Many years ago, Craig and I were privileged to host a well-known leader/speaker for dinner. We’d looked up to him for years, so we were excited to get to know him better. We’d been communicating on a more superficial level when our guest began sharing about good friends of his, a couple he and his …

Greetings! Craig and I hope you had a joy-filled, restful and COVID-free holiday season. We tried to be pro-active in our efforts to rest body, mind, and soul, and the picture above shows the three of us—Frisco’s nose is barely visible, as he is never cooperative for picture-taking—enjoying a day of snowshoeing. On that day, Mt. Hood offered an especially sunny, …

Though Craig and I are taking a break, we thought you might like a challenge – a mental test for your family, friends, or just you two as a couple.How well do you know our familiar Christmas carols and expressions?! Translate these well-known Christmas songs or sayings into “plain English”! 1.Move hitherward the entire assembly of those who are loyal in their belief …

Honey, guess what? My parents are coming!  A series Craig and I’ve been enjoying has a middle-aged couple with four kids….the assumed chaos and issues that come with a “normal” household….but overall, a generally healthy marriage. Until the wife’s mother comes to visit. The husband quips to his friend: “It’s a disaster at home. Even the mice are throwing themselves on the traps!” In-laws! …

“My parents are coming to visit!”            Spoken response: “Oh, super. It’s been too long since we’ve seen them.”     (picture: Top row, second from left) “My parents are coming. To visit!”            Spoken response: “Oh, okay. But for how long?”     (picture: Second row, far right) “My parents are coming. To visit.”            Silent thoughts: “Oh no. Weren’t they just here?”     (picture: Top …

Talk about a trifecta: COVID The holidays In-laws (They’re baa-ack!)It could be you’re excited to see your in-laws—all your relatives this year. Because 2020 has taught us—if nothing else—that we should cling to what has meaning in this world. God’s promises. Relationships. Family. Connections with those we love.Still…the holidays could backfire all too quickly. We’re so excited to be with …

If your state is like ours, there’s a high probability you won’t be able to gather with extended family for the holidays. And absence…well, it’s supposed to make the heart grow fonder right?! If no other good comes from this seemingly endless time of COVID-19, then may our lack of being with family motivate us to view our in-laws with …

From Carolyn:          Today’s newsletter comes almost entirely from Craig. Those who work with him know his communication style to be concise and very direct. So those of you who also tend to operate in that way will probably find this newsletter…refreshing. Right up until Craig asks you to do something?!   From Craig:           Over time …

Two (absolutely) unbiased recent case studies from Craig and Carolyn’s life: We were at the coast for a week, seeking a break from the tension and weight of responsibilities. On our second day there, we courageously ventured out to the local grocery to buy supplies. While there…             *so many shoppers aimlessly wandering the produce aisles that Craig instantly decides he doesn’t want …

  *Forget the fries: NOT THAT I’M ANGRY or DEPRESSED  I guess I’d be surprised (or skeptical?) these days by anyone who insists he/she isn’t fighting low-level anger (that can quickly heat up) and/or some degree of depression. They are the flavors du jour for the pandemic of 2020, eh? Rather than deny their existence or expend (wasted) energy on attempts to eradicate them, …