It was the day that my younger children and I walked around our neighborhood, tugging leaves from a variety of trees to identify at home. We walked with growing piles of green filling our hands, a diverse bouquet of chlorophyl. I noticed the perfect heart...
I sat on the beach and watched the waves form, crest and then roll steadily towards the shore, leaving their mark on the sandcastles before retreating back into the ocean. The kids played alongside the water while doing their own repetitive work of building, tearing...
My Dear Chesed Joy, Today you are eleven! And what a way to begin the celebration of your birth than your baptism yesterday, which is the celebration of your new birth in Jesus. I am grateful for your public profession of faith which strengthens my own...
He came into our room in the middle of the night, shaking with fear. "Momma, the bad guys in my dream were going to get me." My tired voice ushered him in gently. "Come to me, son. You are safe. It was just a bad...
My life began on a fruit and nut orchard in Santa Cruz, California. Before we moved when I was not quite four, I had explored that orchard, eaten its fruits and discovered its treasures, which included a tree house my father and grandfather built for...
Before Abigail could speak, she told us through her actions that she loved animals and all living creatures. She communicated delight with squeals of joy upon encountering a frog in a pond, hushed silence while witnessing a butterfly gracefully alight upon a flower. When she...
Walking (or at many times it has felt like wading) through the challenges of this last year has granted me fresh perspective on the importance of training my children in the truth of God's Word. Scripture reminds us that "the world is passing away along...
My son stands up high in our treehouse, waving at me from his perch among the oaks. "Momma, come play with me!" I don't hesitate. "I'm coming! What are we playing?" His response is certain, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. You are Queen...
The sun burned warm upon my back as I heard my five year old son's voice calling out to me from across the pool. "Mom! Watch me! I'm going to do the high dive!" I waved at him to show him I was watching. Every...
Many of my conversations with close friends these days have centered around one primary topic: What is the coming school year going to look like and - of the different options our family could pursue - which approach is best for my child? I have listened and lamented with...