Two years ago today I lost my mom to cancer. It was quick and painful, and there was hardly time to process what was happening before she was gone. After she died, life picked up speed and the spaces of time that she filled in my life got filled in with other things and people. […]
Family
How to Talk About Past Mistakes with Our Kids
Today, I welcome guest blogger Collene of Rest and Chaos to share how she handles uncomfortable conversations about her past with her kids. “That person is smoking,” my son announced, “and that’s bad.” “You used to smoke, too, didn’t you Mommy?” my daughter questioned. A wave of regret washed over my heart as I replied, […]
Three Steps to a Successful Apology
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 Getting kids to take responsibility for their actions and offer a sincere apology is one of our greatest challenges as parents. It’s not enough for a child to say, “I’m sorry,” especially when coerced to do so. More […]
5 Ways to Connect with Your Teenage Son
“Sons are a heritage from the Lord.” Psalm 127:3 You’ve probably noticed that “How was your day?” isn’t getting you anywhere with the man-child in your home. You miss the chubby arms that once wrapped themselves fiercely around your neck after a day at school. Hugs and “I love you”s don’t come so readily anymore, […]
Love What You Do Without Making Money
Am I now trying to win the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of God. Galatians 1:10 After publishing my devotional at Christmas, I felt exhilarated . . . and then disillusioned. For so […]
Trading Perfection for Peace this Holiday Season
Simplifying the holidays is always my intention each year, but it is a struggle to maintain peace. The season immediately kicks off with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, thrusting me into consumer mode. I’ll bet I spent at least five hours over the past few days looking through websites for good deals and adding items […]
Where Did the Time Go?
I worked through the 2018 family budget this evening, assigning values to line items like birthdays, outings, holidays, etc. By each birthday, I listed out the ages my children will turn this year- 15,13,11,10,7- and then stared at the numbers in disbelief. Where did the time go? Time is Flying By How is it possible […]
How to Be Content on Your Birthday
Do you suffer from Birthday Letdown Syndrome? Your birthday is coming, and you have such high hopes that it will be all you wished for and more. Even if you’re not a big birthday person, I’ll bet you still have a few unspoken expectations for the day. All of that anticipation builds, and no matter […]
How I Starved My Children
When I went into labor with my first child three weeks early, our plans for a home birth went out the window. We rushed to the hospital, where I gave birth to a boy who weighed 7 lbs, 9 oz and was having some respiratory difficulty. The NICU doctor whisked him away, and I found […]
The Hidden Blessing of Waiting
It’s been so long, I’m not quite sure where to begin. Should I start with the funeral I attended today or with the stroke my mother had one month ago? Or, should I share my ongoing concern for my son with Crohn’s, who has been suffering from a flare for over a week now? Perhaps […]