A Writers Block

Few things evoke a more negative groan from my children than the request to help around the house or do a chore. You can just hear them, right? The harrumphs and sighs of great exasperation coming from such beautiful little faces. The rolling of the eyes, the shoulders slumping, and the, "Do I have to," that dribbles from the mouths of those who usually delight me with their cheery dispositions. It's not like I've just asked them to restore the Sistine Chapel or scrub the marble halls of the courthouse. "I just asked you to take out the trash." Oh, no, Fluffy!!! So many times God has asked things of men and women throughout history and elicited the same childlike reaction. Grown humans dragging their feet in the service of the One Who gives them life. Why is it so hard to act as we know we should. Our kids are fully aware of their reactions but still forget the consequences that follow them. I am fully aware that my negative responses to God's reques...

Our family loves to go bowling. We don’t often go but when we do there is some serious Ketchum competitiveness displayed. Truth be told, however, only a few of us are truly gifted in the sport. Whether because of the amount of practice some have accrued or the age and physical capability possessed, the spectrum of ability is far more diverse than that of the rivalry. So, many a bowling night has been rescued by that most wonderful of inventions – the bumper guard. At one of our more recent visits to the local lanes, one of our kids became frustrated with always having their ball glide along the rail and end up hitting only one or two side pins. Their competitive nature was too great and, being the smart, creative child they are, they decided that they would use the guards strategically. They wouldn’t try to avoid them, as is the proper intent. That had only landed them minimal points anyway. Instead, they would aim the ball at a point in the rail as to reach the pins in the sweet...