My favorite 4th of July was four years ago. Our century-old home, located across from the city park, was perfect for fireworks. We hosted 25 friends for a barbecue, and after a day of tending the grill, the pork shoulder turned out perfect. As kids played, we enjoyed food, laughter, and fireworks. The highlight was the lasting joy of friends gathered on our porch, celebrating not just independence, but the beauty of shared moments. Who are you grateful for today?

As we arrived at the beach, the flour-soft sand giving way under our steps, I felt the burdens of the past weeks begin to lift. The ocean, a toothpaste green expanse, welcomed us, its salty waves buoying our spirits and suspending my thoughts of heaviness. Floating in the vastness of the sea, I realized that my burdens didn't disappear but were instead rendered light, carried effortlessly by the immense and inviting waters.

As we awaken today, familiar with the rhythm of expectation, the age-old proclamation of resurrection echoes anew. Yet amidst the worn words and stale familiarity, may we embrace humility, finding surprise in the ongoing narrative of redemption. Let us not linger selectively at certain tombs, but instead, with renewed hope, seek the risen Christ in every corner of our lives, open to the unexpected revelations of grace.

Do you live as a son or an orphan in your story?

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to lose sight of our true identity and purpose as men. But what if I told you that there is a path to becoming the man that God designed you to be? A path that involves embracing sonship before attaining kingship. In this conversation between Chris and Morgan Snyder, the essence of becoming a son before becoming a king unfolds. Morgan's insights shed light on the journey of embracing sonship as a vital step towards fulfilling our true potential as men.

We get years of training and education to prepare for our career, but we rarely have ANY preparation for the lifelong journey of fathering

Being a dad is one of the most thrilling and terrifying experiences of my life. Without doubt, these little beings called children challenge me beyond my capacity to comprehend. They inhabit my daily life and fill my dreams in ways that are both amazing and annoying. To say that I was unprepared to be a dad is beyond truth. I had no idea what was in store.

In those fleeting moments of shooting hoops with my father, there was a silent exchange of understanding and affection. The rhythm of shoot, rebound, pass was more than just a game—it was a language of love and belief in my abilities. With each pass, my father communicated not only his trust in my skills, but his unwavering support in all aspects of my life.

In the journey of guiding our sons through the tumultuous seas of masculinity, self-reflection is paramount. Delving into our own narratives, healing the wounds, and embracing the glory within us are pivotal steps toward fulfilling God's design for manhood. To father well, we must bravely confront our own father-stories, acknowledging both the ache and the longing for deeper connection.

In the whirlwind of fatherhood, time slips away like sand through fingers. Yet, amidst the chaos, our children beckon for our attention, craving to be seen and heard. By embracing intentionality and reflection, we not only slow time's relentless march but also deepen our bond with our kids, savoring the fleeting moments that define our journey together.

Amidst the tempest's fury on the Scottish island of Iona, our pilgrimage to St. Columba’s Bay became a journey of self-discovery and brotherhood. As rain cascaded and winds howled, the bonds of friendship and the echoes of our shared pasts converged, transforming us from boys to men. Through laughter, tears, and unexpected tumbles into the River Spey, we found redemption and renewal, leaving behind our "Columba's tears" and emerging changed by the transformative power of experience and kinship.