Parenting Archives | Council Fire

October 6, 2026

October 6, 2026

The Answer

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV) The girl was 10 when her mom took her to see Kerry. She had lived in pain since birth. Doctor after doctor had seen her; they’d tried a whole bunch of different remedies, but the pain in her back and hips never left. The mom brought her to Kerry because she was hoping against hope that maybe, just maybe, her daughter could find some relief. Kerry is our daughter-in-law. She’s also a Registered Massage Therapist & Osteopath, and she’s really good […]

September 26, 2026

September 26, 2026

Legacy Left Behind

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) My parents, who are my heroes, have left their temporary home to live in their forever home that their hearts longed for . . . Heaven. They left behind a legacy of loving and serving others. My parents showed me how to love and give to others with a willing heart. They had a quiet […]

September 21, 2026

September 21, 2026

Beauty from Ashes

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners . . . to comfort all who mourn . . . to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Isaiah 61:1,2c,3b (NIV) My journey began in Kenai, Alaska in 1946. I am “Alaska Native,” the […]

September 18, 2026

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September 18, 2026

On the Mountains and in the Valleys

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot . . . ” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NIV) I had the opportunity to create and host a radio show called Pause, Praise & Rock! on 89.3 FM, The Raven. We are to praise the Lord, no matter the circumstance. God is good all the time. Seasons in our lives change, that is for sure. But God doesn’t change, so our circumstances should not dictate or limit our […]

August 15, 2026

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August 15, 2026

Every Word of God Proves True

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5 (ESV) When I was just a boy, my dad would say to me, “Son, this book is not just words on paper. It’s not just black on white. Every time you open God’s Book, you are literally opening the mouth of God. You are hearing the voice and words of God.” He went on to say, “Son, I want you to go to your room and have a conversation with God (prayer). Then, let God speak to you through His Word, […]

June 24, 2026

June 24, 2026

What’s In a Name?

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1 (NIV) Humility is one of the characteristics of a godly person. It’s much better to have others speak highly of oneself than it is for us to do it ourselves! But a good and godly name is something to celebrate, and something to strive for. Notice that our emphasis is often on our last name rather than our first. If “Craig” is a good name, then it would mean me being measured up alongside all others named Craig. But it’s […]

April 19, 2026

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April 19, 2026

When Next Door Neighbor Knows Best

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) “Mama! Danny’s throwing rocks at that cat again!” Maya calls out, then says to her brother, “How come you keep throwing rocks at him? He’s not bothering anybody!” “Cause I hate cats! Next time, I’ll get my BB gun and that’ll take care of him!” says Danny. Mother answers from the doorway, “You shoot that cat and we’ll be in big trouble with Tribal Police! Now go get washed up for dinner!” The children scurry inside […]

March 16, 2026

March 16, 2026

Fried Bread

“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” Luke 6:40 (NIV) Everyone always says, “My mom’s fry bread is the best.” I think back to when I would say the same thing. I can remember when I asked my mom to teach me how to make fry bread. She told my wife and me to grab a bowl, and she told us the ingredients: flour, water, oil, salt, baking powder . . . and two handfuls of love! She told us to mix them together and try not to knead […]

March 1, 2026

March 1, 2026

Memories of Mom

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Proverbs 31:28 (KJV) My memories of my mother are good ones that I will treasure forever! I remember how us kids were the apple of her eye. Everything she did revolved around her family. She always looked forward to Christmas and other holidays when the kids and grandkids would come home. She’d orchestrate huge meals, and nobody ever went hungry at her place! She’d cry for happiness when we came, and she’d cry again out of loneliness when we left (she’d start missing us a […]