I spent so many years trying to control my kids. Every misbehavior, every bad attitude, felt like a direct reflection on me. Clearly I had failed. Clearly I was a failure.
This is toxic thinking, friend, and it is not from the Lord. He knows just as well as we do—better than we...
Lent is an uncomfortable season. By design. Before the joy and light of Easter, Lent reminds us of the grief and darkness that came first. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s victory over death, we should be reminded of the brokenness that preceded the defeat of our enemy. We should...
“I hope when the kids are grown, the mom they remember is the one who took them to the zoo and played board games and baked cookies with them, not the one who completely lost her cool over the dumbest things,” I laughed to my husband. But the joking tone couldn’t completely mask...
I have to tell you… I cried a little when I saw this picture. Like, real, actual tears.
No, it’s not because I love Hobby Lobby that much. (I DO love the Lobby, though. I’m not gonna lie.) And it’s not because Grace was coming home with more art supplies. (OK, maybe a...
“Mommy, look! Look what I have for you!”
No sooner had I heard the opening of the front door than my kindergartner’s voice filled the house. He was absolutely bursting with excitement, his face alight with joy and love. He had brought me a present. He had brought me… a...
As an adoptee, I’ve spent many an hour wondering about nature versus nurture. What traits have I inherited? What have I learned from my environment? What makes me who I am? In other words, who do I have to thank—or blame —for me?
These questions became even more poignant as...
If 2020 has taught me one thing, it is that I must have deep tear ducts. I have cried more in the past four months than I ever dreamed possible. I cried when we cancelled Joey’s birthday party, when schools closed for the remainder of the year, when I couldn’t visit my dad in the...
If I’m being honest, last week was a bit of a roller coaster here. Some great moments, and some rather tear-filled ones. I’m still feeling a little whiplashed.
And, you know, that’s life. Ups and downs. Good days and hard days. This too shall pass. We know all of this, but when...
A few years ago, I thought it would be a good idea to teach my kids the Westminster shorter catechism. And it would have been a good idea, actually, but my enthusiasm fizzled out quickly. (In case you were under the delusion that I have it all together as a parent, rest assured. I...
