Wheelchaired Rapper Inspires

batch — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:05:25 -0600

While some rappers tend to talk about gang life and violence, one teen is putting a positive spin on the music genre by using his experience living with muscular dystrophy as inspiration for his lyrics.

Austin Puckett, a teenager from Springboro, Ohio, is used to wowing the crowd with his musical gift, although he admits that some people may be a bit skeptical when he takes the stage, according to the Dayton Daily News.

Stevie’s Wisdom

jnalewicki — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:50:10 -0600

Julia and I were tired last night.

We'd had a hectic weekend of ballet recitals, museum visits and soaking rain, and the workweek had been a busy one. We were desperate for sleep; 15-month-old Stephen was not. He climbed up into our bed, lay down next to me and patted me with his hand. “Daddy!” he said.

“Yes, it's Daddy,” I mumbled. “I'm right here. Go to sleep.”

Stephen smiled. “Daddy!” he said and patted me again.

Quilt of Many Promises

admin — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:29:04 -0600

The handmade quilt that hangs on a wall in our home tells a special story. On it 12 Bible verses are stitched in clear delicate lines on raw linen. Surrounding them is a pattern of hunter green and burgundy.

My Aunt, My Angel

jbloustein — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:29:01 -0600

"I don’t want to spend the summer with Aunt Ann,” I told my mother, pursing up my face until it looked as sour as a lemon.

And a Child Shall Lead Them

mcherkezian — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:35:14 -0600

University of Cincinnati football player John Goebel has endured a disappointing 2009 season.

Entering his junior year, he figured to be one of the team’s primary running backs. But a torn hamstring and a broken hand put him on the bench.

Volunteers Send Christmas Cheer

batch — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:05:06 -0600

Thousands of families have rallied around 7-year-old Nate Elfrink to make sure he has a Merry Christmas, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Elfrink was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was 20 months old. After three surgeries, numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, the tumor kept coming back.

Bible Stories Focus on Joy and Grace

jbloustein — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:44:20 -0500

The Bible isn’t about rules, or about being punished for misbehaving. It’s about grace, and about how much God loves us.

At least, that’s the message that author Sally Lloyd-Jones hopes children will get when they read (or hear) the stories in her new book, Jesus Storybook Bible Deluxe Edition (Zonderkidz 2009).

Did God Really Give Me Justice?

admin — Tue, 01 May 2007 13:12:00 -0500

An early dream of mine was to be a college baseball coach, and it came true. Then Michelle walked into my life. We married, settled in Pennsylvania where we met, and I concentrated on teaching. We had two boys and a girl. Today I know there's no better dream than family. I believe this more than ever since the arrival of our fourth child, my son Justice.

Showdown with Tommy Brown

jbloustein — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:46:30 -0600

Whoever decided 13 was an unlucky number must have been thinking of me. At that age I spent my worst year in the Holy Name Parish Choir. It was mostly due to one boy. A boy named Tommy Brown.

Tommy was always picking on smaller kids—especially my little brother. One day at school I’d let him know he’d better cut it out. As I walked into the church that Tuesday afternoon for choir practice I scanned the room for him. He was in the corner with his own brother. Probably bullying him too, I thought.

Simple Faith

admin — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:26:27 -0500

Even though we're Presbyterian, not Jewish, I loved Temple Emanuel Preschool. More important, so did my three-year-old, Thomas.

Ever since his very first day when his teacher, Miss Karen, welcomed him with a big hug and had him cut shapes out of Play-Doh, Thomas couldn't wait to go to school.