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
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
I have parented my adopted child for over nine years. I will never be the same. It is the hardest thing I have ever done. On the days I am frustrated, it is good for me to go back and remember how far we have come. I only wish I had known… Continue reading Mom’s Top Ten Survival Tips for Raising Your Child with Attachment Issues
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
Dear Dad, Tomorrow is Father’s Day. You have now been a father for over 50 years. I know now that this is no small task. As a mother for over 18 years, I am beginning to realize the magnitude of the commitment you have made. Not just to me and my siblings, but to the… Continue reading Dear Dad…
