When our oldest son Raun was less than one year, Jeff and I decided to load up the truck and move to North Carolina. I was familiar with NC because I had spent my teen summers working at a youth camp my aunt and uncle were responsible for. My uncle was the founder and director…

At 10:00 tomorrow morning, Jeff and I will relive the phone call we received two years ago from Austyn telling us her water broke; almost 16 weeks early.  We will then recall Brian telling us that she had been airlifted to a hospital in Denver. By 5:00 Jeff and I were on a plane. At…

It was just about a year ago, that our son opened up and let us know he was being physically abused by his wife. He felt he had to stay in order to protect the children. I recall one text message, “How do I get my kids out of there?” On January 9, God answered…

These are few terms that will enhance your Oktoberfest experience: aufstöin (v.): to donate a beer. Batzerl (n.):  small amount of something. biddscheen (n.):  please, can also mean “here you are” when someone is giving or serving something. Brezn (n.):  Bavarian pretzel. Aesthetically twined string of dough, baked to a pastry. At the Oktoberfest, the…

Saturday was the official opening of Oktoberfest. This is a festival that Jeff and I look forward to celebrating each year. This year, Oktoberfest began 9/17/11 and ends 10/03/11. Taking into consideration family travel arrangements, we will be extending Oktoberfest one additional week; officially ending this yearly tradition on Saturday 10/08/11. Saturday the 8th, also…

I had the privilege to observe someone who had been living in fear, suddenly begin to live without fear. It was amazing! There was a noticeable change. It was obvious, it was measurable, it was contagious! Living in fear of what is ahead, or what others may think or what might happen, affects the way…