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
Childhood
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
Question of the Week #102
How close and warm is your family? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most other people's? I'm not sure that I would necessarily call my family close or warm. When I was at my grandmother's for Christmas, I came to the realization that I hadn't seen my aunt or uncle since Christmas last … Continue reading Question of the Week #102
A Letter to My Third Grade Self
Dear 8-Year-Old Aaron, Greetings from 28 years in the future! Before you ask, no, there are no flying cars and you do not have your own jetpack. Disappointing, I know. You do have a car, though. And it gets great gas mileage, something you'll appreciate when you're older. You're getting ready to start 3rd grade. … Continue reading A Letter to My Third Grade Self
Remembering Anne
Up until my senior year of high school, my family attended Villa Heights Baptist Church in Roanoke, Virginia. Up until my junior year of high school, Villa Heights had a fantastic music minister in Anne Eakin. Anne was our worship leader every Sunday morning and evening. Anne was our choir director. And she didn't just … Continue reading Remembering Anne
Hey, Remember the Lite-Brite?
I used to have a Lite-Brite. I loved that thing. It's one of those toys that inspired a creative spark in my childhood. Though, if I were to be completely honest, I was never all that creative with it. They sold all those pages with designs printed on them. They were those thick pieces of … Continue reading Hey, Remember the Lite-Brite?
The Confusing Middle 