Enjoy the Fireworks – But Not in Your Relationships
The mix of danger and beauty of holiday fireworks speaks to something deep in my soul – especially when I think of my adventures with my brother.
But it’s interesting how the meaning changes when applied to relationships. What starts as exciting can turn into the thing we least want to address – and we avoid it at our peril.
An Open Letter to Jesse Tyler Ridgway 
If I find out about a trending social media post, you know it got some traction. This one impacted a lot of the Down syndrome community in not-so-good ways. It happened over a week ago, but I have a few things I want to share with a social media influencer I’ve never met…
A Reminder of the Adventure
In 2016, our church produced a video with Jocelyn’s story of our early journey with Julia. Watching it ten years later, I was reminded again that, though I’ve learned a lot, there is so much more…
Chris in His Element…
I spent an evening watching my friend Chris perform with a longtime collaborator. Chris brings so much of himself to the performance and shares it quietly and humbly. And of course, I brought my camera along.
A Commitment to Reality…
On this difficult anniversary, there is a special grief that I remember feeling as my understanding of who we were evaporated. But there is the hope of a larger reality we can take part in that can overtake our fear…
My Creative New Year’s Resolution
I’ve passed by people and scenes like this many times – and regretted not capturing them. This time I listened; and took an invite to a new personal creative assignment.
Christmas Greetings
In the last hours of Advent, I sat in the cool darkness of the morning to reflect on how badly we need the miracle that would come…
Beyond Awareness
My daughter Julia – who you probably already know – has Down syndrome. Consider yourself aware! I humbly invite you into an adventure beyond awareness and into something far more life-giving. Wanna go?
Forward into Five Challenges
I recently invited everyone who serves in the Care & Marriage Initiatives at Kensington Church to celebrate twenty years of ministry together. After a great meal, I shared five challenges that we need to commit to as we move forward into the future. These are the notes for that talk.
Ella Knows a Better Way ~ an addendum 
I got a response to a recent blog post on empathy from a long time and respected friend. He has a good heart and a perspective likely quite different from mine. It was an exercise in self reflection and keeping a conversation going while trying stay respectful.
We have to keep talking to each other – even when it’s hard.