Andy is turning 13 this weekend, and I’ve found myself thinking a lot about my teen years. They weren’t pretty….mostly because of my bad attitude. I’ve apologized numerous times to my parents and brother for those years, and will continue to do so. I was the literal worst. Though I caused a good amount of…Read more Parenting Unpopularly – 10 Unpopular Things My Parents Did When I Was A Teen
When A Resolution Failure Is Actually The Best Thing Ever
January 1, 2020. I made a resolution for the year that really seemed great. I was going to start really living my life by one of the greatest and most difficult challenges ever issued to man. I was going to be obedient to God by living in the very way Jesus did, described by Paul…Read more When A Resolution Failure Is Actually The Best Thing Ever
With Both Ears
This thing happens to me sometimes where I wake up deaf in my right ear. It’s annoying. It’s a strange occurrence where, though I use those freaky earwax candles that you light on fire to keep excess wax at bay, I end up with tiny amounts of wax stuck right to my eardrum. I…Read more With Both Ears
A Tale Of Two Trucks
I watched my dad get arrested one time. It was sometime in the early ‘90s. He’d pulled up in front of our house with a police cruiser following closely behind. The sound of the siren drew my mom, brother, and me to the windows. We watched him get knocked down as the officer skillfully subdued…Read more A Tale Of Two Trucks
The Whole Truth, Charlie Brown
I should be joyful. But I’m not. At least, I wasn’t this morning. Every year, we do this great project with our church where we put together food boxes for families in need in our community. I always head it up; and I always experience some form of emotional difficulty. One year, I gave myself…Read more The Whole Truth, Charlie Brown
“And What Have You Done?”
It’s December 12. I know you’re ready to hate on some Christmas music. *Cracks knuckles “And so this is Christmas. And what have you done?” Ok, now let’s be honest. Does anyone actually like this song? If you speak English and say, “Yes”, I don’t believe you. “Another year over. A new one, just begun…..”…Read more “And What Have You Done?”
First, Stop The Bleeding
"DANG IT" Cut my finger while making dinner. There are things simmering and burning. People are coming over. Run it under water real quick. It’s probably not that bad. … K. Good, right? Let’s move on. Nope. Still bleeding. Ok - worse than I thought. Sure hurts now. Wash it up, grab a paper towel. …Read more First, Stop The Bleeding
Jessica’s Christmas
It’s a bit awkward, and she’s willing to admit that openly. But it’s worth it. Every single year, Jessica’s parents seek out people who are going to be alone on Christmas and invite them to their home. Now, when I say that, I know you’re thinking that they invite one or two people to share…Read more Jessica’s Christmas
This Is Gonna Hurt
Boy, was he excited to get contacts. Until, of course, he realized that meant I’d have to touch his eye. Ajay is very far-sighted, and wears very thick, very heavy glasses. You can imagine how they get in an active 6-year-old boy’s way all day long. Plus, his optometrist highly recommended that we get him…Read more This Is Gonna Hurt
The Hike: No Coincidences In Colorado
Day 1 into the beautiful 10th Mountain Hut System.... You can't tell from the photos, but I was being oddly emotional. I felt far from my family, far from the familiar, and far from stability. I realize this sounds quite over-dramatic to you regular adventurers, but this was my state. We loaded our packs into…Read more The Hike: No Coincidences In Colorado
Extra(ordinary) Things 