Rain

It is raining in Los Angeles tonight. Our windows our open as we absorb the sound of falling water as if into our very souls. We are lovers of rain, and nights like this are certainly the exception here. I feel grateful and peaceful; grateful for the way the rain dampens certain activities outside that… Continue reading Rain

Yea though I walk (or chase after small children)…

There’s this thing that happens in our neighborhood sometimes. It is as if a tangible change takes place in the air (and I’m not talking about the pollution), and suddenly the environment feels tense and toxic. I call it feeling “prickly”. It is as if my skin is sensing or reacting to something, and the… Continue reading Yea though I walk (or chase after small children)…

My cup overflows

This past week Doug and I were served up a pretty giant helping of grace. Our car was in desperate need of some significant repairs, and the scope of work exceeded our resources. I received an email from someone I had never spoken to before, someone halfway across the country, offering to carry this burden… Continue reading My cup overflows

Life with Aaron

When Mercy first became mobile (and able to get into things she shouldn’t), Doug and I developed a strategy. If she would go to touch something, like the T.V. or Doug’s laptop or the fan, we would tell her: “Mercy, just say hi” and we would wave at the object. She would then imitate us… Continue reading Life with Aaron

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Categorized as Family, Misc.

Zoology

When we were in Portland last month, we had a big family outing to the Portland Zoo. I had never gone to the zoo when I lived in Portland, and I think I was as excited as the kids were to see some animals! I was especially excited for Aaron to see tigers. He LOVES… Continue reading Zoology

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Categorized as Family, Misc.

Home sweet home

This morning I attended our monthly staff meeting for Servant Partners. Toward the end of our meeting, we discussed a hope for the development of a “retreat house” ministry that would serve our different sites across the globe. I was unfamiliar with the concept, and so we spent a few minutes fleshing it out. The… Continue reading Home sweet home

Day off

Doug had the day off yesterday so we decided to drive out to Joshua Tree with the kids. We took Mercy there when she was about six months old, and she LOVED it. Since we don’t want poor Aaron to have total second child syndrome (though it’s probably too late), we though it would be… Continue reading Day off

In the shadow

Because Mercy has been sick and has been coughing so badly lately, Doug and I have been taking turns cuddling her in her bed at night while she falls asleep. Last night as I was lying with her, I heard a series of horrible yells and screams outside. It turned out to not be a… Continue reading In the shadow