"Maybe you aren't supposed to - this year."
Through a knowing smile her gentle words permeated my heart.
It was Christmas Eve. Our family had just enjoyed dinner with friends. As we're leaving, she quietly handed me a gift. Thanking her, I sighed with frustration, "Ughhh, I wasn't able to bake ...
Read More about Coulda…Shoulda…Woulda…
When Complaining is Drenched by Grace
The process of moving stirs my weaknesses to resound: These days complaining holds first place. Mostly, in my thoughts, often through sighs and moans, sometimes to God, and too often, to my very patient husband.
Sometimes I sound like our children when they were younger,
"Why do I have to ...
Read More about When Complaining is Drenched by Grace
When Our Plan Changes
"So what's the plan?"
Over the past few weeks, each of our kids has asked us this.
We're moving again.
Packing up. Saying good-bye to friends.
A change of plan, the unexpected.
We didn't see it coming.
I'm glad nothing takes God by surprise.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither ...
Read More about When Our Plan Changes
Gratitude on Display
I wonder what went through their little minds. Actually, I wonder what goes through their grown-up minds now... Maybe they'll tell me after they read this!
From the time our children were toddlers and still today, I intentionally thank God out loud for ways I recognize Him moving.
...Like when ...
Read More about Gratitude on Display
Overwhelmed?
Circumstances can overwhelm us.People can overwhelm us.Responsibilities can overwhelm us.
WE CAN ALSO OVERWHELM OUR SELVES.
Trying to satisfy our self expectations.Trying to be (like) someone else.Getting tangled up trying to please others.
Have you ever considered what your self ...
Read More about Overwhelmed?
Unexplainable Love
We found our way to the airport gate. Anticipation building, Terrell and I watch for our daughter, who lives on another continent, to come around the corner. I've grown to understand my mother's words: Distance makes the time apart feel longer.
As I glimpsed her face, emotion overtook ...
Read More about Unexplainable Love
When We Struggle With Their Decision
I only play the piano because you want me to. I'd like to stop my lessons soon.
I've decided I'm not going out for the tennis team again. It takes too much of my time.
I wanna grow my hair long like all the other guys.
How do you behave when your child announces a decision they've made—that you ...
Read More about When We Struggle With Their Decision
From Tears to Triumph
Recently, I had shoulder surgery. That was the easy part. Surviving the first week of physical therapy "home-work" almost did me in. To distract myself from the pain, I listened to lively worship music.
One morning was especially tough. I was tired, hurting, impatient to be well, and struggling ...
Read More about From Tears to Triumph
Prayer – From Good Intention to Action
I need to pray more.
I hear this a lot. I think it, too.
It's as though we relegate it to our "Need To Do" list along with:
..exercise more
..eat less chocolate
..declutter the closets
..finish that book.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the ...
Read More about Prayer – From Good Intention to Action
worry
"Her grades are slipping."
"He's been sick for 2 weeks."
"Her friends have all dropped her."
"Some of the boys he's hanging out with aren't good influences."
"All we seem to do is fight."
"She was supposed to be home an hour ago."
We love our children. We want the best for them. And we worry.
As ...
Read More about worry
Are you interested?
Over the years our children's interests have been all over the map. Some I've liked and some I haven't. For example, in 6th grade, one of our sons wanted to experiment with using hair gel. I didn't want him to use it, but then I remembered some of the crazy fashions my parents endured... Thank ...
Read More about Are you interested?
Where does the time go?
This time last year our oldest son moved out, heading to medical school. As we loaded the U-Haul and followed him down the highway, my mind kept returning to, "He's really moving this time..." I was excited for him, yet I knew this was a significant season marker for me, too. More than the ...
Read More about Where does the time go?
