Love Brightly

Friday school mornings mean we listen to a soundtrack while doing school work. Today's selection was Wicked.  During lunch we had a great conversation about presumptions and assumptions. The kids realized that trouble began with the prejudice of Elphaba's green skin. "No one took the time to get to know her...they were afraid of her because she was different...the good things she did weren't seen as good...people thought she was bad..."  When I asked them to apply that to real life, it didn't take them long to make connections.  So timely.  Skin color = obvious.  T hey concluded that you have to get to know someone before you assume what they're like.  They took it even farther and decided they wouldn't judge what other people have to say about Hillary or Donald, but that they would listen to their own words, and that they would have to be careful of who was relaying those words and context--because other people's assumpti...

These are some of the richest moments of parenthood. A big thank-you to my friend and colleague Samantha, who articulated her precious moments so well and gave me permission to share them with you all here. May it encourage you as it has me. One morning, I put down Jesus Calling for Kids with a sigh. My kids look bored and it’s not worth the eye rolls. “Why does it say pretty much the same thing over and over?” the eldest asks. They haven’t been into Bible stories lately, either. We’ve read them all. "Let’s read Charlotte's Web today, instead” I suggest. They eagerly agree. A few chapters in, I recognize the Gospel in Charlotte's web. One creature doomed from birth to die, another acting as savior, coming down from above--from a spiderweb, to be exact. I pause, closing the book and using my finger as a bookmark. "How does this story remind you of the Bible?" I ask the kids.  Silence.  "OK," I venture, "how is Charlotte's W...

I was inspired for our family to read aloud the Declaration of Independence this 4th of July. The inspiration came from a few different sources, including a conversation with my grandma about a trip to the Texas Capitol in the "old days." I mentioned this idea to Karl and my parents, and they were for it! The Declaration has such out-dated language (which I hope one day the kids can understand with ease), but until then, we'll read a thought-by-thought "translation." This practice evoked deep thoughts for me, and will spark good conversations so I thought I'd share with you as well.  Download for free at bottom and/or read here.  Original English in blue,   today's English in red italics. Painting in Independence Hall, Philadelphia (personal photo I took when we visited) _________________________ IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessa...

Our last day in Bologna was full of friends, dancing, and joy in the streets! Can't Stop the Feeling--Bologna Summer Mission from Keri Armentrout on Vimeo .

Almost 60 years ago, a man named Bill Bright surveyed students at a prestigious university in California. As he reviewed the answers to the surveys, he learned that many many people wanted to know God but they didn't know how, and this broke his heart SO MUCH that he wept in his office, even in front of his staff. Because those students were intelligent, and keenly aware of the laws of science, he set to write a concise explanation of the laws of spirituality so that those who DID want to know could easily learn. Through his endeavor, literally millions have realized their desire to know God personally! This video has brought to life his words, and is beautifully reminiscent of the timbre of his own gentle voice. Whether you know God already, or want to know Him, may these humble words bless you today.

When the weather gets warmer, I'm content to eat raw whole foods, but I tire of lettuce based salads and they rarely keep me full until the next meal. Here are 6 alternatives that I've made with fresh Italian cheeses and produce! If you have allergies to nuts or dairy or [gasp] don't eat bacon, my sympathies. Hunks of pears, cubes of pecorino cheese, and walnuts. I drizzled just a touch of olive oil and cider vinegar on the top, or sometimes Italians serve this combo as a dessert with drizzled honey. (If you can't get your hands on pecorino, substitute real Parmigiano cheese. The reddest of tomatoes, real mozzerella cheese, and fresh basil leaves. Top with either extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar or just plain ol' salt and pepper. Spinach leaves, 2 pieces leftover breakfast bacon, pecans, and fresh strawberries. Toss with a tsp of olive oil. Fresh peaches, ricotta cheese, pine nuts, and a dash of cinnamon. Chopped fresh apple w...

Writing is cathartic, and when things in life are confusing, challenging, or painful, God promises to be our refuge. In ancient days, people would write about such things in psalms to God. I googled "writing your own psalm" to see if there was already a post in existence, and while I found many, they were mostly focused on poetic expression, song-making, and required a lot of study, reading, and prep. "Oh my people, pour out your heart to me at all times. For God is our refuge." Psalm 62:8 The point is not to craft a masterpiece, but to pour out our hearts to God. He INVITES us to come as we are, honestly, and talk to Him. This can be intimidating or awkward if you have never done it because of the obvious reason--we can't SEE God with our eyes. This is why writing a letter--a way we communicate with a person who's not in our physical presence--can remove the awkwardness and allow our honest thoughts to flow. In 3 steps, I will guide you through ...