Finding A Word for the Year

While December is typically a festive and sometimes hectic time of year, it is also a reflective season. Perhaps it is a residual effect of the Thanksgiving turkey’s tryptophan, or it is the anticipation of starting the New Year with a clean slate. Whatever the cause,...

Transitions and Traditions

This past weekend I took a day trip to Branson, Missouri, home of the Ozark mountain amusement park, Silver Dollar City. For those unfamiliar with the area, Silver Dollar City is built around the theme of an 1880s farm town. With a few thrill rides for the kids and...

How to Find Beauty in the Blunder

Since the age of eight, I have owned a camera. I enjoy documenting special events, creating colorful scrapbooks and periodically reviewing my personal narrative. It wasn’t until six years ago, however, that I began to use photography as a method of artistic...

How to Replace Fear

I’ve always struggled with the concept of denying self. It sounds so austere, like I’m supposed to give up all aspects of fun and forego any dreams of happiness. But isn’t that in complete opposition to the concept that Christ came that we may have abundant life?...

Why the Pre-Step is Most Important

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This popular Chinese proverb by Lao Tzu is often quoted to those who feel overwhelmed – whether it be undertaking a new life habit, embarking on a large project or navigating difficult emotions such as grief...