Okay….I haven’t lost it. Not just yet, at least. Hang with me while I explain what I mean by mattering. I was flipping through channels when I came across a drama about Chernobyl and the nuclear disaster there that caused the deaths of approximately 4,000. In the midst of the trial for those considered responsible, one man began coughing so …
Creating Pathways
We’re excited to share this new name for our ministry to couples! We wrestled over a name for much of the way from Happy Valley, Oregon, to the Rocky Mountains and back (that’s a total of over 2,000 miles!), throwing ideas back and forth until I was convinced we’d never come up with a name that…fit us. But once …
Frisco: Our Court Jester
1. He tracks in mud and grass and plant seeds and grit and, and, and. You get the gist. 2. Too often his hair fits the “In our home, dog hair is considered a condiment” rule. 3. His total cost? A bunch, and quite frankly, I don’t want to add it up. 4. Part of that cost: He’s destroyed 2 …
We’re Searching for Interested/Interesting Couples!
Do you demonstrate these traits? *Age doesn’t matter, but demonstrating a desire to stay inwardly young as life-long learners *Dedicated to growing as a couple *Looking for ways to be pro-active at investing in each other *Committed to each other and your relationship *Open to creative ideas to add spice to your lives *Seeking …
The Nature of Peace
How can Paul pack so much into one short verse? From my devotions today in II Thessalonians 3:16: “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” The true nature of peace… 1.It’s FROM: the Lord of Peace *Not from any other source or it …
Happy July 4 (Almost!)
On the 4th of July, I hope you’ll be able to take in a wonderful fireworks show, celebrating the freedoms we have in this great country. Every time I complain about the U.S., I hear something like the protests in Hong Kong because of their very real fears concerning China’s domination and retribution. Once put in prison in China, those …
The Logic of Grace
Anyone else watch Les Miserables on Masterpiece? Even though I sometimes missed the music (from my favorite musical), it was a glorious production – and made me cry several times. One of the times that tears ran down my cheeks was Javert’s anguish and resulting suicide because of his inability to accept forgiveness, love, mercy. Grace. I saw reflected in …
For Those Who Grieve on Mother’s Day
My emotions were off-kilter this week, pushing me to question, Why am I feeling depressed? What’s this about? And then I remember. Stupid me. It’s the week before Mother’s Day. I yearn to hear three different treasured voices this Sunday: my mom’s. Robb’s. And Jay’s. Only one will respond to my need. An so I grieve, stumbling through this long …
A Balanced Life? Really? Live Your Priorities
(This week, Craig shares with us what he’s learned about juggling work/ministry and family.) What are the most important characteristics you desired in a spouse? The research is consistent across all age groups: “A good spouse puts family above everything else.” When I hear that, I wonder if Carolyn and my family believe that I put them above everything else …
And Another Leader Bites the Dust
A few months after our son Robb died, the editor I was working with enquired how I was doing. She asked with sensitive compassion, and since we’d developed enough trust—battling through edits can do that!—I decided to be honest with her. So I began my response by saying, “Since it’s you, and I can be real, I can admit that …