RECENT POSTS

What to Read on Holy Saturday
In the Christian tradition, today is called “Holy Saturday.” It’s a day of waiting. A day in between the horror of the crucifixion and the

AJB Recommends: Spiritual Podcasts During COVID-19 Crisis
I’ve been listening to two different types of podcasts lately in this time of the COVID-19 crisis. One, podcasts that report and analyze news, politics,

How Our Kids are Coping During Coronavirus Crisis
COVID-19 has brought a variety of emotions into our home, and I’ve wanted to know how our kids were coping with the coronavirus dynamics. “I

In Holy Week, Preparing for Loss
Jerome Adams, the surgeon general of the United States, has warned that the upcoming week will be the “hardest yet” in terms of American lives

COVID-19, Holy Week, and Preparing for Suffering with Love {Ep 104}
At dinner a few nights ago, we asked our kids if they have any questions for God during this time of COVID-19 and suffering. They

Penny’s Prayer for Church During COVID-19 Crisis
Penny was asked to write a prayer for our church. Our pastor sends out a prayer written by a member of our congregation every morning.

A Day of Unlimited Screen Time
Our household treated the first week of school closure due to COVID-19 as spring break, per our schools’ instruction. The kids asked for a day

Coronavirus, Suffering, and Two Questions About God
Suffering and death and events like our current experience with the coronavirus generally lead humans to ask at least two questions about God. Does God

Stories of the Saints Book Recommendation
Hooray for the UPS delivery man who brought me Stories of the Saints today. So excited for this gift! I can’t wait to dive into this

The Foundation is Shaking: Coronavirus and Living in Love {Ep. 103}
What do we do when the foundation is shaking with the upheaval of the coronavirus? Where do we turn when everything feels wobbly and everything

Meal Planning with Kids
Meal planning with kids is an adventure! At the beginning of the week, I gave each child the chance to choose what we would eat

John Lewis on Nonviolent Resistance, Love, and Hope
If you’ve found yourself with additional time to read in this era of social distancing, I want to recommend Walking with the Wind: A Memoir

A Three-Minute Invitation to Peace
For all of you who are stressed, and fearful, and worried, for yourself, for your family, for those you love, for our whole world, here’s

Reading Hope in Trying Times Interview
“Reading Hope in Trying Times.” Now there’s an awesome title for you! Brian Allain, founder of Writing for Your Life, Publishing in Color, and Compassionate

Social Connection in a Time of Social Distance {Ep 102}
Living in a time of social distance means Penny sets up at home for virtual ballet class. In many ways, for families like mine—relatively young,

When God Looks at Us with Love
I was challenged recently to imagine God looking at me with love. When I sat down and closed my eyes and envisioned God looking at

World Down Syndrome Day Movie Night
Today is World Down Syndrome Day, a day in which we celebrate the life of our daughter Penny and of all the women and men

Penny’s Gift of Encouragement is a Gift to Me
Penny’s gift of encouragement is a joy to receive! I received some disappointing news this week (unrelated to the coronavirus) and took out my phone

Coronavirus Crisis and What the Bible Has to Say {New Podcast Season}
The coronavirus and the Bible are separated by centuries. Yet, amidst stock market plunges and coronavirus, the Bible’s ancient wisdom shows us love is stronger

Fear, Fearing the Lord, and Walking in Love
Any biology textbook can tell us that fear brings a lot of energy. In the face of threats (or perceived threats), adrenaline courses through our

How Can We Love Our Neighbors in a Time of Coronavirus?
What does it mean to love our neighbors in a time of coronavirus? Like many Americans, I’ve paid increasing attention these past few days to