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Back, back, back in the day, families generally lived near their extended relatives. In some countries where land and heritage are priorities, this is still the case. But because we in the U.S. [...]

Deep in our core lies a basic desire to belong--a need we often try to meet through our earthly families. But when that desire is met with dysfunction or brokenness, how can Jesus meet us in our [...]

If people winked in real life as much as they do in text messages, the world would be a creepy place. I'm pretty sure we generally do this to keep things light in a rather heavy world. Other [...]

  About half of my vocabulary as an adult is derived from movie lines. In fact, about half of my friendships were forged while watching movies over and over together. (Anyone else willing to [...]

  My wife and I waited seven years to be in a better spot personally and financially before having kids. Since that plan worked out, we prepared for a new plan: it was time to become the [...]

Please don't judge me. For two days, my wife and I walked around with one of our kids on a stretchy leash. You've probably seen these human fishing lures. I imagine one day it'll become how an [...]

During Christmas, I find myself wanting to figuratively "spell check" my kids' sense of what the season is all about. "You know," I begin, "Christmas is all about Jesus and not presents." "Of [...]

Christmas is coming. Maybe that excites you...or maybe not. For every person who shouts, "EGG NOG! DECORATIVE SWEATERS! TINSEL! CHRISTMAS CAROLS!" there's someone who mumbles, "egg nog... [...]

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 [...]

Sometimes we experience what we consider to be a great moment in parenting. Have you had one recently? You might have felt it after designing the ultimate family getaway on a shoestring budget. [...]

My oldest is entering his first year of real preschool. His last year before kindergarten. Let's be honest, moms of littles: we get through the sleepless nights, toddler tantrums, potty training, [...]

Trapper Keeper? Check. New school clothes? Check. Alarm set? Check. Class is in session. It doesn't matter if your kids are 6 or 16, going back to school is a big deal for them. It's a big deal [...]