The mother swipes a bedraggled strand of hair behind her ear as she bends closer to her son. He's having a meltdown again. She clears her throat. Tries to ignore the other parents' glares cutting sideways at her. As she begins to speak softly to her child, a neighbor scoffs and…
Many of us marched across the threshold of 2019 on a mission to establish a healthier lifestyle. We eschewed December's sugarplum visions and sought new dreams, where lean eating and exercise promised us energy for a year of abundance. The first few weeks of pursuing grand resolutions might bring withdrawal…
Sacrifice. Surrender. The spiritual disciplines urge us to give up things we might prefer to retain. The term "discipline" itself carries a grim reputation. Those who observe the season of Lent often wrap these pre-Easter weeks in terms of self-deprivation. We must resist all things delicious, luxurious, or fun so we…
Cakes, red meat, and fresh neckties fly off the shelves this week. I'm grateful for the ease with which I could choose a card for my wonderful dad. But many struggle with this weekend's holiday. I heard a comedian wish aloud for a card without overstated accolades, reading something like, "Well,…