Personal Accounts
The ties that bind
When two of my grown children recently had their own first babies, it confirmed something I’d known for years: Parenthood brings out the best in people. New parents feel... »
Ten keys to successful parenting
The secret to raising happy, well-behaved, and well-adjusted children is actually quite simple—love. It’s knowing how to apply that love that isn’t always so straightforw... »
A parent’s best investment
Your children will never forget the special times they spend with you. Just like the rest of us, children thrive on personal attention, and if they don’t get it, they fee... »
Tools for life
Maria Montessori was born in Italy in 1870. As a young adult, she had an inquisitive mind and was on a path that would open the door for modern education. Within her stud... »
The light at the end of the tunnel
When heading out of Cape Town toward the Du Toitskloof mountains, you go through a tunnel that was cut out of a mountain. This tunnel makes any journey in that direction... »
Lessons from a child
Many years ago, I was very bitter about a recent miscarriage. I had ignored the warning signs and I was heartbroken over the loss of my first child. I tumbled into an aby... »
Growing together
The greatest discovery that any of us can make in life is that we can have a close personal relationship with our heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus. That relationshi... »
The evolution of a mother
(Written in early 2008) When my husband Sean and I had only one child, I thought I had a handle on parenting. I needed to adapt and bend and give up some of my independen... »
Doing what I can
Each month I try to reflect on what I have been able to accomplish in my mission work and personal life. This month has had some trying moments and a few disappointments... »
Vanessa’s angels
The sun was slipping below the horizon as I drove up the narrow two-lane road in central Mexico. I glanced at my wife, Amber, sleeping next to me. In the rearview mirror,... »
Kindness begets kindness
Consideration and courtesy never go out of style. We can’t underestimate the power behind a simple act of thoughtfulness. The other day, my wife and I went out for lunch... »