Lord of the Castle

The Joys and Trials of Family Life

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The world is getting smaller

February 23rd, 2010 · No Comments

It may sound strange, coming from a blogger, but I have not been a huge fan of technology.
We went several years without a television in our home. When we did get one, TV time was strictly limited. Basically, for most of my children’s lives, we used the television to watch videos.
During his childhood, most of [...]

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Tags: Parenting · Technology

Missing Tile Syndrome cured!

February 15th, 2010 · No Comments

Although I am getting better, I frequently suffer from missing tile syndrome. I first read about this psychological defect in “Happiness is a Serious Problem” by Dennis Prager.
Imagine looking at a beautifully tiled ceiling. Now picture realizing that one tile is missing. My instinctive response is to find it and fix it! However, if I am not careful, that missing tile can [...]

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Tags: Cars · Money

Do you believe in angels?

January 7th, 2010 · 2 Comments

As you probably know, it has been snowing quite a bit here in Kansas City. When I went out to the car this morning, I learned that another several inches fell last night.
Needless to say, driving in this weather is a challenge. It is not uncommon to see cars completely off the side of the [...]

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Tags: Cars · Providence · Travel · Weather

Much more than I had hoped for

January 16th, 2009 · 1 Comment

I have once again been amazed at the goodness of God!
In previous posts, I have told you about the dramatic changes that God has been bringing about in my second daughter. As profound as the last big change was, it turned out that it was just the next big step.
As a father, I know how [...]

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Tags: Children · Parenting

Wasn’t even going to ask!

December 22nd, 2008 · No Comments

After taking a shower and regaining my equilibrium from my son’s desperate attempt to avoid losing so badly (LOL), I took my broken glasses to Costco to order a new frame. My eyes are such that I cannot wear contacts all of the time and I can’t see without my glasses!
When I handed the girl my [...]

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Tags: Providence

The perfect set-up

November 27th, 2008 · 1 Comment

I can’t fully tell this story without making a confession…
On many nights, my wife and I sleep in separate rooms…
not because my wife is mad at me! No! I am not in the doghouse.
It is difficult for her to fall asleep so, since we have chosen to leave our television in the storage facility, she [...]

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Tags: Children

Are you ready for…?

November 26th, 2008 · No Comments

Fill in the blank with the next fast approaching holiday and you have a common way to make small talk at this time of year.
However, I am really asking…are you ready for Thanksgiving?
Did you know that we are one of the few countries on earth who actually have a holiday set aside to express our [...]

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Tags: Goals · Parenting

OK I’ll take you in

July 11th, 2008 · No Comments

Before I left Kansas City, I tried to schedule a tour the Chicago Board of Options Exchange but could only leave a message.
The woman in charge returned my call somewhere in Iowa and told me that they are not conducting tours during the summer.
“Is there an individual that can give me a short, mini-tour?”
“No. Everyone [...]

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Tags: Uncategorized

Surrounded by favor

July 11th, 2008 · No Comments

I must have stopped in the nice part of town because the cheapest hotel I could find was $183 per night. I called my wife and asked her to see if she could find a cheaper place on the Internet and tell me how to get there. After much effort on her part, we gave [...]

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Tags: Travel

A disguised blessing exposed

June 19th, 2008 · No Comments

I am continually struck by the small things that God uses to lead us into His blessing and protection.
My son didn’t go to wrestling practice tonight. The coach told him to stay home.
I am not upset about that at all because ever since last weekend’s tournament, he has had a pounding light-headedness, flashing white lights [...]

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Tags: Providence