As a native Floridian, moving to the Midwest was nothing short of culture shock. In south Florida, our seasons mainly consist of a hot one and a warm one. I was thrilled to leave behind the humidity and palm trees for my first experience with four seasons. For many years, I had pined for fall foliage, a true winter coat…
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Do you see family features when you look in the mirror—maybe a charismatic nose profile or an angle to the eyes that has been handed down from generations past? Our family of origin provides not only physical features but also guidance for a successful life, whether it’s cautionary (don’t turn out like that uncle) or aspirational (follow the example of…
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It’s the perfect summer day. The temperature is sublime with a gentle breeze blowing while I sit on my front porch, enjoying a few quiet moments alone. Just minutes into my soak in serenity, my daughter joins me, and we start chatting—first about the day thus far, then about the glorious weather and fresh air. I take a few deep…
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On the day of my first child’s dedication, we sang the opening verses of Isaiah 55, a song rich with harmony composed by our friends. They had dedicated their first child six months earlier, and so after years of friendship and making music together, the four of us launched out into the uncertain waters of parenthood. With the promises of…
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