I'm BORED!

Summertime is more relaxed and carefree, a great time to build family unity along with treasured family memories. But by the end of July, the novelty of summertime CAN wear thin. At this point, many parents start to hear the irritating, whinny phrase, “I’m bored.” Here’s an idea that nipped that comment in the bud at…

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The King's Friend

  During my quiet time today I was reading 1 Chronicles 27. The number of official positions held in King David’s royal court is staggering. Along with the lengthy lists of priests, advisors, military leaders, and overseers are four men who were apparently also quite important to the king. “Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a wise…

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All for the Glory of God Through Music

Have you ever had a friend tell you about an amazing turn of events, God’s clear calling for one’s life, then continues with, “Thank you for praying for me.” This happened recently with an interesting twist. The prayer request was made many years ago regarding a position in music ministry. My friend’s story jogged my…

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America's Forgotten Heritage

Happy Fourth of July! May this day be one of celebration, reflection, and gratitude for the ones who founded and sacrificed greatly for our nation. Freedom is a gift. A few months ago Scott and I took the boys on a whirlwind American heritage tour. We visited Gettysburg, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Williamsburg. The tour was…

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Kids in the Kitchen with Cranberry Chicken Salad

My sons arrived home from Boy Scout camp this afternoon, sunburned and happy. They had a great time! My youngest was telling me about the fried chicken he prepared on a camp stove as part of the Cooking merit badge. Yes, fried chicken…on a camp stove! (Maybe for teenagers frying anything in oil is best…

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Marriage Magazine…on Newsstands Now!

Here’s a special treat for you and your spouse. Marriage Magazine! The magazine was relaunched this month with a brand new look. Lori Wildenberg, my coauthor, and I are very excited as we are blessed to be a part of this new venture as regular columnists. Look for “Parenting Prose” in this issue. May God…

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The Father's Day Tree

My favorite symbol of Father’s Day is the maple tree in my family’s backyard. It reminds me of my dad because it was planted in his memory. Everyone told me to be prepared for “firsts”: the first Easter, birthday, Christmas after my dad passed away following a courageous battle with multiple myeloma, cancer of the…

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Unity in Your Family

Thank you! I’m grateful for all of you who subscribe to this blog. Today I’m embarking on a new adventure, vlogging (video blogging). I hope you enjoy the first vlog post! This week’s topic is Unity in the Family. Everyone desires a tranquil, peaceful home. Chaos and unrest are created by disunity. How are you…

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The Strawberry Patch

As many of you know, my happy spot is in my kitchen garden. With an early spring this year there are already strawberries, ripe to be picked. These particular strawberry plants amaze me. Growing in a raised bed, I really thought they would be one season wonders. Instead, this is the fifth year these tiny plants…

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Rhubarb Cake with Whipped Cream

As a child I remember picking stalks of rhubarb from my mom’s garden, snapping off the massive leaves, and heading to the house to rinse off the dirt. My mom would pour sugar into a small paper cup. I’d head outside to savor my treat. Okay, in kid terms it was a treat, raw rhubarb…

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