Family

Domestic Abuse in the Age of Modern Technology

One significant danger that comes with modern technology is that it can be used to harm others. The possibilities to do harm seem endless. Because of this, we need to be mindful of our safety and privacy no matter what technology we use, whether it is the internet, smart phones, or smart devices in our homes. This is especially true for victims of domestic abuse and dating abuse. […]

A Peek Inside a Young Man’s Heart

The following was written by our eighteen year old son. I asked him if I could share it, and he graciously said yes. It’s sweet and touching. I like that it contains ideas that seems to be fading from today’s culture. I love that his heart leans towards doing well and honoring and cherishing a lady. I praise God for the gentleman our son is becoming.

A Boy A Man and A Gentleman […]

To be Bitter or to be Grateful

Before I return to my series of posts on submitting in everything, I decided to take an opportunity to share something about life and our daughter’s wedding. The sky was blue, the air was warm, and there were smiles everywhere. The happy couple looked amazing. There were a few glitches during the day, something life has taught us to expect; but that was OK. So much of the day was absolutely beautiful; and more importantly, the Lord was magnified and glorified. It was a precious gift to see Rachel and her new husband begin their new life together in such a meaningful way. You may be wondering that if everything went so well, why is bitterness mentioned in the title of this post. How could it have anything to do with such a wonderful day? […]

A Temporary Change in Ministry

Back in January of this year, I wrote that 2015 was going to bring some special challenges. So far, things have gone as expected. The first three months have been especially difficult and busy for me and my family. On top of the normal challenges of work, school, and my health; we have also been preparing for a wedding and two graduations in May. Additionally, my husband’s father passed away in March. Needless to say, things have not been easy. But, our Lord is good. His lovingkindnesses never cease and his compassions never fail. (Lamentations 3:22) He has provided strength, comfort, and help for us. I’m thankful for all he provides.

The events of the past three months have affected the amount of time and energy I’ve been able to give Chapter 3 Ministries. […]

Facing the Challenges of 2015

2015 promises to be a year to remember. This year our oldest is getting married and graduating from college and our youngest is graduating from High School. In case you are wondering, we only have two. :) I have oftentimes affectionately referred to them as “my bookends”. I came up with this years ago because of the way they used to flank me on the couch when we were saying goodbye to their papa whenever he left to photograph a wedding. We have a couch right in front of a picture window that overlooks our driveway. As my husband was heading out, we would all kneel on the couch, with me in the middle, and watch as he got in his van and drove away. We would wave, tell him we loved him in sign language, and then pray for his safe return. I cherish those memories and hold tightly to them as this new year starts. […]

Our Last “Back to School”

This past week students everywhere went back to school. New milestones were reached as some started their first day of kindergarten while others started high school. Our family reached our own milestone this past week. We have begun our final year of homeschooling! We started eighteen years ago with our daughter and now we are finishing with our son. He has begun his senior year.

It is not easy to describe what homeschooling has meant to me all these years. I believe it is one of the best decisions my husband and I have ever made. It was right for our family and has brought many blessings. […]

Father’s Day Testimony

Tomorrow is Father’s Day! It is a joy for me to come to my first Father’s Day after starting this site. That means I have a really good reason for writing about my husband, not that I need one. There is much that I could say about him and probably would if the world could endure it. He is an exemplary husband and father. In him I see the love of Christ poured out daily. […]

From the Couch

When I started this website I did not intend to write about my health situation. Though it does deeply impact my life every day, it was not what I wished to focus on. Recently my husband Butch suggested that it would be ok to write about it every now and then. I’ve thought about it, and I’ve become more comfortable with the idea. Sharing some of my experiences about this trial will allow me to testify to God’s mercy and grace. Through all my suffering, he has been my rock and my shield. He has provided for me in many ways. I am happy to share the details about that to his glory. […]

The First Room on the Right

Does your church have one of those rooms that are designated for parents to bring their children to when their little ones get a bit rowdy during the service? The church we attended when our children were small had one. My husband and I took turns bringing our little ones there whenever it was necessary. Though we did have many successful Sundays due to consistently laying out our expectations and having practice sessions at home, there were those times when they simply wouldn’t settle down. […]

National Marriage Week 2014

We are three days into National Marriage Week. It started on February 7 and runs to Valentine’s Day. Marriage Week originated in the United Kingdom in 1996 and made its way to the United States in 2002. Today it is observed in countries all over the world. The aim of the week is to highlight the importance and benefits of marriage and to offer encouragement and assistance for married and engaged couples. […]

New Year Fresh Start

This New Year’s Eve was the twenty-eighth that my husband and I have spent together. Starting with the first year we met, we’ve never missed a year; even the year I had the flu and he took care of me. I remember details from other New Year’s Eves as well. Remember Y2K? So much hype. So little consequences. We did try to have some fun at our house that night. At midnight we shut the main power off. The house went black! Well, none of our party guests fell for it; but we did all have a good laugh. […]