by Chris Henderson So much of life consists of daily interactions and activities shaped by circumstances. We walk this path day in and day out, too often mindlessly and unappreciatively. We tend to place value on things that seem rare or unobtainable. Because that is our nature, we devalue what secures and supports us daily, taking for granted what is truly precious until it is lost. It is the outgrowth of original sin—we traded relationship with the Holy God and all the bles

Why do we need music? Some may say that it is not necessary. But I would beg to differ. I believe children with different abilities especially benefit from singing because it may enhance their cognitive capacities. Music also provides them with a space where they can learn to express themselves, even if their bodies can’t move in rhythm. I know when things get stressful in our home, music always has a deep calming effect. We play music when we are joyful. We play music when w

I am always asking myself this question. Sometimes I even answer! Life in our home has always required a constant reevaluation of commitments and goals. You may know of this routine. You promise your kids that you will attend all of their games, choir concerts, band competitions, orchestra concerts, horse shows, gymnastic meets, swim meets, church events, recital programs, and the parent meetings that go with each of these activities. But in reality, you may miss many. When I

"What am I supposed to do if there's no you?” The first time I heard the song, “Soon You’ll Get Better” by Taylor Swift, I immediately started crying. The day it was released to the public, my husband sent me a text saying, “You need to listen to this song right now.” He knew the profound effect it would have on me. My understanding is that the song was written about her mom, and I had lost my mom a few years earlier. My mom had not suffered from any ongoing medical conditio