Character · Christianity · Discipleship · Perserverence · Relationships · Uncategorized

Extreme Grace: Second Mile Living

In the midst of a world gone mad, today I learned another lesson in grace. I thought I had learned all I needed to know about grace, but I was wrong.  We say it often as Christians:  “When we are weak, then He is strong…” but it’s too easy often to just say it, rather… Continue reading Extreme Grace: Second Mile Living

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

Character · Christianity · Discipleship · Middle Age · Ministry · Perserverence · Women

When You Dread Change and New Year’s Eve

I really don’t care for New Year’s Eve. There is no easy way to say that without sounding like a real downer. If New Year’s Eve could be celebrated around 7 p.m. maybe I would find it enjoyable.  I don’t remember the last time I willingly saw midnight.  Unless it involves a sick child, a hospital visit,… Continue reading When You Dread Change and New Year’s Eve

Character · Christianity · Discipleship · leadership · Ministry · Mothering · pastor's wife · pastoring

Knocking the Chip off the Shoulder: Defeating Defensiveness

I’ve been in ministry for a long time.  I guess I’ve been in life a long time, too.  Perhaps that makes me old, though, I prefer to call it seasoned.   My husband and I have led a variety of people over the years. Most are amazing people to lead. But there is one population that… Continue reading Knocking the Chip off the Shoulder: Defeating Defensiveness

Adoption · Adoption · Attachment Disorder · Character · Christianity · Discipleship · Family Life · Ministry · Mothering · Parenting · parenting · pastor's wife · pastoring · Perserverence · Special Needs Children · Special Needs Moms · Uncategorized

Loving Those Porcupine People

It’s easy to love people who love me. I feel so good inside when I’m with those people.  Elated and strong; I’m on top of the world when I find someone who returns my love with more love. And then there is everyone else. The not-so-nice, not-so-friendly, not-so-happy, porcupine people who are just very difficult… Continue reading Loving Those Porcupine People

Adoption · Biblical beauty · Character · Christianity · Discipleship · Family Life · Friendship · Middle Age · Ministry · Mothering · Parenting · pastor's wife · Perserverence · Special Needs Children · Women

Big Girls Don’t Cry?

   Last weekend I attended a women’s conference for women in ministry.  We took a personality style test that revealed how others perceive you.  After twenty-eight questions, I came away with the title of “The Victor” which as I already know fits this type-A, reformed control freak and perfectionist to a tee. The problem started when… Continue reading Big Girls Don’t Cry?

Character · Christianity · Discipleship · Middle Age · Ministry · Parenting · pastor's wife · Perserverence · Women

When You Feel Paralyzed by Perfect

  This week I failed at something I thought was pretty important. You probably wouldn’t consider it much of a failure, nor would anyone else who was around me at the time.  Unfortunately, I’ve spent the past few days replaying it over and over in my mind. Maybe you do that to.  Probably not a good idea… Continue reading When You Feel Paralyzed by Perfect

Boundaries · Boundaries for children · Boundaries for kids · Christianity · Confidence · Discipleship · Family Life · Ministry · Mothering · Parenting · parenting · Perserverence · Special Needs Children · Special Needs Moms · Uncategorized

Helping Our Kids (and Ourselves) Navigate the Green When Life Just Doesn’t Care

  The frustration was building on her face.   She would not look my way.  Perhaps it was to stay focused; most likely it was to keep from letting the tears escape. My heart hurt as I watched this girl of mine struggling to keep her composure.  Golf is a long game.  It is one thing to… Continue reading Helping Our Kids (and Ourselves) Navigate the Green When Life Just Doesn’t Care

Christianity · Discipleship · Ministry · pastor's wife · pastoring · Uncategorized

Handle with Care When Speaking for God

  I spend a lot of time talking with parents about raising kids who are “fun to be with.”  Some days I find myself in a similar position as a pastor’s wife trying to help “adult” children learn this art. I love what I do.  However, there are those moments where I find myself shaking my… Continue reading Handle with Care When Speaking for God