Two summers ago, Dad passed away. Mom suffered a literal broken heart, and followed him into Eternity less than four months later. Then a cascade of events happened that nearly erased my connection to my hometown. I haven’t been back since the estate sale. It’s the longest stretch I’ve ever been … [Read more...] about When It Feels Like You’ve Lost Home
eternity
What to Do When the Dream Dies Again
Sometimes I wonder if parents have a special love language toward their children. I’m talking about how good it feels to give them a gift, to help them fulfill a dream. Nothing much like it in parenting, I think. Even Scripture says all parents want to give good gifts to their children (Matthew … [Read more...] about What to Do When the Dream Dies Again
Receiving the Baton
Certain slices of life mamas never forget. Like the early days and weeks after bringing new babies home from the hospital. I especially remember the part their grandma played. Each time my mama showed up at just the right time. Brought all the right treats. Did all the right things. … [Read more...] about Receiving the Baton
Tweaking Tradition, Part 1
Tradition is not a neutral word. Like college football, or Jesus, or anything political, it evokes a strong emotion, reflecting how traditions have played out in our lives. I, too, have had a love-hate relationship with traditions over the past few years. The following article was first … [Read more...] about Tweaking Tradition, Part 1
Embracing the Seasons
“This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made…” My oldest child’s beautiful voice pierced the strained silence on her first day of Kindergarten. Adult tears flooded the front seat of that minivan as an innocent, trusting faith poured out in the back. With a … [Read more...] about Embracing the Seasons
Echoes in Eternity
“You are my hero,” she said. It echoed inside my head for months. I felt the deep inaccuracy in her words from the start. This vibrant woman full of life and grace and love, had no business looking up to me. But her enthusiastic rallying for others is part of her charm and part of her … [Read more...] about Echoes in Eternity