

Instilling Christian Values: Four Ideas
For the longest time, we had a gnarly, old apple tree at camp that I would walk by every day heading to the office. The tree was protected a bit by one building and a few larger trees close by. It got plenty of water and sun and was planted in good soil. However, it was almost completely hollowed out. Each summer, though, it would still bear its fruit. However, the bitter, hard apples were good only for deer fodder or for a game of apple ball with the boys. This past winter,


Let's Move the Goalposts
Do a quick thought experiment with me. Imagine your son is somewhere in late middle school through early high school. Take a few moments and imagine him and all the emotion you feel for him. Now, finish the following sentences in your head: “If he can just….” “I am doing everything we can to make sure he…” “All I want is for him to….” What did you come up with to finish those sentences? The reason I ask is because the answers to those questions are your ‘goalposts’ for him. T


Walking on Water vs. Learning to Swim
Photo by William Ferguson on Unsplash My brother and I enjoyed watching westerns with Dad growing up. The man knows all of them. How well, you ask? He gave the tour of Monument Valley… to the tour guide. And then promptly left. This was well before the ‘mike-drop’ became a thing. Cole Sr. – always ahead of his time. But, we also got to introduce Dad to a few of our favorites. One of the favorites was Tombstone. As far westerns go, it’s entertaining but it’ll never win any aw