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Like looking in a magic mirror

If I am being honest, Ezekiel, I sometimes wonder if you ever look in the mirror before you leave the house? I’m not attempting to be cruel, simply being honest, which as your father it is my duty to do. Let me just recall for you some of the outfits I have seen you wear, along with some accessories.  First, I know you’ve left the house in shorts that contain shapes, shaded in primary colors that look as though they’re…

When I held you in my arms

I didn’t know who you would become or how much I could love my little girl that night, when I held you in my arms. The nurses pulled you out of the tub and handed you to me. They told me to take off my shirt, and hold you to my chest, and who was I to argue? The moments raced by as quick as the questions in my head.  What do I ACTUALLY know about girls?  How do you…

(Isn’t that) Just like Jesus

Trees and tinsel, people and parties, long nights and sparkling lights. Movies and making sure there is a present under the tree for everyone on the list. It seems as though that is what Christmas is all about, and yet, as we have all heard Linus say; that’s not what it’s about at all. More important than the gifts we give each other, more impactful than the famous line in any of our favorite holiday films, is the story of…

Just old enough (ten)

There are just some moments you know you’re going to want to remember forever. The scene is so beautiful, the air full of emotion, and the people in them mean so much to you. Last night, I experienced one of those moments that met all three of those criteria, and more.  He was simply standing there - fishing pole in his hands staring off into the lake where we are staying. It’s become a bit of a family tradition now…

Maunday Thursday – Dinner Theater

I’ve been to the dinner theater once in my life. It was a very strange experience to be honest. People acting in front of you, all while you try and eat food you can barely see (because you’re in the dark) and trying to pay attention to them, hear them, and chew all at the same time. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the allure. I like the theater, and I like eating. Combining the two seems like a win,…

everything is upside down

Matthew 23:37–39 (ESV) ~“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” Everythingis upside down. He has…

this time feels different

Mark 11:27–28(ESV) ~ And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” This time feels different. They’ve been here before. Jerusalem. The city has never been great to them, but the moments of fear and tension have always passed. Usually the…

All that’s “wrong” with the world (Happy Birthday Emily)

I say I don’t believe in soulmates. I know that makes me cynical and I know the most Hallmarkian amongst you have already moved on to something else. But for those of you who’ve stayed, let me state my case. I believe that true love is hard work. I believe it takes sacrifice and selflessness. I believe it is most exemplified in the littlest choices that we make each and every day to put someone else before ourself. I believe…

My Princess

I don’t like princesses. If I’m being honest, it’s because they’re too much work. All the dressing up and jewelry, it’s just a lot for me to see past - or to wait for. They also tend to be quite the drama queens. Maybe it’s because they’re going to be queens in real life someday, or maybe it’s just because they’ve been handed stuff for the majority of their lives - I’m not really sure. Either way, the combination of…

Steffen Family letter 2019

Jesus is actually eternal. This whole “older than He was last year thing” is nothing more than a ruse. Let’s just admit that Jesus has been around since, well, forever, and try something new.  WAZZZZUUUUUP!  Guys, it’s me, Gweneth Margaret Steffen, the pug. I thought I’d try and be cool and hip like all the young pups are doing these days. I have gotten a fair amount of gray hairs on my muzzle, and when people see it, they have…