that my son takes after me in this regard. I do try to do the right thing and follow the law as we are instructed, but th...  Read More

I played many sports growing up, and frustration was always a present factor. There were times when I let my emotions get the best of me, and not only did I pay the consequences, but so did my team. N...  Read More

I can remember countless times throughout my life when I stumbled and crumbled under peer pressure. Some of those have been counter to my walk with Jesus. Every time, I feel regret and shame, because ...  Read More

I wish my kids understood what I desired of them, even though I frequently tell them as clearly as day. Understanding the will of God for our lives can always feel like a mystery. Do we have the disc...  Read More

In my career, I have worked hard to get where I am. There are times when I have worked incredibly hard but still not advanced. We have also moved many times to places, some we wanted, but most we did...  Read More

My children have a knack for finding ways to change the way something is done so that it better suits their needs or purpose. Have you ever been in a position and changed something, every so slightly...  Read More

How many times have we sat through a ceremony or speech, and the keynote speaker or special guest is preceded by some extravagant and elaborate words explaining all the great things this person has a...  Read More

Sometimes when I experience hard times, it feels as if I am alone and the only one experiencing this at the moment. Sometimes it is difficult to see beyond our current situation. Sometimes, we are ju...  Read More

In today’s church, our church, are we shepherding those around us and guiding them in the ways of Christ? Our mission statement for our church is from Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples ...  Read More

Sometimes, I will catch my youngest sneaking some candy from the candy drawer without asking. She has a complete look of surprise when she’s caught in the act. I know this may not be the same thing, ...  Read More

What is it to be a ‘steward’ of something? Is it the person who hands out drinks on the airplane? Sometimes, words can get watered down in their definition. What does the noun form, stewardship, actu...  Read More