Among the greatest challenges in my life is the journey of parenting. My husband and I want to be loving, encouraging, and Christ-centered. We also know correction, training, and discipline are necessary. Tension rises when imbalances emerge among these various aspects of parenting. With a plan, the tension decreases. My friend, Shelly Wildman, has written…
Parenting
Heart Matters in Early Motherhood
Are you a new mom or know someone who is in the early stages of motherhood? My friend and fellow Redbud Writers Guild member, Sarah Wilson, recently released a new book that ministers to the heart and soul of new moms. I’m excited to share her work and her thoughts today… “I decided to write…
The People in Your World: Decor or Story?
Once upon a time, I shared this plot with parents of teens… “We hope to encourage our sons and daughters to move beyond the ‘decoration’ mindset. Many teens place themselves in the center of universe. Everything revolves around them. Everyone is present to serve their purposes. People, things, places exist as decor in their own…
How to Find the Perfect Christmas Gifts
Shockingly… I saw #ChristmasWishList on Twitter several times yesterday!! It’s only August! The hairs on the back of my neck rose. My heart started to race… How did Christmas become so stressful? As a follower of Jesus, I long for Christmas to focus on His birth. I love the worship celebrations and fellowship that honor the…
Smiles Compliments of my Neighbors
I am grateful for life. When I slow down, I observe the richness of life. May I introduce you to some of my neighbors and beautiful moments? These things spread a smile across my face… A neon pink and brilliant purple sunset The older gentleman walking his bulldog, he waves… they look exactly alike The…
Illusions: Break through the Veil
Illusion: false appearance Illusion: you see one thing… but another aspect is also present Pictures of illusions abound. Nearly everyone is familiar with the old woman/young woman trick on the eyes. Daily illusions I’ve encountered… Fashion consultants recommend vertical stripes to create a tall & thin profile illusion Botox and hair dye create the illusion of youth Manicured lawns…
Parenting: the Gift of Presence
Our children merely want to be with us. I need to go fishing … or shopping or walking in the park or playing in the yard. The parenting debate continues to rage about quality vs quantity. While I do not know how to quantify these numbers, I do know that our children need our presence…
Bread in the Freezer
I need a loaf of bread from the downstairs freezer. I walk down the stairs and notice the nightlight bulb is burned out. I turn around, head to the hall closet to get a new bulb. I pick up my son’s shoes by the front door on my way up. I drop the shoes in his…
Ideas for 12 Days of Christmas with Teenagers
Amidst the occasional chaos of the month of December, how will you spend time with your family? What does Christmas with teenagers look like in your home?? With college-age sons/daughters returning home, high school students frantically finishing assignments before Christmas break, and rehearsals for school concerts and theatre productions along with Christmas shopping, office parties,…
