This blog is about FAMILY and the many adventures, challenges, people and events that make up “FAMILY LIFE.”  There are so many of us out there who struggle or succeed without anyone to share it with.  We hope this is no longer the case or at least this is a beginning.  Our desire is not to tell you how to do family but to encourage ...

Twenty One – By Tammy Lopez

I’ve always felt that it is so important to be an encourager.  But, it wasn’t until I was a parent that it really came home to me just what a powerful opportunity we have to bring life, conf...

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7

Captain John Ambrose Ryan was a POW for nearly four years, in Japan, during WWII. He was a leader, a believer, and a survivor. He was my grandfather. Just this week my dad sent me a recently...

To: My Three Daughters

From the moment we first met until the moment when I released you to meet your appointments with life, being your mom has been the most rewarding, fearful and joyful adventure. It has shaped all of who I am today. I have determined that it is you who has been the teacher, and I, the student.

 I was thrilled ...

Parenting is messy business – by Maranda Curl

The stage where I am living is filled with dirty diapers, upended toy boxes, spilled drinks, and sticky hand prints on the walls.

 There are days where I give upwards of 3 baths and...

With-ness – By Monte Starkes

I am a big UNC Tarheel basketball fan, so last Saturday night was awesome.  The Heels slapped and spanked Duke around all game.  I loved it.  What I didn’t like was my oldest son going over to...

It’s Okay – By Jill Hooper

Sometimes you just have to laugh and tell yourself, it’s ok.  This morning, as we ate cold cereal (the same kind we had for dinner last night), we couldn’t find clean towels, and the boys dres...

The Transparent Heart, A Mother’s Legacy – By Dee Bennett

One of our values as an organization is integrity, or as we like to say it “keeping it real.” For us, this carries the idea of being the same person behind closed doors as you are around your ...

Communicating In The Chaos – by Sarah King

Over the Thanksgiving holidays, I was at my parents’ house, and someone decided to pull out an old home video.  It was a recording of a Christmas morning with my family over 10 years ago.  My...

Love – By Tammy Lopez

This is not really the topic or subject matter I would have chosen for the first post of my Blog…but, life is not orchestrated, it’s organic and forming as we go, not designed by us. I’m than...

The Squishy Face – By Stephen Ready

My son is now eight months old. He’s so young and still it seems that time is moving by with more and more speed the older he gets. I wish it wouldn’t.

One of the main reasons is he is s...