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”

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

Character · Christianity · Disappointment · Empty Nest · Family Life · Mothering

Life’s Unexpected Twists and Living with the Shame of it All

  Life has a way of turning on you at times, doesn’t it?  Out of nowhere it hits you with the unexpected and leaves you wishing you could just stop and get off the merry-go-round for a while.  Unfortunately, you can’t.  The world keeps spinning and everyone else keeps moving. Somehow you have to try… Continue reading Life’s Unexpected Twists and Living with the Shame of it All

Biblical beauty · Character · Christianity · Empty Nest · Family Life · Ministry · Mothering · Parenting · parenting · Women

A Note to My Daughters about Life and Living

Some days I have to take a break from social media. The news, the grapevine, the problems, and the constant opinions of others agitates me.  A full diet of social media is information overload and emotions overwhelmed and can leave one vacillating between guilt, anger, and fear with the simple scroll of the mouse. As a… Continue reading A Note to My Daughters about Life and Living

Boundaries · Boundaries for children · Christianity · Empty Nest · Mothering · Parenting · Respect for authority

Mom’s Message on Manhood to her Sons, Part II

Dear Son, Please allow me to continue my letter to you on manhood that I started last week.  I know it may still seem strange coming from your mom, but I encourage you to listen closely to the wisdom I’ve gathered from living life with a great man, growing older, and seeing how the world works.… Continue reading Mom’s Message on Manhood to her Sons, Part II

Boundaries for children · Christianity · Empty Nest · Family Life · Middle Age · middle-age · Mothering · parenting · Parenting · Uncategorized · Women

Mom’s Message on Manhood to her Sons, Part I

Dear Son, You may have noticed things changing and I felt it was important to explain to you why. Daily, I’m riddled with frustration over the state of our world and the state of people, in general.  But lately, I’m increasingly frustrated about the state of our boys. The older I get, the more I… Continue reading Mom’s Message on Manhood to her Sons, Part I