I spend a lot of time talking with parents about raising kids who are “fun to be with.” Some days I find myself in a similar position as a pastor’s wife trying to help “adult” children learn this art. I love what I do. However, there are those moments where I find myself shaking my… Continue reading Handle with Care When Speaking for God
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…
Do you ever find yourself doubting God? As a pastor’s wife, I have discovered that ministry is really hard work. We all have great dreams when we begin. Things that we firmly believe God has called us to fulfill. But it doesn’t take long before you realize what a challenge it can be! Eventually you… Continue reading “Did God Really Say…?”
I tried hard this morning. I really did. But no matter the “holiday”, my internal alarm clock went off as usual. The sounds and smells of morning and my coffee pot are irresistible to me. So here I am so very early, enjoying my coffee, listening to the sounds of the birds singing their “holiday”… Continue reading Remembering Our Little Moments of Peace
I seem to have knack for weird parenting encounters. Last week I listened to a mother drone on and on about why her son was a problem. This kid is a typical pre-adolescent boy; creative…lazy…and as his mother explained, a trouble-maker. He would fall into the “not EVER fun to be with” camp. Now Mom… Continue reading Brat Talk: Great Expectations and Eliminating all of Mama’s Excuses
Last week I went to an estate sale. This was a first for me. I was unprepared for the feelings I had walking through that condo touching all the personal things that this woman had collected over the years. Each item seemed to tell a story about this woman I had never met. My thoughts… Continue reading “Once Upon a Time, There was a Mom…”
I just spent the most wonderful two hours today with a friend. We laughed, cried, drank way too much coffee, prayed, and yes, opened up to each other by sharing some of our deepest struggles with our kids. As I reflect upon those special moments, I realize how much we need each other to navigate… Continue reading The Power of Friendship
It is Easter weekend and my home is alive with excitement as we celebrate the resurrection that makes Christianity unique and beautiful. The eggs are boiled, the dyes ready, the candy hid. I am ready. But as I sit here this morning, my heart is strangely irritated with something that has been eating at me.… Continue reading In Pursuit of a Cross…or a Stage?
CONSISTENCY. Is there any other word that strikes fear into the hearts of people more than this word? This word follows us into every area of life: diet, exercise, devotions, and yes, parenting. Last week at church, I was enjoying conversation with another mom. You know how rare that can be when kids are around! … Continue reading Brat Talk: Consistency, Consistency, Consistency…Any Questions?
