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
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?
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
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
I have a great marriage. I needed to clarify this before I begin this post just in case you interpret this as a rant against my husband. It’s not. My husband is a great man. However, after over 20 years of marriage, there are still some things that I am surprised he doesn’t understand about… Continue reading Things Wives Wish Their Husbands Would Remember
This year I did something new with my youngest child for the Christmas season. She struggles the most with the getting the “gimmies” at Christmas. I needed something to get the focus off of her, and on to others. Somebody recommended filling a stocking with the needs of people throughout the season and praying for… Continue reading When You Are Waiting for a Christmas Miracle
There are few things more frustrating to a parent than an arguing child. The days and hours fly past us enough already, so who has time to argue over every little thing? Unfortunately, even the youngest child can be masterful at arguing and it’s easy to get sucked into the vacuum early on. There is no need… Continue reading BRAT TALK: Kids Who Like to Argue
“It’s a terrible thing to grow old.” He said it with tears in his eyes and a trembling voice. I was in a mad rush to leave the country for a week. There was a plane to catch, kids to place, luggage to grab. In the midst of the busyness of my morning, I suddenly noticed this… Continue reading Refusing to Give Regret the Right to Rule
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
