In my coffee cupboard I have a whole array of mugs. Each has a different word printed on them: Peace, Faith, Hope, Be Kind, Wisdom, and Create. Every morning I choose the word I need most for the day. More often than not, the Wisdom mug is filled with my caffeine fix. My husband and I are raising three world …
The Comparison Solution
Comparison … it’s great until it isn’t. In my early days of parenting, I found comfort with other new parents as I talked about how to get our precious gift to sleep through the night. We talked post-partum poop, sore nipples, and physical healing. We commiserated together over the terrible twos and threenagers, and celebrated when strollers no longer accompanied …
Who will walk through the Red Sea with you?
I sat next to a lovely woman who was blooming in her second trimester of pregnancy. We saw each other often at church but didn’t often get a chance to talk. As I took a sip of my drink she commented, “you’ve done such a great job parenting your girls. How did you do it?” I laughed, a little embarrassed, …
It’s not goodbye when Jesus is by their side
Two months ago my eldest daughter graduated from high school. As she stood smiling for the camera with her certificate in hand, I sat up a little straighter, face beaming, and my heart swelling with love. This was her moment to celebrate everything she has persevered for, overcome, and achieved. I thought we’d be celebrating all summer … I thought …
The Friend They Need
There is no set formula for supporting our friends and family through hard times. It’s something that, if done well, can bring you closer together. But, if handled poorly, it can lead to disagreement and tension, and the testing of your friendship. Yet, it is something most of us will have to embrace as we walk the journey of life. …
Facing The Mountain
There are times in our lives when we know we have to make a change, whether we want to or not. Just the thought of it raises our anxiety levels and our thoughts loop through all the possible scenarios we might face. It’s not unusual for us to focus on all the possible negative outcomes, because that is what …
Courage In Change
Courage is the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) This definition makes me shrink a little inside. It’s a statement that makes me want to walk away from hard situations, because you know that if courage is needed, it’s going to be just that … hard. Any volunteers for …
The Open Door
Sometimes opportunities for change present themselves as an open door. It stands there wide and open with the possibility of something new, something fresh, and perhaps something adventurous. One night, about ten years ago after a crazy day of parenting, I collapsed exhausted onto my bed. As I prayed, I heard Jesus whisper, “Your husband is going to be offered …
Something Old
I don’t want things to change … I like them the way they are. Words straight from one of my kiddo’s mouths, or was it mine? This hits close to home because very soon our beloved world-changer number one will graduate high school and move to college. Our eldest daughter is embracing the something new and that makes me happy …
Something New
There are moments in our lives when we crave the start of a new season. Often it’s marked by something significant in our lives. Perhaps a birthday, the start of a new year, or even a new week. Or, maybe we are looking for something new because of a recent experience we’ve had. For example, a relationship breakdown, money worries, …