Recently, I visited a kids’ gym with my daughter and grandson—a vibrant space designed to ignite movement, imagination, and joy. From toddlers to tweens, children darted through tunnels, balanced on beams, dove into foam pits, bounced on trampolines, scaled rock walls, and swung from giant ribbons suspended from the ceiling. It was a wonderland of …
Last Christmas, our quiet neighborhood was jolted by a heartbreaking event. Years earlier, a mother of two had passed away, leaving behind a grieving husband and sons. As the boys grew and moved away for college, the father remained and the sons visited their childhood home from time to time. Most neighbors assumed the family …
A recent visit to a local thrift store provided an unexpected lesson. While shopping for a specific project in the rear of the store, I struck up a conversation with a fast-moving, wiry 65-year-old worker named Michael. With his long frizzy hair and frenetic work pace, he struck me as a fusion of Bob Ross …
Before his retirement, my dad served in the military for over two decades. I was born while he was a chaplain at the Naval Academy. A year later, on Treasure Island in California, Navy sailors held me in their laps and played with me during his sermons at the chapel. As I grew up, I …
Have you ever tackled a jigsaw puzzle? At first, a pile of scattered, oddly shaped pieces can feel overwhelming. Yet with patience and focus, a picture takes shape. Here are a few life parallels for a believer. 1. Every Piece Has a Place Just as each puzzle piece fits perfectly somewhere, each believer has a …
After a spontaneous dinner out with one of our kids yesterday evening, I returned home to a text message from our neighbor. She was still rattled, texting that “two giant explosions!” in the past hour had been so loud, she thought their house was exploding. Curious, I asked for details. Turns out, a few restless …
Recently I heard my wife voice sudden surprise as she made her breakfast protein shake. Apparently the blender jar’s seal wasn’t tight at the base and the shake’s ingredients were leaking all over. I remember a similar experience after an oil change, when the mechanic failed to adequately tighten the oil filter or oil pan …
Walking the greenbelt behind my house yesterday I encountered a neighbor picking weeds to fill a vase. This unmown area offered plenty to choose from, and there was no weed-picking competition out there. We’re talking weeds you’d pull up or spray to remove from your yard. She later admitted disappointment with the results once she …
The Bible is filled with stories of ordinary people who struggled with fear, insecurity, and unworthiness—yet were called by a God who saw past their limitations. Far too often, when God asks us to do something, we focus on our inadequacies and try to excuse ourselves. Yet God speaks a different identity over us—one rooted …
Do you live in a place where seasons change? If so, you’ve probably looked forward to the vibrant growth of spring after the dull browns and grays of winter. But along with grass exiting dormancy, bulbs blooming, and perennials waking from their sleep, emerge little green sprouts you don’t recall planting. If you’ve ever gardened, you …
Do you recall the last time you felt inspired to do something? When we think of things people in the Bible were inspired to do, we often recall Moses parting the Red Sea, David fighting Goliath, Joshua leading an army around the walled city of Jericho, or Jesus feeding the multitudes. We may also recall …
Do you enjoy nature? I sure do! While I was stuck inside all day, working remotely the last few years for a technology company, I decided to put a bookshelf under my window and grow some plants. I’d read somewhere that if you can’t get out in nature, the next best solution is to have …
