The first time I flew in an airplane, I was a junior in high school. (I’m not that old—just not a travel-focused family.) Dad took the family along on a rare trip to a conference in Atlanta. I don’t remember much about the days we were there (other than seeing the word “peach” on every other street … [Read more...] about Finding a Way When There is No Way
Blog Posts
When God’s Timing Seems Off
Like many smaller markets during the pandemic, the idyllic farming town where Mom and Dad lived ran short of toilet paper. I remember Mom complaining about it, but making do with facial tissues instead. Dad was never one to do the shopping, so this mini-crisis fell on Mom. And as his cancer … [Read more...] about When God’s Timing Seems Off
The Confusing Yes and No of God
She was the first person we met when we moved to town. Our carefully-selected nonfamily babysitter, the only person we trusted with our precious firstborn. She gifted us homemade apple butter and her signature lemon bars. She attended family birthday parties, graduations, concerts, plays, … [Read more...] about The Confusing Yes and No of God
Has God Turned His Back on You?
Every year when temperatures pass the mid-8os, I remember. My childhood summers always involved long days spent with my younger brother, and boredom-born adventures we dreamed up for ourselves. Sometimes it was a simple game of The Price is Right using canned vegetables from the pantry. Some days … [Read more...] about Has God Turned His Back on You?
Are You Holding On or Being Held?
It was easily the worst part of school. Every year. Starting in the 1950s (long before I got there), a new measure of greatness entered physical education in American public schools. The Presidential Physical Fitness Award Program—awarding signed certificates and embroidered badges to kids who … [Read more...] about Are You Holding On or Being Held?
When What’s Ahead Seems Too Hard
Eons ago, my preschool boy crept to the end of our friend’s modest diving board, muttering under his breath, then retreating. This went on for several attempts. Muttering, retreating, muttering, retreating. As his dad swam toward him in the pool, recognizable words began to take shape out of that … [Read more...] about When What’s Ahead Seems Too Hard