Christianity · Empty Nest · Middle Age · middle-age · Mothering · parenting · Parenting · Perserverence · Uncategorized · Women

The Emptying Nest: Living Forward When the Heart Keeps Going Back

I just spent the last hour teaching my youngest daughter, Mikayla, to bake cookies. I confess I do everything much later with my fourth child.  She’ll be lucky to tie her shoes by the time she graduates. Today, however, I found myself not just moving slow, but also grumpy during the process.  I’m pretty sure… Continue reading The Emptying Nest: Living Forward When the Heart Keeps Going Back

Character · Christianity · Empty Nest · Middle Age · middle-age · Ministry · Mothering · Parenting · parenting · pastor's wife · Relationships · Uncategorized · Women

Mom’s Life Lesson: “Never Say Never”

Looking back at my younger self at times makes me smile; other times, I cringe. I grew up in the eighties with big hair, big dreams, and big ideas about how the world worked.  When I look into those eyes from the eighties, I see one who was very clueless and too often didn’t know it.… Continue reading Mom’s Life Lesson: “Never Say Never”

Biblical beauty · Christianity · Confidence · Middle Age · Mothering · Parenting · Perserverence · Uncategorized · Women

Beyond the Body: The Real Wonder of Womanhood

Last week, Kim Kardashian made the news…again. I confess that I usually just ignore any and all news surrounding the Kardashian family. In fact, I had to Google their name to make sure I spelled it correctly.  Apparently, she and another woman (who I didn’t bother to Google) decided they would post pictures of themselves on… Continue reading Beyond the Body: The Real Wonder of Womanhood

Boundaries · Character · Christianity · Confidence · Empty Nest · Middle Age · Mothering · Parenting · parenting · Perserverence · Relationships · Uncategorized · Women

Secrets of Those Middle-Age Moments That No One is Telling You

“How old are you again, Mom? 44, 42, 46…?” She was always someone different, not the face I see daily in the mirror.  It feels very surreal to speak it, let alone put it in writing:  I am a middle-aged woman. I only answer so they stop before they insult me.  “I am almost 47.”… Continue reading Secrets of Those Middle-Age Moments That No One is Telling You

Character · Christianity · leadership · Middle Age · Mothering · pastor's wife · pastoring · Perserverence · Uncategorized · Women

Failure Isn’t Fatal and the Times You Fall on Your Butt

It seemed like a good idea at the time. Maybe it was all those Dog Whisperer episodes.  Maybe the hours of natural horsemanship moving horses with a carrot stick made me overconfident. Either way–it was a bad idea. A few months ago, my family adopted the sweetest border collie.  She is 62 pounds of pure… Continue reading Failure Isn’t Fatal and the Times You Fall on Your Butt

Character · Christianity · Discipleship · Middle Age · Ministry · Perserverence · Women

When You Dread Change and New Year’s Eve

I really don’t care for New Year’s Eve. There is no easy way to say that without sounding like a real downer. If New Year’s Eve could be celebrated around 7 p.m. maybe I would find it enjoyable.  I don’t remember the last time I willingly saw midnight.  Unless it involves a sick child, a hospital visit,… Continue reading When You Dread Change and New Year’s Eve

Character · Christianity · Middle Age · middle-age · Mothering · Parenting · Perserverence · Women

Mama Bear Patrol and Cheering on the Next Generation

 I’m not sure how it happens but you know it always does.  Your child says they want to do something and somehow you end up working hard to make it happen. My oldest daughter recently decided she wanted to run a 5k.  I had decided that due to some physical issues and a general lack… Continue reading Mama Bear Patrol and Cheering on the Next Generation

Adoption · Adoption · Character · Christianity · Family Life · Middle Age · middle-age · Ministry · Mothering · Parenting · parenting · Perserverence · Special Needs Children · Special Needs Moms · Uncategorized · Women

My Unresolved Anger with Time

Dear Time, Maybe it’s middle-age. Maybe it’s the chaotic pace of life, or maybe it’s just me, but I find myself angry with you. You loom over me, always reminding me I’ll never finish all that needs to be done.  I’d like to play fair, but how can I when you care nothing for me? No matter… Continue reading My Unresolved Anger with Time