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
trust
Where is God When We’re Walking Through a Difficult Desert?
June always conjures up memories of the dry heat of a Kansas summer. Until I started traveling more as an adult, it was the closest thing I had experienced to a true desert. Somehow Dad loved summer harvests: the bright sun, with wind like my convection oven, and the challenge those 16-hour … [Read more...] about Where is God When We’re Walking Through a Difficult Desert?
Parenting from Afar (Again)
A couple years ago, I wrote a blog post and then an expanded article (originally published in The Joyful Life Magazine) about parenting from afar in reference to helicopter parenting. It drew numerous comments, so I knew I was onto something. Like yours, my life has changed in many ways since … [Read more...] about Parenting from Afar (Again)
Is God Always Listening?
“Uh-hu…I see…Hmmmm…” In between stories of Littlest Pet Shop and potty training, and questions about bible characters and canned soup, I tried to insert interest. Sort of. My toddler stopped her nonstop banter and put her tiny hands on my cheeks, turning my head toward her. “Mommy, listen … [Read more...] about Is God Always Listening?
If Your New Year Feels Like “2020, Too”
As we tiptoe into Year 3 of a pandemic many of us thought could never happen, I wanted to revisit some of my pre-COVID thoughts. I wanted to see if God still seems faithful, mighty to save, all-powerful, caring. Even more palpable, perhaps, than what is happening with the pandemic is what may be … [Read more...] about If Your New Year Feels Like “2020, Too”
When Christmas Feels Like a Catastrophe
It seemed destined to fail from the start. My three young adult kids decided to start a new tradition. Rather than purchasing ready-made, they wanted to make Christmas gifts for each family member. None of them lived here. They were all busy with college finals and new jobs right up until they … [Read more...] about When Christmas Feels Like a Catastrophe