Have you heard of Lupercalia, a pagan celebration?
It was born before Jesus and spread across the Roman nation.
Throughout the Roman empire was a party for fertility.
Goats and dogs were sacrificed, not seen as incivility.
They honored Remus and Romulus, the early Roman king,
as well as their god Faunus – who unlike Cupid, had no wings.
February often portrays love as colorful hearts and picture-perfect moments, but the kind of love that truly shapes children is usually much quieter, and is often much harder. Loving children well is not a passive act; it’s a daily, intentional commitment.
A longtime foster parent and friend of CK Family Services, Dawna Guerin offers a glimpse into her home and her heart.
Christians call the story of Jesus the “gospel.” The word really means “good news” or “good story.” I love the latter definition. Everyone loves a good story. Good news is most enjoyed, and most helpful, when it is shared.
Every January, we’re surrounded by talk of New Year’s resolutions, often big goals, bold declarations, and ambitious plans for an entirely “new you.” And to be clear, there’s nothing wrong with setting goals. Having something to aim for can be motivating and life-giving.
But for many of us, those grand resolutions typically don’t survive into February.
I have told you every year: Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and all other holidays fall far behind in my book. The season starts November 1 for our family, with lights going up, and three trees in place (the Santa tree, the Red tree and the just lights tree). To go with the trees, we have hundreds of beautiful Santas across the house with animated trains, Ferris wheels, carousels and glitter globes galore. Each and every piece was bought with purpose and love, and each has a story my wife and I can tell.
“I often say adoption is a full-circle blessing… Adopted children were not abandoned; we were chosen.” —Dawn
The swaddled little girl came home to a modest suburban Tulsa, Oklahoma, residence five days after being born. Her parents, two successful chemical engineers, had been waiting with delicious anticipation for this baby to bring their love full circle. They never hid her story. They sang her tale like a hymn, the lyrics of which read, “You were chosen, you were wanted.” In that house, “adopted” wasn’t a whisper; it was a proclamation of belonging.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the people who make life full, the ones who fill our homes with noise, laughter, and love. Gratitude doesn’t always come wrapped in picture-perfect moments. Sometimes it looks more like the everyday chaos of family life, the kind of love that’s honest, imperfect, and real.
Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright, foster parents with CK Family Services, celebrated the adoption of twin 10-year-old boys this year, a journey that began simply with open hearts and a willingness to serve.
“Originally, we just wanted to foster. We love children, our own are grown, and we have space! That’s what led us to opening our home and hearts to children in need,” they shared.
At CK Family Services, our work doesn’t stop at the office door. Every month, our teams are out in the community doing a host of important and impactful activities. We are recruiting, equipping, and encouraging foster parents; supporting children and families through behavioral health services; ensuring safe and happy homes for children; and partnering with those who share our mission to bring hope and healing.