Author’s note to newcomers: Our family of origin—or the culture in our own homes—has a considerable impact on our work, our rest, the lens through which we interpret relationships, our kids, our conversation, our spirituality, even our sex life (betcha didn’t think you’d find them in there!).

Plus, I just think it’s plain interesting to understand where we came from—as someone who lives in a different culture that’s helped me better understand my own. It’s helped me be more gracious, more wise, more self-knowledgeable (which helps me be more aware in my relationship with God), and hopefully more holy.

Remember when using these to imagine tacking on the end of every question, Why? and How did this affect you and/or your family? read more

“Honey, I don’t know how to tell you this, but—I’m not your dad.”

Well. True.

And yet–that was my husband to me, a few months ago. For the record, it’s been 15 years this week (woot!) since we cooed “I do.” But it seems I was still giving him reason to remind me who I married. And who I didn’t. read more