Several days ago, on one of our biweekly walks, Jen shared the following insight from her neuropsychology class: according to current research, in moments of acute and chronic stress, our pituitary gland releases a surge of oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone released both during and after childbirth, and due to the critical role it plays in relational intimacy, is often referred to as the “bonding hormone.” Essentially, it’s a connecting hormone...

To the disappointment of many, Easter isn’t about a bunny.

It’s about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In our scientific age, resurrection is viewed as an impossibility at best, and as an opiatic myth created by Jesus’ original disciples at worst. Some people respect the belief in an effort to promote religious tolerance, many scoff at its absurdity, few think it’s an intriguing fantasy, and still fewer actually stop to consider what the raising of this particular dead man means...

Like most 7-year-old girls, my little sister, Nevaeh (through Big Brothers Big Sisters), loves the movie Frozen. By association, so do I. Though not blood related, we share a similar sense of humor, a particular goofiness, and a fondness for Disney music...

A year and a half ago, I intentionally started going to the gym. Part of my initial membership included three free sessions with a personal trainer. During the first session, the following conversation ensued...

I gave up sweets for Lent this year. In the midst of a sugar-deprived grouch-fest, I was reminded of a section in Donald Kraybill’s The Upside-Down Kingdom, titled “Expensive Decisions.” This is a required text for my class, and while most students don’t read it, those that do are struck by Kraybill’s understanding of discipleship...