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Dear Mama, You’re Doing Better Than You Think
I don’t know about you, but for me, being a momma is the greatest joy mixed with the intense emotion of failure! Are you reading this while reheating your coffee for the third time? Is there laundry in the washer that’s been there long enough to need to...
He Restores My Soul
I woke up this morning to a disappointing text from a friend. It wasn’t a big thing, just a “no” to a favor I had asked. The “no” was kind, said with love, and with a good reason behind it. It wasn’t a “no, never,” or an “of course not”; it was an “I...
Exemplifying Christ Inside The Gates And In The “Real World”
In 1980, I was working at a little hamburger and ice cream cafe in Blue Eye, Missouri. I had just graduated high from school and I was thankful that I didn’t have to drive to Branson or further for employment—gasoline was $.87 a gallon! During that summer, our manager...
Building a God-Centered Legacy in a World Pulling the Other Way
I spent the early part of my life working with my hands, helping on local farms, building, and taking on whatever jobs came along. Later, as a general contractor, the pace accelerated, and the scoreboard became straightforward: deadlines met, projects completed,...
Positivity: A Gospel-Driven Way of Seeing People
At Kamp, one of our core values is positivity—“finding the best in all people in every situation.” It’s more than keeping an upbeat attitude or trying to “look on the bright side.” For us, positivity is a deeply spiritual posture shaped by the...
Taking That First Step
Happy New Year! “New year, new you.” “New Year’s resolution.” “Page 1 of a 365 page book.” I would bet that we all have this feeling to some extent as we ring in 2026. We looked back on 2025 and mentally put it to bed as we anticipate 2026. As we look at...
An Epic Year!
What a great year 2025 has been at Kanakuk. Year 100 was epic, beginning with the Alumni Reunion and continuing throughout the summer. We had 2,320 overnight Kampers this summer who have alumni parents! I love that! I love that Kanakuk is a gift we are passing...
Christmas Market Trip Recap
The Mother-Daughter Christmas Market Expedition was magical!!! I had the opportunity to travel through Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, experiencing the magic of the Christmas markets alongside 40 other mothers, daughters, and grandmothers, and I am truly...
Centering the DNA of Our Home On Christ
One of my favorite things this time of year is the glow of a fire and a decorated Christmas tree. I am currently enjoying both as I write. I am hesitant to share…but, I have a confession to make and it is controversial. My tree has been up since...