Every week, I explore a thought-provoking question from Gregory Stock's The Book of Questions. These questions invite us to reflect deeply on our lives, our values, and the experiences that have shaped us. This week's question asks us to consider our upbringing: "If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would … Continue reading Question of the Week #434
Childhood
Question of the Week #397
From Gregory Stock’s The Book of Questions: Do you think kids should be sheltered from unhappiness? What experiences from your own childhood have proved most valuable? What were the most difficult to overcome? Were they happy or unhappy experiences? Note: I answer this question not as a parent, but as an outsider who has worked with … Continue reading Question of the Week #397
Question of the Week #396
From Gregory Stock’s The Book of Questions: How close and loving is your family? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most people's? Now, I don't want to sound like a bitter old curmudgeon, but let's face it – as we age, our extended families tend to drift apart. It's just a fact of life. Once … Continue reading Question of the Week #396
What If Dennis the Menace Grew Up Today?
Hey there, fellow bloggers and comrades in mischief! Today, we're going to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and explore a burning question: What if Dennis the Menace grew up in today's world? For those unfamiliar with this iconic character, Dennis was the rambunctious, freckle-faced scamp who wreaked havoc on his beleaguered neighbors, Mr. … Continue reading What If Dennis the Menace Grew Up Today?
Bloganuary the Fourth
Welcome back to Bloganuary, the daily encouragement from WordPress for bloggers to post something each day. If you want to participate in Bloganuary, just click here! Today's prompt asks the question: What was your favorite toy as a child? Do you have any idea how long it's been since I was a child?! I had … Continue reading Bloganuary the Fourth
Fortress
My back was against the wall as I clutched my sword tight to my chest. My eyes were closed as I carefully considered my next move. I could hear the wretched beast snarling outside the entrance to the fortress. The heavy breathing indicated that it was desperately trying to smell me inside. I dared to … Continue reading Fortress
Happy Thoughts
I watched the movie Hook the other day and something struck me. The grown up Peter Pan had a really hard time flying. Now, if you know the Peter Pan story, you know that all it takes to fly is a little pixie dust and one happy thought. In the classic Disney version of the story, the … Continue reading Happy Thoughts
Burned
When we’re young we’re forced to learn certain lessons the hard way. It’s not because our parents didn’t try to teach us the easy way, it’s just that we wanted to test the boundaries. Sometimes it’s important for us to allow children to test boundaries. If they aren’t allowed to make certain mistakes, there’s no … Continue reading Burned
There Is No Parenting Handbook
I recently had a conversation with my friend Megan about parenting. Honestly, I'm never sure how much input I have a right to give in regards to parenting, seeing as how I have zero children myself. But the background I've had in school counseling and children's ministry gives me something of a unique perspective on … Continue reading There Is No Parenting Handbook
Question of the Week #127
If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be? I don't know... I think I turned out all right. Not perfect by any means. But all right... Though, I suppose if I could change anything about how my parents raised me, I guess I would have liked to have … Continue reading Question of the Week #127
The Confusing Middle 