There is something undeniably magical about dining on the water. The gentle rocking of the boat, the glow of a setting sun reflecting off the lake, and the peaceful sounds of nature create the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a special date night, or simply wanting to create…
How Do You Preserve Family Stories?
Recently, I did something that might seem a little unusual. I ordered a small brass plaque for the inside of a cabinet. Not because the cabinet is particularly valuable. Not because it belongs in a museum. I did it because I’m worried that someday no one will know what it is. The cabinet belonged to…
The Trellis for a Well–lived Life: Revisiting Crafting a Rule of Life
Several years ago, while I was attending seminary, I took a class that focused on contemplative spirituality. It was a refreshing departure from the constant activity and achievement that often characterize both ministry and modern life. During that course, I was introduced to Stephen Macchia’s book, Crafting a Rule of Life, and as part of…
Chicks on the Road: Following the Road God Sets Before Us
Life is a journey. We often hear that phrase, but the older I get, the more I realize how true it really is. Rarely does life unfold according to the carefully crafted plans we make. Roads curve. Detours appear. Unexpected opportunities emerge. Sometimes we find ourselves traveling paths we never would have chosen, only to…
10 Beautiful Christian Retreat Centers in Pennsylvania for Churches and Small Groups
In a world that often feels hurried and noisy, there is something deeply restorative about stepping away from everyday routines and gathering together in a place set apart. For generations, Christians have sought sacred spaces where they can worship, pray, learn, laugh, and simply enjoy fellowship with one another. Long before conference centers and hotels…
Standing in the Waters: Reflections on Baptism
There are certain moments in life that become spiritual landmarks—moments we return to again and again because they remind us of God’s faithfulness. For me, baptism is one of those landmarks. I was first baptized in 1973 when I was nine years old at a Southern Baptist church. I remember making the decision to publicly…
Are We Still Chasing Utopia?
Sir Thomas More’s Utopia, especially in the introduction by John Anthony Scott (Washington Press), invites readers into a thought experiment that still feels uncomfortably relevant in 21st century America. When I first studied the Reformation during my undergraduate years—particularly the Renaissance period—I remember being struck by how deeply thinkers like More were wrestling with questions…
Reflections on John Chapter 1: Meeting Jesus, the Word Made Flesh
There are some chapters in Scripture that are so rich and profound that we could spend weeks studying them and still discover something new. John Chapter 1 is one of those chapters. The Gospel of John opens with some of the most powerful words in the Bible: “In the beginning was the Word, and the…
Welcome Home: Why Emilie Barnes Still Speaks to the Hearts of Women Today
In 1997, author and homemaking mentor Emilie Barnes published a book called Welcome Home. Nearly three decades later, its message feels more relevant than ever. In a world that often celebrates busyness, productivity, and constant achievement, Barnes offered a different vision. She invited women to see their homes not as another item on a never-ending…
The Little Yellow Toy Room
Back in 2019, I decided to create a special place in our home just for the grandchildren—a bright yellow toy room filled with imagination, creativity, and memories waiting to be made. Today, when our grandchildren come to visit, they don’t ask for tablets or video games. Instead, they race down the hall to “the toy room,” a cheerful space where…