The Catcher
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Circus was in town not long ago. Their arrival produced in me a flood of childhood memories. As a kid, my folks took me to see the circus. I loved to watch the trapeze artists. I was amazed that people could dangle from a thin bar, swish from arm […]
Reflections
I wrote the following poem several years ago. When I found it the other day, I pondered its message. Even years later, these words remind me of life’s quiet cycle of suffering and restoration: life gets interrupted with pain or loss, God seems so distant, and then He restores and refreshes and seems so near. […]
The Little Troll
I have found that most of the stuff necessary for raising kids has an astonishing ability to hide in the smallest cracks and crevices of the home. There is an assortment of sticky, spiky, smelly, and squishy things I’ve found under my sofa cushions and car seats, in dryer filters and clothing pockets. Once, I […]
Weeds
Imagine. Someone just offered you one of four ways to spend your day. Your choices are: Spa Day: Receive a massage, a facial, a manicure, and a pedicure; get lathered with lotion and cloaked with warm towels while listening to quiet music all day long. Sports Day: Spend the day with close friends watching sports; […]
Challenges of Siblings, Part 3
How the Church Ministry Can Help Siblings of Special-Needs Kids Would you like to minister to the siblings of a special-needs family but don’t know where to start? The Internet has plenty of great resources for help in researching and shaping an outreach ministry at your church that’s tailored to their needs. Here are a few: […]
Celebrating 20 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Today we’re celebrating 20 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act, also known as the ADA. You will find a great deal of information at www.disability.gov, including ways to connect to support systems, news, feeds, and groups. Enjoy! If you have any questions . . . or a story to share, I would love to […]
Challenges of Siblings, Part 2
How You Can Help Siblings of Special-Needs Kids Siblings of a special-needs child are greatly affected by the shift their family must make. Many times they feel left out, confused, isolated, and unable to find a place to freely express their struggles. Here are 10 very simple ways you can help kids who have a […]
Challenges of Siblings, Part 1 of 3
Most Commonly Reported Challenges of Siblings of Special-Needs Children Many siblings struggle when their brother or sister carries a disability. Challenges arise unexpectedly. Parents are often unsure how to provide help and guidance. The first step to helping the siblings of special-needs children involves knowing where to look for the most common challenges. Here are […]
Honoring Men of Character
As a more serious complement to our previous post, which shed light on the humorous side of being a man, I’ve created my own list, honoring men of character. Men who are called on to provide loving care to individuals who cannot function on their own face sobering realities and unique demands. As you carry […]
It’s a Guy’s Life!
In a sermon about the family called “Looking Back on Things That Matter,” which aired last February as part of the Family Matters series, Chuck read a list of great reasons for being a man. Here is a sample of that list. And speaking as a woman, I think you guys are fantastic. Enjoy. Great […]
Celebrating the Influences of a Mother
The influence our mothers have on us cannot be overestimated—it’s powerful, it’s permanent, and it’s prominent. Powerful. The sixth president of the United States, John Quincy Adams, said this about his famous mother, Abigail, “All that I am my mother made me.” Abraham Lincoln said something similar about his beloved mother: “All that I am […]
Things My Mother Taught Me
This month is dedicated to celebrating women. I realize not everyone who reads this is a woman, but you probably have at least one woman in your life—a mother, your spouse or girlfriend, or a daughter. But whether or not you’re a woman, this fun little piece made me chuckle, and I thought you would […]