This post is sponsored by ShopAtHome.com I have always been a curator. Ever since I was small, I loved keeping records of memories. I was a stellar diary-keeper and an impeccable pen-pal. I saved everything. I made books and collages and loved hanging pictures in my room. Eventually, I became a scrap-booker . . . keeping detailed books full of photos, ticket stubs, and other momentos. It’s no small wonder that I was drawn to blogging. I love that I have this space where my kids can read my . . .

In the past month, there has been a lot of press about the risk that black men face at the hands of police.  There has also been some pushback in pointing out the very real risks that police officers take every single day when they go to work. This is a risk that is not lost on me, as my sister was a police officer for many years. She had several instances where her personal safety was threatened, and it was a very stressful time for our family.  I do want to point out a critical . . .

He's conservative. I'm liberal. And we are trying to have a civil discussion about the election. My friend Paul Martin and I are talking about the drama of the Republican National Convention, from Melania lifting Michelle's speech to Cruz's non-endorsement to Trump's fear-mongering finale. Hit us up with your comments and questions! . . .

If you live in the greater LA/Orange County area and you are a Christian with a slight bent to the irreverent, there are some upcoming events that might be revelant to your interests. First, in two weeks LA’s Hatchery will be putting on an Adult VBS at their headquarters in Redondo Beach. This is a fun, tongue-in-cheek experience that will also provide some incredibly meaty content, with Walter Brueggemann as the main speaker (and myself leading “craft time” on Thursday and Friday.) You can come . . .

A couple weeks ago, I was talking politics with my friend Kelley Nikondeha. Kelley is one of those smart and interesting friends who makes me think a little deeper on everything, and when it comes to the bible, she knows her stuff. We were talking about the Make America Great narrative, and Kelley offhandedly illuminated the Old Testament version of this phenomenon in a way that blew my mind, because I'd never made the connection before. I begged her to write it up for me so I could share . . .

This post was sponsored by Playster. As a mom of four book-obsessed kids, and as an avid reader at myself, I am always looking for the latest technology that will encourage reading and provide a nice online library for our family. I recently had a chance to try the Playster service, and I have been really impressed. Playster is a subscription service that allows users to subscribe to books, audiobooks, music, movies, and games.  You can choose to subscribe to only one service, or you can . . .