“Mom. Mom. Mom?” My five-year-old has somehow turned my name into a nerve-grating curse word. Although I try to smile and respond with patience, my husband will chuckle because he knows…oh man, does he know. Sometimes we just need to hear our name–our real name–and not have a sticky hand patting our shoulder for attention. […]
When You Feel Frustrated with Life
I’m a recovering control freak. I’d like to keep the upper hand, but someone always has a little more umph. You know what I’m talking about? My circumstances rarely submit to my commands. Funny how life doesn’t have to listen to you. But, I’m starting to get used to it. And I’m ever-so-slowly learning that […]
These 4 Phrases Can Change Your Life
The American Institute of Health estimates that 75-90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related problems. Research shows that 75-98 percent of mental, physical, and behavioral illness comes from one’s thought life (Dr. Caroline Leaf). When I read Proverbs 31:25, I delight in the possible and cringe at how far off […]
When You Feel Unacceptable to Those You Love
Too much. Too intense. Too crazy. Too opinionated. Too controlling. Too active. Too passionate. Too angry. Too expressive. Too eager… [this self-talk swirled my thoughts down the toilet] Someone would tell me to just “calm down” and I’d feel like screaming. I’d share my opinions and I’d get a head shake or smirk in response […]
Amusing Moments for Dad: Yes, You Are Appreciated!
Okay, let’s be real honest here: fathers often get the rotten piece of the pie. That doesn’t even make sense (who has had rotten pie?), but you know what I mean. The masses applaud moms and say, “Thanks for making the sacrifices, thanks for always being there, thanks for loving me when I wasn’t lovable,” […]
Making Summer Count
I initially thought I’d put a tagline on the title–something like, Parenting Your Kids Away from Selfishness–but then I thought, ya know, these concepts are really for everyone. For the first time in several years, I’m not teaching a summer course for Regent U. At first, I wasn’t overly excited, since I get paid per […]
3 Ways to Protect Yourself Against Temptation
Last night I read a Bible-story about Jesus to Landon. I’ll admit, sometimes I read without letting the Holy Spirit influence me as well; news flash, it’s not just for the kids. Page 8 caused me pause. “But Satan, the enemy who had spoiled God’s world, wanted to stop Jesus from doing God’s work. “He […]
5 Things To Do In Front Of Your Kids & 5 Things to Avoid
Corbin often comes up to me, asking, “Mommy, will you play a game with me?” Although I love to play games, I have to force myself to relinquish my to-do list and sit down in the middle of the afternoon to play cards or Checkers. I know full well that game playing is my son’s […]
Reliance vs. Responsibility
“If our identity is in our work, rather than Christ, success will go to our heads, and failure will go to our hearts.” ~Timothy Keller In case you haven’t already figured this out, I write for myself as much as I write for my readers. Whatever “lesson” I’m learning, I’m still in the process of […]
Go Ahead, Try Me: A Rebel’s View on Authority
Last week my husband came to me regarding an issue at work. Being a respectful rule-follower, he told me his conundrum and wondered if he had done the right thing or not. I laughed, “I’m not the person to be asking.” He has a strong sense of right and wrong and operates out of conviction, […]