The blessings and curses of growing beyond imaginary friends.
A group interview exploring the thoughts and ideas that fill the rooms of a big old house in Grand Rapids along with five adults and an infant.
A review of the 1947 young adult novel Judy's Journey by Lois Lenski, which chronicles the invisible history of migrant workers.
On discovering true family and truer hope in a new place.
On moving from pretending to loyalty in the virtual world.
How giving up online social networking for Lent shaped a new perspective.
A review of John Hamburg's new bromantic comedy, I Love You, Man.
On witnessing a legacy of friendship, sorrow and laughter.
Reflections on experiences and lessons in joy, looking back on a life in the midst of death.
What happens when church becomes a social club with unwritten rules?
A reflection on growing up in -- and growing -- a family that loves to laugh.
A tale of two situations, or how I learned to let go.
A reflection on adulthood, hard friendships and the nature of commitment.
Ten lessons to treasure heading into life after fifty.
Conflicting loyalties with regard to communities.
Remembering friends whose presence brought a sense of rootedness, even in their diversity.
A blogger reflects on the interaction between vulnerability and friendship.
A meditation on the life and death of a friend who called upon others to care.
A reflection on the burdens -- and the delights -- of mindful eating.
A review of the young adult novel Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie by David Lubar.
Reflecting on a return to school at 28 years old.
Confessions of a spouse struggling with his own faults and his partner's depression.
Reflecting on the quality of connections as a single twenty-something grieving a loss.
Words of advice for a friend who’s getting a new start in a different place.
On the struggle to discover deep connections after college.
A timely review of Marvin Gaye’s 1971 album What’s Going On.
On the benefits of setting limits on consumption.
Remembering the challenges and triumphs of the teen years.
A mother remembers the longings and cruelties of junior high girls.
An excerpt from the new middle grade novel Stranger Moon.