Boundaries · Boundaries for kids · Character · Christianity · Christmas · Family Life · Parenting · Relationships · Uncategorized

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Dealing with Difficult People at Christmas

When it comes to people and their relationships, there is never a shortage of problems. But at Christmas, it’s supposed to be different.  Isn’t it a time of peace and goodwill to men after all? Unfortunately, it’s often worse at Christmas.  I think that the stress related to difficult situations increases because of an increase of… Continue reading The Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Dealing with Difficult People at Christmas

Boundaries for kids · Character · Christianity · Confidence · Discipleship · Ministry · Mothering · Parenting · Uncategorized

Dear Graduates, 8 Things to Remember About Life

As I sat through my daughter’s graduation ceremony last week, I wondered what I would say given the chance to speak to a room filled with graduates. I don’t wish to be 18 again.  I’ve earned my stripes.  I have no desire to relive those years, but I do wish someone would have sat down with me to… Continue reading Dear Graduates, 8 Things to Remember About Life

Christianity · Empty Nest · Middle Age · middle-age · Mothering · parenting · Parenting · Perserverence · Uncategorized · Women

The Emptying Nest: Living Forward When the Heart Keeps Going Back

I just spent the last hour teaching my youngest daughter, Mikayla, to bake cookies. I confess I do everything much later with my fourth child.  She’ll be lucky to tie her shoes by the time she graduates. Today, however, I found myself not just moving slow, but also grumpy during the process.  I’m pretty sure… Continue reading The Emptying Nest: Living Forward When the Heart Keeps Going Back

Character · Christianity · Empty Nest · Middle Age · middle-age · Ministry · Mothering · Parenting · parenting · pastor's wife · Relationships · Uncategorized · Women

Mom’s Life Lesson: “Never Say Never”

Looking back at my younger self at times makes me smile; other times, I cringe. I grew up in the eighties with big hair, big dreams, and big ideas about how the world worked.  When I look into those eyes from the eighties, I see one who was very clueless and too often didn’t know it.… Continue reading Mom’s Life Lesson: “Never Say Never”

Biblical beauty · Christianity · Confidence · Middle Age · Mothering · Parenting · Perserverence · Uncategorized · Women

Beyond the Body: The Real Wonder of Womanhood

Last week, Kim Kardashian made the news…again. I confess that I usually just ignore any and all news surrounding the Kardashian family. In fact, I had to Google their name to make sure I spelled it correctly.  Apparently, she and another woman (who I didn’t bother to Google) decided they would post pictures of themselves on… Continue reading Beyond the Body: The Real Wonder of Womanhood

Boundaries · Character · Christianity · Confidence · Empty Nest · Middle Age · Mothering · Parenting · parenting · Perserverence · Relationships · Uncategorized · Women

Secrets of Those Middle-Age Moments That No One is Telling You

“How old are you again, Mom? 44, 42, 46…?” She was always someone different, not the face I see daily in the mirror.  It feels very surreal to speak it, let alone put it in writing:  I am a middle-aged woman. I only answer so they stop before they insult me.  “I am almost 47.”… Continue reading Secrets of Those Middle-Age Moments That No One is Telling You