For parents, Christmas family traditions are like candy canes and lollipops: they deliver a rush. There's nothing quite so satisfying as our kids eagerly begging for time together as a family. [...]
Thanksgiving dinner with my family can be so…awkward. I'm always saying the wrong things. Like, say, this conversation: We're so glad you could come this year, Aunt Meredith. How's work going? [...]
This morning I was mentally processing my to-do list during my drive to work like always. It included the usual run-down of the day’s meetings and project deadlines, but also much more than what [...]
Three weeks ago I had to break the news to my kids that their great-grandpa had passed away. Though my grandpa had been sick for a while, and we’d had the chance to visit him several times before [...]
Growing up in Chicago with a large extended Italian family meant four things during the holidays: We never went to the Olive Garden - those commercials lie. We'd gather together and eat lots of [...]
In his ministry, Jesus talked a lot about helping others and teaching that he came to serve. Growing up in a missionary home with two parents who were passionate about reaching those in need, I [...]
You’ve been dreaming of this moment since you dropped them off in August—the sweet reunion of your baby returning home from college for Thanksgiving or Christmas break. But before your vision of [...]
Dear child from my womb: sometimes you act like a spoiled brat. Okay, so I didn't really leave this note in my son's lunch bag the other day, but I briefly wanted to. Foul-tempered claims about [...]
I could hear his fist banging on the desk in the office, followed by a long, loud sigh. Great, I thought. He's in a mood today. My husband lumbered up the stairs. Like a heat-seeking missile, he [...]
The challenge was simple: Take this cup and fill it with spare change. When it’s full, donate the money to a person or charity of your choice. Those were the instructions my two sons received, [...]