Their little faces pressed against the screen looking at me from the porch. My earlier frustration began to dissolve and was replaced quickly by feelings of guilt and compassion as I tried to wrap up my phone conversation. Have you ever been constantly interrupted while trying to have an intense or important conversation? If you have children,… Continue reading BRAT TALK: Helping Kids Learn the Art of Good Interruptions
He looked at me with wide eyes trying hard to make sense of my words. “Really, I mean it. Hasn’t anyone ever told you that you were made to be a rescuer and make this world a better place? Try being a hero, instead of a killer. You were made to be a hero!” He… Continue reading Finding Our Feelers in a “Me” World and Teaching Our Children to 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
She bounces when she walks. It is an outward sign of her inward joy. And she has so much of it. I don’t know how it happened. How it happened that she is so joyful is a mystery because she started life with so little. Almost ten years ago now, they handed her to me. … Continue reading All I Learned About Life From My 4th Grader as She Heads Off to School
It may surprise you to know that this mother and pastor’s wife struggles with intolerance towards “dumb” people. I’m not referring to intellect when I use the term “dumb”…but FOOLISH people who choose over and over to do dumb things. So when I was recently asked to teach our girls how to identify a “fool”, I jumped… Continue reading Mom’s Top 10 Ways to Spot A Fool
Ten girls and three horses. I’ve recently embarked on a journey with a few friends. We’re working with a group of teen girls this summer. My heart breaks as we hear some of their stories. But we move ahead using our horses to teach how life works best when we live it with God in the lead.… Continue reading The Blossoming of Nim and Two Questions Girls Want Answered
Do you ever find yourself doubting God? As a pastor’s wife, I have discovered that ministry is really hard work. We all have great dreams when we begin. Things that we firmly believe God has called us to fulfill. But it doesn’t take long before you realize what a challenge it can be! Eventually you… Continue reading “Did God Really Say…?”
Last week I went to an estate sale. This was a first for me. I was unprepared for the feelings I had walking through that condo touching all the personal things that this woman had collected over the years. Each item seemed to tell a story about this woman I had never met. My thoughts… Continue reading “Once Upon a Time, There was a Mom…”
CONSISTENCY. Is there any other word that strikes fear into the hearts of people more than this word? This word follows us into every area of life: diet, exercise, devotions, and yes, parenting. Last week at church, I was enjoying conversation with another mom. You know how rare that can be when kids are around! … Continue reading Brat Talk: Consistency, Consistency, Consistency…Any Questions?
It was one of those Sundays where I wish the earth could have swallowed him up. What a great lesson in obedience for all those church kids! But here I was facing the moment of truth. Who was in charge? This kid was new to our church…obviously. Sitting in one spot and listening were not… Continue reading “Drag Me!” Dealing With Power Struggles
