We’re getting really, really close to Christmas Day. Have you noticed? Throngs of folks out picking up gifts for everyone they love—and maybe some they don’t—all hoping that the recipient will feel the love held for them by the giver through the gift chosen and given. It’s kinda fun, actually. (Except for the “throngs” part….
Tag: Jesus
Approval
What if… you never received approval from anyone? Would you still be OK? Could you still be… you, without some form of approval; healthy, or unhealthy? I’m really not sure what answer—if any—would be the “right” answer to those questions. I’m not even sure I have any answer. The fact that we members of the…
The Way Things Are
When I think of the ugliness of the way most of us selfishly fight to get what is “ours”, often based on an unnecessary fear of rejection and/or insecurity… my heart is saddened almost to the point of despair. Why, God? Is this the beautiful world you created? Quickly my mind is ushered to the…
[From The Archive] Distorted View of God?
I re-discovered this post recently via a few related links from something else I had been writing. I really can’t recall how I got there, but as it might have done for you, the title grabbed my attention. I wondered, Now what was I thinking here… Turns out it was one of my more favorite…
Children Obey Your Parents
We had an interesting conversation with our teenager the other night. Ian is thirteen. That means he’s officially a teenager. He’s been there—especially in his own mind—for quite a while now, even before the calendar said he was. That’s how he came into the world, actually. He’s usually ahead of the game. And that’s his…
First And Second Birthdays
Yesterday was my Mom’s birthday. January 26th is a circled day on the calendar that our family celebrates. Has been for as long as I have memories. All day long, we think of my Mom. We call, we video chat, we send cards… we celebrate the life she began on January 26th, 19xx. :) (I…
Some Things Never Change
Since the beginning of time, young kids have seen the colored tiles—whatever shape they might assume—as an endless playground for the imagination, and an exciting test of their balance and coordination skills. And the Campbell children are certainly no different! Walking the mall with any of our youngest kids is never really walking, it’s traversing….
Tradition, Tradition!
As far back as I can remember, my family has always celebrated New Year’s Day with a big meal featuring pork, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and corn bread. My dad enjoys throwing in some baked clams, but I’ve chosen to leave those out of our version of the family tradition… :) This year was no different….
What Matters Most: The Story of Jayden
Every day we have stuff to do. Things that are “on our plate”. At the time, they weigh on us, at the end of the day (or during the day) exhaust our energy, and they may or may not also leave us feeling fulfilled. You know what I’m talking about. It’s work, it’s the kids,…
Will You Let Me Love You?
Sometimes babies do dumb things. OK, a lot of the time. But usually (really almost always) they are really cute doing them, so, you tend to pretty easily forgive. (That and, they’re all fairly new on the job, so, you cut them some slack.) Well, today, Emma (who is 2, almost 3) decided she would…