Mom groups. They're awesome. They're so helpful. I would have been sunk without the online mom group I joined when I was pregnant with my first 9 years ago. There is nothing like being able to share the joys and miseries of the particular stage you are in at that moment. I have learned a … Continue reading Is Your Mom Group Stealing Your Peace?
Verities
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The Fruit of Pruning
Pruning is a careful but severe act. A branch that is pruned does not look the same. The branches that are pruned sometimes look hopelessly dead--for a time. The gardener doesn't only cut stems of the branch that are unhealthy but ones that are perfectly good. These cuts are not to harm the branch but … Continue reading The Fruit of Pruning
Dogs, a Toddler, and Spiritual Authority
Dogs We have two big, black dogs. They look so intimidating if they're leaning on the fence and barking at you. They are each at least 80 lbs and one of them, Lady, can rest her chin on the kitchen counter. If she were allowed. But they are not allowed in our kitchen. We have … Continue reading Dogs, a Toddler, and Spiritual Authority
Word of the Year – 2017 : Order
Happy New Year! I was thinking over the last couple of days about the new year and resolutions, and asked myself why I am not a new year's resolution kind of person. Turns out, I have zero resolve. If I am going to do anything of significance (or even of no real significance) I do … Continue reading Word of the Year – 2017 : Order
Christmas is for December 26
We did it. We made it through the rushing bustle of errands and lists and mailing and wrapping and baking and entertaining, all while trying to savor the moments. And now maybe the family is heading home and the tree is shedding needles and there's still a load of clothes in the washer and no one … Continue reading Christmas is for December 26
What Are the Greater Things?
Were you one of the highly impressionable, highly motivated, highly committed young people who was determined to "do great things for God" when you were younger? I remember those days. Nothing was good enough unless it was God's best. No career choice was weighed unless it wouldn't interfere with the possibility of mission work. No … Continue reading What Are the Greater Things?
Do We Prohibit Greatness in our Children?
You can be anything--if it's safe. When our children are young, we see glimpses of who or what they can become. It is exciting to think of what careers or accomplishments they may set out toward. Our oldest has all the great qualities of a teacher. She has a very creative ability to think of … Continue reading Do We Prohibit Greatness in our Children?
The Most Significant Question I’ve Been Asked This Year
The most significant question I've been asked this year is, "Where is your faith?" Sam asked it of me when I was having a pretty ridiculous freak out about projects I wanted done before the baby was born. I was probably a few weeks out from my due date, he was up to his ears … Continue reading The Most Significant Question I’ve Been Asked This Year
Questions for Christians in Light of Charlottesville
There have been so many words swirling around in the last several days, I am reluctant to add mine to them. But in light of the recent news, and the recent backlash--from everyone, in all directions--I was moved by these words from Psalm 97: The Lord reigns. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his … Continue reading Questions for Christians in Light of Charlottesville
School bus appreciation week
I was just outside enjoying my coffee in the not-blistering heat this morning when I heard our school bus making its practice run. I almost ran around to the front yard to jump up and down in the lawn and wave to our bus driver, Mr. Ricky. He's been our faithful school bus driver for … Continue reading School bus appreciation week