Unexpectedly expecting a baby? You can take care of yourself and process your feelings using these strategies for coping with a surprise pregnancy. I don't know about you, but I am not really a happy pregnant person. When I found out in early December that I was unexpectedly expecting our fourth child I wasn't super thrilled about it, because me and pregnancy just don't mix very well. And while sometimes I just want to curl up on the couch and have a nine month long pity party, I know … [Read more...]
On Marriage as Mutual Submission
After my post last fall about the lessons we've learned in 12 years of marriage, a reader asked if I would expand on my thoughts about being equal partners in marriage. I must admit that I am a little nervous about this post, because I realize people on both sides of the issue hold strong ideas and opinions. And I don't pretend to be an expert or have all of the answers. No two marriages are the same and there is no one perfect formula for a happy and fulfilling marriage. However, I truly … [Read more...]
And The Gift Goes On
One of my very favorite things about Christmas is the traditions. Growing up, my family had a tradition of playing Sandi Patty's song "The Gift Goes On" on Christmas morning as we handed out our presents from under the tree. The lyrics say, "And the gift goes on, the Father gave the Son, And the gift goes on, the Son gave the Spirit, And the gift goes on, the Spirit gives us Life, So we can give the gift of Love. And the gift goes on and on and on." As cheesy as the song may now … [Read more...]
30 Practical Items to Pack in an Operation Christmas Child Box
Instead of Operation Christmas Child, I am recommending you choose a gift from World Vision's Gift Catalog this year. Unfortunately, I can no longer recommend that you participate in Operation Christmas Child. I will not support or promote the ministry of an organization that is headed by Franklin Graham after his un-Christlike and anti-Gospel actions during this election year. Also, here are 7 Reasons not to Participate in Operation Christmas Child this Year. … [Read more...]
6 Lessons We’ve Learned in 12 Years of Marriage
"Hey!! Daddy stop scoochin' mommy!!" Our 3 year old pulled on our pant legs as she tried to wedge herself between us while we stood in the kitchen kissing one evening when Jer got home from work. Somehow "scoochin'" has become the term for mommy and daddy kissing in our house and it cracks me up every time. Jer and I have been married for 12 years on September 20th, and I am so thankful to say that we are in the best place our marriage has ever been. We're proud of our relationship because … [Read more...]
Let me tell you a secret: You are an inspiration!
A new friend came over for a playdate last week, and she said something to me, almost in passing, as she was leaving that has stuck with me and I can't get out of my mind. She said to me, "You're such an inspiration." And I was surprised and caught off guard by her comment. It's definitely not something I was expecting her to say. Here's why, this new friend has a PhD in theology (or some other really, really smart thing) from Notre Dame and is now a professor there. She completed her … [Read more...]
4 Things I Want to Say to My Kids Every Day
Several months ago during a Bible Study group we were studying Psalm 90 as a part of the life of Moses. It's a Psalm that talks about how the days of our lives are numbered and will pass away quickly. It can be a little depressing, but one of the ladies in our group shared how she viewed this passage in a different way regarding being intentional with our days and using them to leave a legacy. She encouraged us to count up the number of days we have left to live if we are blessed to live until … [Read more...]
On Parenting with Grace and Second Chances
Last week, I was sitting on the floor with my daughter, helping her sort hundreds of tiny rubber bands by color after I accidentally knocked over her Rainbow Loom band storage box that had been left open and sitting precariously on our dining room bench. As we worked, she talked. (I love that about working side by side with my kids, how they talk and open up, especially when I'm helping them with something.) And she told me something I will cling to as a mother for a long time. "Mom," she … [Read more...]
7 Things That are Saving My Life Right Now…
I stumbled across this post at Modern Mrs. Darcy a month or so ago. I love the idea of keeping a list of things that are saving our lives and giving us life, especially in the midst of heartache, brokenness, grief or painful seasons. So as I emerge from April and walk through the season of grief of the anniversary of my dad's death, I thought I would take a minute to reflect on the things that are saving my life right now. Some of these were intentional steps I took in anticipation of going … [Read more...]
When you realize you are a part of the problem… on assumptions, injustice, and the seeds of change
I'm not completely sure when the shift began. The opening of my mind and heart to the truths of another's experience has been a long process. I'm sure the seeds we're planted when I began reading books that presented a different view of the Gospel than the one I had grown up understanding. I know my heart became softer when I stopped watching the news channel that rhymes with "box" and stopped listening to talk radio. A softer heart meant fertile soil for those seeds to sprout. I know it … [Read more...]
