[This devotion first appeared at Proverbs 31 Ministries.] “Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.” Galatians 6:9 (NASB) One day when I was picking up my daughter, Monica, from elementary school, she realized she had forgotten something and had to go back […]
[This article first appeared in Ann Voskamp’s blog.] I remember the day I parked at my children’s elementary school to get a glimpse of what they were like on the playground. I witnessed in horror as my ten-year-old son, Tim, played a game in which he was throwing numerous little girls to the ground. He […]
As I raised my three children, I would often wonder how they’d remember their childhoods. Would they look back in delight or shriek in horror? We all have good and bad days, and I desperately wanted my kids to remember the good days and somehow forget the bad ones. Pondering this I thought back to […]
One of a parent’s worst parenting challenges is when your child throws a temper tantrum. I remember back to one of my boys at the age of four in the middle of the hallway of our home completely pitching a fit. He was crying, screaming, flaring his arms and body about, and pounding the floor. […]
Sometimes the things which keep us up at night and challenge us the most turn out to be the most rewarding. When my daughter, Monica, was born I felt a sense of overwhelming emotions. But the overriding feeling was fear. Fear I would mess her up. Fear I would make mistakes. Fear I would ruin […]
If you searched the whole planet, I doubt you’d find anyone wiser or kinder or more enjoyable than Dr. Jim Burns. Every word out of his mouth pours wisdom. I couldn’t be more thrilled about his new book “Have Serious Fun.” He’s been a thought leader and family advocate for decades and I am so […]
I witnessed something peculiar the other day. My grandson was playing outside, and I was watching him ride his bike. I noticed a teenage girl who looked to be about fifteen or sixteen. She walked down the street and stopped and was on her phone texting. I said hello and ask if she were waiting […]
I’ve heard many sad stories of adult children who ceased to have a relationship with their parents. “My kids don’t talk to me.” “After the divorce my kids sided with their mother.” “I haven’t seen my daughter for over two years.” “I stopped by my son’s house to drop off a gift for my grandson’s […]
What’s your truth? My truth is I’ve struggled a lot through life. I’m a recovering bulimic, codependent, obsessed mom, people-pleaser, over-eater, and over-dieter. After living in bondage I learned how to live in grace. It’s an ongoing process. One thing I know for certain is that life is better being a grace-spreader instead of a […]
“Lord, please give me the strength and wisdom to get through today. Please Lord, I need energy—I’m not asking for extra—just enough to do everything I need to today.” Many days started like that, but on this particular day it was not one of those parenting days, in fact, all was well—superb even. My day […]
