In the last few months in the United States, we have been bombarded with shootings at our schools. It even hit very close to home when there was a shooting at the Marshall County High School close to our home here in Paducah, Kentucky. Several were wounded and two young people lost their lives. I have listened to countless interviews with those who were affected by the shootings. I have watched as anxious parents grabbed their children and cried tears of joy when they realized that their child was not among those who were wounded or killed. One particular statement made by the parent of one of the shooters has haunted me in…

I love summer. The sun, the sleeping later, the reading, the yard work, the ability to be productive and still have some free time left in the day. I was reflecting on something today and realized one of the reasons I like summer so much. I was thinking about how much fun I had earlier laughing with my children. As I considered that, it led me to ask this question: “Do you all like me better in the summer?” The analytical one said something about not liking more or less dependent on the season. One said, “What? I don’t know. I mean I like you the whole year.” But, one…

The theme is selected! T-shirts have been ordered! Craft materials are being purchased! Prizes are being collected! It’s that time of year again — time for Cousin’s Camp at our house. In case you’re wondering what Cousin’s Camp is – here’s your answer. Cousin’s Camp is a gathering of all of our grandchildren at our house for a weekend of fun, food (physical and spiritual), and a little bit of foolishness. I borrowed the idea from my dear friend and sister in Christ, Sheila Butt, and tweaked it a bit to fit our family. Why have it? I wanted to make sure that our grandchildren would get to spend quality time with their cousins. You see, since our…

I want to raise children who are tender-hearted. I don’t want them to become like Pharaoh of old, when the Bible says that he “hardened his heart” (Exodus 7:13, et.al.). I don’t want them to have a conscience that is seared and can scarcely be touched any longer (1 Timothy 4:2). But having a tender heart can seem to be a curse. A tender heart is one that is more likely to be broken. It is easier to take advantage of someone with a tender heart. People with tender hearts often take longer for those hearts to heal than those who are hardened by life. So, why would I want my child…