You've opened all the pretty packages, you've sung all the songs, and you may or may not have eaten a little more than you should. Now you're feeling a bit of post-Christmas slump. But wait ... it doesn't have to be that way. As the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge said in Charles Dickens's classic "A Christmas Carol," “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me.’’ How can we honor Christmas all year long? Not the presents and music and food; how can we Continue Reading
The One Best Thing You Could Receive This Christmas
Eighteen-month-old Aviella pushes her new doll stroller while three-year-old Reuel sets up his “Planes” smoke jumpers’ course. The adults chat over wine. It’s a nice little Christmas celebration –except we’re about to find out it’s much more than that. We’re gathered to celebrate an early Christmas with our son Sam and his new bride, since they are slated to spend Christmas with Jamé’s family. After a sumptuous meal, we make our way to the living room to exchange a few gifts. Sam searches for a music video; Danny plugs his phone into the stereo to play it. Cloverton’s Continue Reading
The Shocking, Life-Saving Power of Humility
The nervous 18-year-old girl sat close to her boyfriend, clinging to his hand as though it were a life preserver. “If my parents find out I’m pregnant,” she said. “They’ll kill me.” Having spent 10 years helping women as they wrestle with pregnancy decisions, I’ve heard this phrase countless times. Most women do not pursue abortion lightly. They consider it because they feel desperate. Here's the thing: no matter if it's a woman considering abortion, or someone else we are trying to reach out to, there's a certain surprising character quality which is required of us if we're going Continue Reading
4 Things I’m Happy my Grandchildren are Learning
We’re sitting at dinner with our oldest son and his family. Five-year-old Reuel wants to know which movies I’ve seen. “Have you seen Planes?” he asks. “Yes, I have,” I reply. “How about Planes 2?” “I’m not sure, but I think so.” “Have you seen Cars 2?” “No, I don’t think I’ve seen Cars 2.” “Yes, you have!” Reu says gleefully. “There are two cars right there on your driveway!” Stand-up comedy, Kindergarten style. I’m glad my grandson is developing his sense of humor, but I’m even more grateful for the way his parents develop his character (and that of his Continue Reading