WALKING ATOP PROBLEMS

Beauty of waves and wind

What's the Big Idea?

"Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." (Matthew 14:25-29, New International Version)

So What?

One of life's unpleasant realities is that problems will arise. No family is exempt, regardless of level of functioning. The difference is not in the presence or absence of problems, but in our ability to handle problems effectively. In the face of a problem do we get bogged down in self-pity, playing the blame game, making excuses, and thus making the same mistakes over and over again? Or, do we accept ownership, coping with problems head on, utilizing our skills, believing that effective solutions are attainable, and cooperating with others to implement those solutions?  

Though we resist this truth, there is a beauty to problems. Notice that it was the problems--the scary waves and wind--on which the Apostle Peter walked in order to reach his destination--Jesus.

Beauty of roots and rocks

When my son, Caleb, was a little boy we took a short hiking trip in a nature reserve outside Dayton, OH. The trail was generally level; that is, until we came upon a hill, which offered two paths to ascend. The first was a straight, smooth path that posed no obstacles, only the climb. The second was no shorter, and was dotted with rocks and roots, which were no small challenges for little legs. The choice was obvious: Caleb walked up the first path. Yet about half way up he discovered that the smoothness of the path did not make up for the steepness. It was still really difficult. Progress halted. "Why don't you try the other path?" I suggested. "But there are too many bumps!" he objected. "Well, maybe you could walk on top of the bumps and use them like steps to help you to the top." He thought for moment and then shifted to the other path. It worked. He walked atop the "problems" and reached his destination.

Now What? 

Problems, though a source of discomfort and heartache, can be a great resource for teaching each family member the skills of life and godliness--character, mutual care, and faith in the Lord.

So, when a problem arises in your family, take sufficient time (and a very deep breath) and recognize that, in spite of the inconvenience involved, a wonderful teaching opportunity has emerged for you all. And always keep reaching out for the power and grace of God's "high and dry" hand. 

--S.a.t.S.

WALKING ATOP PROBLEMS

Beauty of waves and wind

What's the Big Idea?

"Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." (Matthew 14:25-29, New International Version)

So What?

One of life's unpleasant realities is that problems will arise. No family is exempt, regardless of level of functioning. The difference is not in the presence or absence of problems, but in our ability to handle problems effectively. In the face of a problem do we get bogged down in self-pity, playing the blame game, making excuses, and thus making the same mistakes over and over again? Or, do we accept ownership, coping with problems head on, utilizing our skills, believing that effective solutions are attainable, and cooperating with others to implement those solutions?  

Though we resist this truth, there is a beauty to problems. Notice that it was the problems--the scary waves and wind--on which the Apostle Peter walked in order to reach his destination--Jesus.

Beauty of roots and rocks

When my son, Caleb, was a little boy we took a short hiking trip in a nature reserve outside Dayton, OH. The trail was generally level; that is, until we came upon a hill, which offered two paths to ascend. The first was a straight, smooth path that posed no obstacles, only the climb. The second was no shorter, and was dotted with rocks and roots, which were no small challenges for little legs. The choice was obvious: Caleb walked up the first path. Yet about half way up he discovered that the smoothness of the path did not make up for the steepness. It was still really difficult. Progress halted. "Why don't you try the other path?" I suggested. "But there are too many bumps!" he objected. "Well, maybe you could walk on top of the bumps and use them like steps to help you to the top." He thought for moment and then shifted to the other path. It worked. He walked atop the "problems" and reached his destination.

Now What? 

Problems, though a source of discomfort and heartache, can be a great resource for teaching each family member the skills of life and godliness--character, mutual care, and faith in the Lord.

So, when a problem arises in your family, take sufficient time (and a very deep breath) and recognize that, in spite of the inconvenience involved, a wonderful teaching opportunity has emerged for you all. And always keep reaching out for the power and grace of God's "high and dry" hand. 

--S.a.t.S.

STAR OF THE WEEK

What's the Big Idea?

"A child's self-esteem does not spring from achievements alone. Much more important for most people is that they are accepted by significant people in their lives--that they belong. In fact, much of our effort to be successful is really fueled by our desire to win the acceptance of those significant people. Ironically, what most of us really want deep down inside is to be accepted for just being ourselves, not just for our achievements. This is what it means to feel a sense of belonging'" (Dr. Micheal H. Popkin, Active Parenting Now).

So What?

Chloe B. - always a "Star"

Our (almost) 9-year-old daughter, Chloe, was "Star of the Week" this week in her 3rd grade class. What a great idea! Parents are invited to come to school and eat lunch with their child; to write a letter of affirmation for their child, which the teacher reads to all their classmates; to send a video and/or several pictures of their child, which the teacher displays around the room; or to make a presentation before the class about one's occupation or hobby. Amazingly, Chloe's mother (Mary) and I were able to accomplish all of this! Whew, but it was definitely worth it. Chloe's beaming face, especially at school was enough to thaw the chill of the lunch lady (I apologize if you are a lunch lady, particularly if you are a pleasant one, but they can be rather "drill sergeant-ish."). For us as parents this was a wonderful exercise. It allowed us to divert from what becomes a tired default pattern of handing out and enforcing rules, and to a new, fresh pattern of sorting through happy pictures, remembering funny stories, and reminding ourselves that despite the heartache and self-doubt of parenting we love Chloe (and all our children). And as for Chloe, I am certain that she experienced what Dr. Popkin describes above: a sense of significance, acceptance, belonging. For behind that ginormous smile of hers, positive esteem was secretly forming: "That's right. I belong. And here's proof solid--these important people in my life enjoy celebrating me and love me for me."

Now What?
If you are a parent I encourage you to develop your own "Star of the Week" tradition. Perhaps it will be an occasional letter of encouragement that you write and send to them. Maybe you will create a simple picture collage or video of their unforgettable experiences the previous year. Or, instead of celebrating their birthdays in one elaborate party, you might use the entire week surrounding the birthday to help them feel significant; that is, doing small yet special things each day, such as reading birthday notes from from their friends one night at bedtime, doing a lunch together with just dad or mom, or even arranging a time to present to their class something that will bring them pride and joy. But regardless of what it is, if you see them beaming as a result, then they are likely belonging, and you are making a "Star."

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EnnpYs1d-c&w=420&h=315]

--S.a.t.S.

MAKING OF A "STAR OF THE WEEK"

What's the Big Idea?

"A child's self-esteem does not spring from achievements alone. Much more important for most people is that they are accepted by significant people in their lives--that they belong. In fact, much of our effort to be successful is really fueled by our desire to win the acceptance of those significant people. Ironically, what most of us really want deep down inside is to be accepted for just being ourselves, not just for our achievements. This is what it means to feel a sense of belonging'" (Dr. Micheal H. Popkin, Active Parenting Now).

So What?

Chloe B. - always a "Star"

Our (almost) 9-year-old daughter, Chloe, was "Star of the Week" this week in her 3rd grade class. What a great idea! Parents are invited to come to school and eat lunch with their child; to write a letter of affirmation for their child, which the teacher reads to all their classmates; to send a video and/or several pictures of their child, which the teacher displays around the room; or to make a presentation before the class about one's occupation or hobby. Amazingly, Chloe's mother (Mary) and I were able to accomplish all of this! Whew, but it was definitely worth it. Chloe's beaming face, especially at school was enough to thaw the chill of the lunch lady (I apologize if you are a lunch lady, particularly if you are a pleasant one, but they can be rather "drill sergeant-ish."). For us as parents this was a wonderful exercise. It allowed us to divert from what becomes a tired default pattern of handing out and enforcing rules, and to a new, fresh pattern of sorting through happy pictures, remembering funny stories, and reminding ourselves that despite the heartache and self-doubt of parenting we love Chloe (and all our children). And as for Chloe, I am certain that she experienced what Dr. Popkin describes above: a sense of significance, acceptance, belonging. For behind that ginormous smile of hers, positive esteem was secretly forming: "That's right. I belong. And here's proof solid--these important people in my life enjoy celebrating me and love me for me."

Now What?
If you are a parent I encourage you to develop your own "Star of the Week" tradition. Perhaps it will be an occasional letter of encouragement that you write and send to them. Maybe you will create a simple picture collage or video of their unforgettable experiences the previous year. Or, instead of celebrating their birthdays in one elaborate party, you might use the entire week surrounding the birthday to help them feel significant; that is, doing small yet special things each day, such as reading birthday notes from from their friends one night at bedtime, doing a lunch together with just dad or mom, or even arranging a time to present to their class something that will bring them pride and joy. But regardless of what it is, if you see them beaming as a result, then they are likely belonging, and you are making a "Star."

--S.a.t.S.

FROM MY HEART TO HIS

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFx-TIE3zy8&w=560&h=315]

I could not keep a dry eye. (Thanks, Terry Rush, for sparking my thoughts this morning in worship.) This heart story is at once tragic and thrilling. Tragic because of the fatal loss that made this heart gift possible, thrilling because of the blessed gain that was realized through the tragedy: a dying one was saved.

It reminds me of the pitiful shape of my own stone-cold "spiritual" heart; the incredible gift of a thriving replacement; the terrible death that made that eternal dream come true.

Ezekiel 36:

24-28 "'For here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to take you out of these countries, gather you from all over, and bring you back to your own land. I'll pour pure water over you and scrub you clean. I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. You'll once again live in the land I gave your ancestors. You'll be my people! I'll be your God! (The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson)

Thanks to God I have a new heart - His very own heart - and with that a certain hope for long life with Him. And if you are unsure about that, then just take my stethoscope and place them in your ears. Listen carefully. You hear? It is the gentle, sturdy beat of His life-giving presence.
Thank you...
I'm sorry for you...
Thank you more.

--S.a.t.S.

FROM MY HEART TO HIS

I could not keep a dry eye. (Thanks, Terry Rush, for sparking my thoughts this morning in worship.) This heart story is at once tragic and thrilling. Tragic because of the fatal loss that made this heart gift possible, thrilling because of the blessed gain that was realized through the tragedy: a dying one was saved. 

It reminds me of the pitiful shape of my own stone-cold "spiritual" heart; the incredible gift of a thriving replacement; the terrible death that made that eternal dream come true.

Ezekiel 36:

24-28 "'For here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to take you out of these countries, gather you from all over, and bring you back to your own land. I'll pour pure water over you and scrub you clean. I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. You'll once again live in the land I gave your ancestors. You'll be my people! I'll be your God! (The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson)

Thanks to God I have a new heart - His very own heart - and with that a certain hope for long life with Him. And if you are unsure about that, then just take my stethoscope and place them in your ears. Listen carefully. You hear? It is the gentle, sturdy beat of His life-giving presence.
Thank you...
I'm sorry for you...
Thank you more.

--S.a.t.S.

PARENTING WHEN THERE'S THE "OTHER" HOME

...and somehow here, too

What's the Big Idea?

Trying to parent here...

"What do you do when your efforts to pass on your faith are sabotaged by the other home? Parents can and should try to safeguard their children from the influence of the world, but when the 'world' is the other household, parents face a difficult challenge. It's one thing to say, 'Don't listen to the world'; it's another to say, 'Don't listen to your mom [or dad].'" (Ron Deal, Thriving Family magazine, Oct./Nov. 2011).

So What?
I have counseled with several divorced, two-household parents who wonder what to do in just such a predicament. It is a challenge. On the one hand, these parents know (at least intuitively) that children are naturally loyal to biological parents and more tolerant of their parent's questionable behavior. (To a degree this is a blessing, since we parents frequently say and do things before our children that we regret, and then pray they will either not remember or not hold it against us.) Additionally, children often emulate parents, allowing their parent's behavior to become a negative influence on their developing character. On the other hand, efforts to block children's contact with the other parent usually result in legal and emotional consequences for all involved: children grow resentful, abandoning the preventing parent's faith and values; the ex-spouse feels rejected, retaliating in ways that bring even more conflict to the family relationships.

Now What?
The good news is that despite this predicament, you can protect and positively influence your children. Ron Deal suggests four ways to accomplish this:

1. Recognize what you cannot control. You cannot control your ex-spouse's attitudes or actions, and admitting this to yourself will help you avoid prolonged battles between the two homes.


2. Address the values of the other home. Teach your value system but remain neutral about the other parent - no personal attacks, as this burdens your children with your own judgments.


3. Lead your children by example. Pray, discuss the ways of God, and model your commitment to Christ.


4. Be patient during the prodigal years. When your children slide toward the less principled ways of the other parent, gently direct them toward godly standards (not away from the other parent), maintain contact enough to influence them, and leave the rest to God.

--S.a.t.S.

PARENTING WHEN THERE'S THE "OTHER" HOME

...and somehow here, too

What's the Big Idea?

Trying to parent here...

"What do you do when your efforts to pass on your faith are sabotaged by the other home? Parents can and should try to safeguard their children from the influence of the world, but when the 'world' is the other household, parents face a difficult challenge. It's one thing to say, 'Don't listen to the world'; it's another to say, 'Don't listen to your mom [or dad].'" (Ron Deal, Thriving Family magazine, Oct./Nov. 2011).

So What?
I have counseled with several divorced, two-household parents who wonder what to do in just such a predicament. It is a challenge. On the one hand, these parents know (at least intuitively) that children are naturally loyal to biological parents and more tolerant of their parent's questionable behavior. (To a degree this is a blessing, since we parents frequently say and do things before our children that we regret, and then pray they will either not remember or not hold it against us.) Additionally, children often emulate parents, allowing their parent's behavior to become a negative influence on their developing character. On the other hand, efforts to block children's contact with the other parent usually result in legal and emotional consequences for all involved: children grow resentful, abandoning the preventing parent's faith and values; the ex-spouse feels rejected, retaliating in ways that bring even more conflict to the family relationships.

Now What?
The good news is that despite this predicament, you can protect and positively influence your children. Ron Deal suggests four ways to accomplish this:

1. Recognize what you cannot control. You cannot control your ex-spouse's attitudes or actions, and admitting this to yourself will help you avoid prolonged battles between the two homes. 
2. Address the values of the other home. Teach your value system but remain neutral about the other parent - no personal attacks, as this burdens your children with your own judgments. 
3. Lead your children by example. Pray, discuss the ways of God, and model your commitment to Christ.
4. Be patient during the prodigal years. When your children slide toward the less principled ways of the other parent, gently direct them toward godly standards (not away from the other parent), maintain contact enough to influence them, and leave the rest to God.

--S.a.t.S.

TAPPING THE 40 PERCENT

Making a 40% moment

What's the big idea?
"This finding suggests to me that even after we take into account our genetically determined personalities (i.e., who we are) and the rich and complex circumstances of our lives (i.e., what we face), 40 percent of the differences in our happiness levels are still left unexplained. What makes up this 40 percent? Besides our genes and the situations that we confront, there is one critical thing left: our behavior. Thus the key to happiness lies not in changing our genetic makeup (which is impossible) and not in changing our circumstances (i.e., seeking wealth or attractiveness or better colleagues, which is usually impractical), but in our daily intentional activities." (Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, "The How of Happiness," p. 22).

So what?
Perhaps after reading the above you are sensing a downer message. After all, this means that half (or a little more) of our happiness is determined by factors outside of our control. And although this is correct, it is not the most important meaning of the research. Despite the outside-our-control set points and circumstances, we each have a surprisingly large amount of influence over our own happiness. This means that all of us can be happier, even a great deal happier. This is fabulous news! Most of us have a large reservoir of untapped potential that, if properly tapped, could raise our levels of happiness in life--up to 40% more! This also means that for those of us that tend to be "happy-challenged" there is little excuse, since so much of our happiness is within our own control. So get out there and intentionally, habitually access those untapped areas of happiness in your life.

Now what?
So what can we do to tap into that 40%? Well, for me at least, I experience higher levels of happiness when I consistently practice two things: (1) commit to a few meaningful goals (e.g., completing an academic degree or planning a family vacation) that I can devotedly pursue; (2) participate in an engaging activity (e.g., playing drums or hiking in the mountains) in which I "lose" myself. If you discover that these work for you, then great. If not, try one of the following (Dr. Lyubomirsky has observed these patterns of thinking and behaving in the happiest people):

• spend a great amount of time with your family and friends;


• express gratitude for what you have;


• be the first to offer someone help;


• imagine the future with optimism;


• live in the present, savoring pleasures;


• make physical activity a habit;


• commit to a lifelong ambition;


• and even in life's inevitable distress and tragedy, allow yourself to fully feel and respond to it through the strength of your spirit.

--S.a.t.S.

 

TAPPING THE 40 PERCENT

Making a 40% moment

What's the big idea?
"This finding suggests to me that even after we take into account our genetically determined personalities (i.e., who we are) and the rich and complex circumstances of our lives (i.e., what we face), 40 percent of the differences in our happiness levels are still left unexplained. What makes up this 40 percent? Besides our genes and the situations that we confront, there is one critical thing left: our behavior. Thus the key to happiness lies not in changing our genetic makeup (which is impossible) and not in changing our circumstances (i.e., seeking wealth or attractiveness or better colleagues, which is usually impractical), but in our daily intentional activities." (Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, "The How of Happiness," p. 22).

So what?
Perhaps after reading the above you are sensing a downer message. After all, this means that half (or a little more) of our happiness is determined by factors outside of our control. And although this is correct, it is not the most important meaning of the research. Despite the outside-our-control set points and circumstances, we each have a surprisingly large amount of influence over our own happiness. This means that all of us can be happier, even a great deal happier. This is fabulous news! Most of us have a large reservoir of untapped potential that, if properly tapped, could raise our levels of happiness in life--up to 40% more! This also means that for those of us that tend to be "happy-challenged" there is little excuse, since so much of our happiness is within our own control. So get out there and intentionally, habitually access those untapped areas of happiness in your life.  

Now what?
So what can we do to tap into that 40%? Well, for me at least, I experience higher levels of happiness when I consistently practice two things: (1) commit to a few meaningful goals (e.g., completing an academic degree or planning a family vacation) that I can devotedly pursue; (2) participate in an engaging activity (e.g., playing drums or hiking in the mountains) in which I "lose" myself. If you discover that these work for you, then great. If not, try one of the following (Dr. Lyubomirsky has observed these patterns of thinking and behaving in the happiest people):

• spend a great amount of time with your family and friends; 
• express gratitude for what you have; 
• be the first to offer someone help; 
• imagine the future with optimism; 
• live in the present, savoring pleasures; 
• make physical activity a habit; 
• commit to a lifelong ambition; 
• and even in life's inevitable distress and tragedy, allow yourself to fully feel and respond to it through the strength of your spirit.     

--S.a.t.S.

LIMPING ALONG WITH GOD

Limping, attached to God

What's the big idea?
"Wrestling with the question of God is intensely personal. And none of us can escape it. You are who you are alone before God. Nothing more. Nothing less. What you do with the question of God shapes and colors everything in and around you...Whether you know it or not, you have a relationship style that impacts how you do--or don't do--intimacy with those you love, and in particular, with God. That's what the profound invitation of the Bible is all about: to be in a meaningful relationship with God." (Dr. Tim Clinton & Dr. Joshua Straub, "God Attachment," p. 18).

So what?
God and what to do with him cannot be escaped, regardless of our degree of spiritual inclination. Convictions about God are at our core. And as such, they impact every aspect of our lives, from the more routine (e.g., decisions about free time) to the deeply personal (e.g., beliefs about afterlife). How we view God and his interest in us greatly impacts our experience in human relationships. Likewise, how we connect with others greatly impacts our experience of God. The great news is that God knows all of this--the good, the bad, and the ugly--and befriends us right there on that basis, and then steps out with us in a lifelong walk of increasingly healthy, meaningful relating.

Now what?
Like many of you, I walk through life with an anxious limp, favoring a gait that at times leads me in circles of fear. Past experiences as well as patterns of relating to others have shaped me in this way. And due in great part to this, I also tend to walk with God favoring this anxiety-laden, fear-of-abandonment limp. So how about you? What's your style of relating to others, especially to God? Whatever it is, an important first step to growing through this challenge is to (1) write down a few life experiences that you think may have shaped how you relate to God, and (2) what (if any) difference he makes in your life now. This will provide you some needed insight, which you can then turn into movements toward your desired relationship with God (and these I'll address in future blogs).

--S.a.t.S.

LIMPING ALONG WITH GOD

Limping, attached to God

What's the big idea?
"Wrestling with the question of God is intensely personal. And none of us can escape it. You are who you are alone before God. Nothing more. Nothing less. What you do with the question of God shapes and colors everything in and around you...Whether you know it or not, you have a relationship style that impacts how you do--or don't do--intimacy with those you love, and in particular, with God. That's what the profound invitation of the Bible is all about: to be in a meaningful relationship with God." (Dr. Tim Clinton & Dr. Joshua Straub, "God Attachment," p. 18).

So what?
God and what to do with him cannot be escaped, regardless of our degree of spiritual inclination. Convictions about God are at our core. And as such, they impact every aspect of our lives, from the more routine (e.g., decisions about free time) to the deeply personal (e.g., beliefs about afterlife). How we view God and his interest in us greatly impacts our experience in human relationships. Likewise, how we connect with others greatly impacts our experience of God. The great news is that God knows all of this--the good, the bad, and the ugly--and befriends us right there on that basis, and then steps out with us in a lifelong walk of increasingly healthy, meaningful relating.

Now what?
Like many of you, I walk through life with an anxious limp, favoring a gait that at times leads me in circles of fear. Past experiences as well as patterns of relating to others have shaped me in this way. And due in great part to this, I also tend to walk with God favoring this anxiety-laden, fear-of-abandonment limp. So how about you? What's your style of relating to others, especially to God? Whatever it is, an important first step to growing through this challenge is to (1) write down a few life experiences that you think may have shaped how you relate to God, and (2) what (if any) difference he makes in your life now. This will provide you some needed insight, which you can then turn into movements toward your desired relationship with God (and these I'll address in future blogs).

--S.a.t.S.

WHAT A LONG STRANGE TRIP IT'LL BE

Starting a journey

 

As I launch my blog it might be helpful to provide you a brief description of its content and intent. Family Trippin' is primarily an "edutaining" (educative/entertaining) outlet for my own musings about family - usually related to ours (i.e., the human family in general), but sometimes just mine (i.e., my spouse and spawns), and occasionally yours (i.e., I might personally know you and specifically mention you in a post as a way either of getting revenge or giving honor... you decide).

My blog is also about what I call trippin' - metaphorical shorthand for the fun things we do together (as in "We had a great camping trip."), or the times we fail each other (as in "I'm so sorry; I know my broken promise really tripped you up."), or the way in which we are so uniquely freaky (as in "I can't believe you eat pizza with a fork...you must be trippin'!").

I'm really excited about this new adventure, and mostly because it's a dialogue with you. Here I simply catch and release the muse (and maybe poke it a little on occasion with characteristic dry, irreverent humor to get it moving) but you chase and return it. And through this playful conversation we can discover together new energy for this most important of human journeys: Family Trippin'. 

--S.a.t.S.

WHAT A LONG STRANGE TRIP IT'LL BE

Starting a journey

As I launch my blog it might be helpful to provide you a brief description of its content and intent. Family Trippin' is primarily an "edutaining" (educative/entertaining) outlet for my own musings about family - usually related to ours (i.e., the human family in general), but sometimes just mine (i.e., my spouse and spawns), and occasionally yours (i.e., I might personally know you and specifically mention you in a post as a way either of getting revenge or giving honor... you decide).

My blog is also about what I call trippin' - metaphorical shorthand for the fun things we do together (as in "We had a great camping trip."), or the times we fail each other (as in "I'm so sorry; I know my broken promise really tripped you up."), or the way in which we are so uniquely freaky (as in "I can't believe you eat pizza with a fork...you must be trippin'!").

I'm really excited about this new adventure, and mostly because it's a dialogue with you. Here I simply catch and release the muse (and maybe poke it a little on occasion with characteristic dry, irreverent humor to get it moving) but you chase and return it. And through this playful conversation we can discover together new energy for this most important of human journeys: Family Trippin'. 

--S.a.t.S.