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 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...
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...
Dear Dad, Fathers Day comes each year and with it memories of you. Today I reflect and give thanks once again for your life and for all that you have modeled for me and taught me over the years. This letter could never be exhaustive, but...
It was just an ordinary visit to the thrift store. My son seemed happy enough playing with a toy digger truck at the store while we picked out clothes. Upon checking out, he asked if I would buy him the truck and I said, "No,...
The Chronicles of Narnia have been a gift to our family as I am sure they have been to many of you. I've been thinking today about the transformation of Eustace in Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Lewis writes about this boy, "There was a boy...
For children who are raised in a Christian home, what factors are involved in whether or not they continue to walk in the faith as they enter into adulthood? Fuller Youth Institute of Fuller Theological Seminary has conducted research over the last six years on what...
We just did something pretty ambitious - we took our four kids ages 10, 8, 6, and 3 on a European tour of four countries in about 12 days. It was a whirlwind adventure across the ocean for one main purpose: We long for our...
One of my favorite books for kids is You are Special, by Max Lucado. In the book, a little wooden boy named Punchinello lives with other little wooden people who spend all day long scurrying around sticking either black dots or gold stars to each...
You know a book has made an impact on your child when they pick it up and throw it across the room! Never before has a book I have read to my children pulled out of them such feelings of anger, frustration, and justice as...