catapult magazine

vol. 7, num. 17 :: 2008.09.26 — 2008.10.10

We call it “family planning,” even though much of what happens in starting and cultivating a family could rightly be called a surprise, pleasant or otherwise. On the principles and experiences of such efforts.

Feature

For my daughter: Short notes on relinquishing (birth) control

by Angela Reitsma Bick

A poetic letter offering insight into the ideas that feather the nest of a young family.

Editorial

Into this ol’ world

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

Learning to face both hope and fear in childbearing years.

Articles

Abstaining in a culture of entitlement

by Christina Crook

One couple's journey to honor God with their sex lives.

A pill for the diagnosis of fertility?

by Andrea Van Wyk

Taking another look at the faithful stewardship of the cycles of our bodies.

One kid, two kids, three kids, four?

by Amanda Caldwell

Some considerations and resources for imagining a family.

Out of control

by Sara Sterley

On balancing human agency with God's desires.

Best laid plans

by Joy-Elizabeth Lawrence

A reflection on the reality of our limitations in family planning.

Kids in cars

by Mary Lagerwey

The story of a journey to a five-member family and a mini-van.

Giving birth

by Ellyn Wilkoff

Birthing experiences as teachers about our agency and our dependency.

Considering contraception

by Peggy Deames

A response to catapult’s “Family Planning” issue.

Reviews

Surrender after viewing

by Grant Elgersma

A review of the new Coen brothers film, Burn After Reading .

Gallery

Little sister

by Erin Tuttle Lockridge

In case you missed it the first time

Waiting for the rising

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

A few life lessons from the ghosts of my ancestors.

Twice adopted

by A. S.

On negotiating a scarred family past to discover true identity.

Fragments of a sort of Midwestern hagiography

by David Howard Malone

Sometime the saint is in our blood.

Weaving the web

Unconditional Love

This American Life

A powerful episode about the challenges parents face in loving and caring for children with special needs.

Rediscovering the happy family

CultureII

Matt Frost writes about how children fit into the good life.

Columns

To breed or not to breed

by Meredith Kathryn-Case Gipson Hoogendam

A woman's reflections on the relationship between cognitive choices and great mystery.

daily asterisk

Even in a country you know by heart
its hard to go the same way twice
the life of the going changes.
The chances change and make a new way.
Any tree or stone or bird
can be the bud of a new direction. The
natural correction is to make intent
of accident. To get back before dark
is the art of going.

Wendell Berry
“Traveling at Home” from Traveling at Home

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