My Incredable Family

Unless the Lord builds a house; the laberors labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stands guard in vain. (Psalm 127:1)

Okay, maybe my family is not exactly like Calvin's, (I had a giant bunny instead of a tiger) but it was built on God! My parents deserve a Nobel Peace Prize for just putting up with my Calvin-like antics. However, not only did they manage to handle my creative energy, but they helped direct it after God. My parents have been the best role models any kid could ask for. Thanks Mom and Dad!

My mother is an organic gardener and a elementary school teacher who gave up her career for the chance to homeschool her four sons. I remember her long patient hours listening to me to read, watching me do flashcards, and smiling at my artwork. One of my favorite memories with my mother was baking Peanut Butter Cookies together. Being somewhat absent minded at times, I put in four times more peanut butter than the recipe called for. We ended up making about 500 cookies. Through this experience and others my mother taught me how to persevere and be a self-initiator. By watching her I have found in myself a growing appreciation for hard work and the earth. Most importantly my mother continues to be a real life example for me of someone who is practically and earnestly living out her life for Christ.

My father prides himself in being a theologian, social/environmental political activist., and hobbyist farmer. One of my earliest memories with him was traveling to Washington D.C. in protest the United States armament of MX nuclear missiles. I remember how afraid I was that the police were going to throw "My Dad" into jail. Other memories of my Dad include long canoe trips together, catfishin', night swims playing chess and long talks around a glowing campfire. My Dad taught me to think about things and love nature. He taught me to dream big, live for justice, and search for Truth. Most importantly, he taught me how to love God with both my heart and mind. By watching my father I have learned that being a "man after God's own heart" means standing up for "right" even at the cost of personal suffering.

I also have three brothers named Ethan, Joel, and Micah. I'll write more about torturing them later.