We’re winding through the mountains, enjoying miles of thick evergreen forests topped by stunning snow-capped peaks. In the context of such beauty and the joy of time off with my beloved, the sadness doesn’t make sense. But it’s there. Every time we get away without the kids and grandkids and I step out of the car to breathe deep of pine-scented air, a pang hits me. A nameless, keening ache that refuses to leave. I close my eyes. Warm summer breeze caressing my skin, I’m transported to another time and place. I’m a kid visiting Yosemite National Park with my parents and Continue Reading

It was a tough decision. Out of our church of less than a hundred, who would get invited to the memorial? After losing a baby to miscarriage, we wanted the comforting presence of our friends, but eighty-five was too many. How to draw the line? I ended up inviting about thirty people, unsure of exactly why I chose the ones I did. Later, it hit me. Every one of the friends we invited were people with whom we had shared a meal. Eating together, called "breaking bread" in the Bible, is a spiritual act. This habit was something the early Church was devoted to, along with the Continue Reading

"I'm an atheist." The young man looked me straight in the eye and crossed his arms over his chest. "Okay," I said. "Tell me more about your life." I learned that "John" had grown up in a religious home. His father took him to church every Sunday -- and then beat him during the week. I asked John, "When was it that you decided to become an atheist?" "The day my dad threw me out of the house." John's dad claims to be a Christian -- but does he demonstrate authentic faith? If you are a follower of Christ and you have children, you already know there's a daunting task before Continue Reading