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...
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...
In life, we expect to have certain defining moments, but we think we know what they will be: a graduation, a first job, a wedding day, a new baby. But what happens when a new “milestone” pops up and changes the trajectory you thought you had?
In the months after Joey’s Down...
The day Joey was diagnosed with Down syndrome, we left the geneticist’s office with a book called Babies with Down Syndrome: A New Parents’ Guide. In the introduction, the editor encourages the parent carrying the weight of the heavy burden to take lots of pictures of their...
“I have to admit, Lord, I don’t really understand what You are doing here.”
I walked around my neighborhood, praying as I took in some fresh air. Praying for my husband, my children, some dear friends… and I realized I had been praying some of these same prayers over and...
I couldn’t sleep, I wasn’t eating. A knot twisted my stomach. I couldn’t focus on tasks that required more brain power than folding laundry. I was utterly consumed.
What was wrong? you ask. What hardship were you suffering that so consumed you?
Absolutely nothing.
My...
You guys, I am gearing up for a new season of ministry. A new website is coming. (Yay!) A new newsletter is in the works. (Woohoo!) And maybe one or two other new things that you’ll just have to wait to hear about……….
And as I prepare for the new, I’m reflecting...
Contentment doesn’t always come naturally to me. An argument with my teenager leaves me frustrated with my parenting skills. My husband works late, and I inwardly groan about having to handle bedtime solo–not to mention the loss of an evening with my favorite person. A friend’s...
A few years ago, I found myself drowning in life, fighting to drudge up the motivation to do more than the most basic of tasks. Not because anything especially bad was happening, but because not much of anything was happening. Life just felt too… normal. All around me I saw...
When I went through childbirth classes, our instructor admonished us not to tense up during contractions. She encouraged us to relax instead so they could do what they were intended to do. Tensing up and fighting the pain only prevents the contractions from accomplishing their purpose. The less...