Trusting God with our children by stepping back in full faith
As parents ingrained with the need to protect our children at all costs, it can feel impossible to take a step back and allow them to struggle through difficult situations on their own. More so when it feels like God is not helping them the way we want.
When I was a kid, some lady bundled me in winter clothes and threw me into a swimming pool. I think she was my swim teacher—at least, I hope…
Trusting in God’s promises
Once upon a time, we had a failed adoption. Actually, we’ve had more than one, but this particular story is about ‘our’ little boy.
We’d been with birth mama since the beginning of her pregnancy—the doctor appointments, the anxiety-filled 3 a.m. phone calls, the sharp pains, and redemptive joys that come with all things adoption.
A painful surrender
Adoptive paperwork was signed with a…
Overcoming the spirit of fear with children
“What do you want the judge to decide in court tomorrow?” my daughter asked.
“Whatever God wants, I want.”
“But what do you think will happen?”
“I don’t know. I honestly don’t know,” I answered, feeling my chest tighten. And then it came—that oh-so-familiar heart flutter, signaling an anxiety attack.
Since we’ve become a foster family, I’ve grown accustomed to this dance. Heat washed…
Confident parenting: Barefoot before the perfect Father
“Didn’t you know? We live like animals around here,” I said, a bit embarrassed.
The other mom’s face lit up, “Oh, we don’t have screens, either,” she smiled, watching my daughter climbing through our window, cradling a rabbit. “But I did notice your kids don’t wear shoes very often.”
She listed the various times and events she’d witnessed my shoeless children. Funny thing, I don’t recall…
Giving grace instead of advice
Keep the advice—I’ll take the sucker
Sometimes mamas need help and advice. But all the time, they need grace.
Once upon a time, at Trader Joes, I allowed my three angels to push their own mini-carts. So—they decided to play bumper carts down the aisle of wine bottles. Smack in the middle of the horrific scene, another mom sauntered by, her two children peacefully pushing one cart and said,…
Why aren’t you calling me?
He didn’t ask me to tuck him in last night. I heard the click of his light and waited for the invitation. Silence.
Why wasn’t my Eli calling for me? Maybe he’s praying, or stretching, or reading with a book light? Was something wrong?!
I’ll tell you what’s wrong—my boy is growing up. And I’m not ready. I crept out of bed and peeked into his room. He looked longer, his jaw a bit wider,…
Three things to do when you don’t know God’s plan
Knowing you may not hold someone you love for much longer leaves the days feeling fresh and fragile. I remember sitting next to my Poppa when he was passing away. I listened carefully for the next breath, knowing any moment the next breath wouldn’t come. I wanted to be with him, inhale deeply next to him, sing to him, pray with him, hold his hand while it was still warm.
I find myself watching…
Summer traditions: Teaching our children to pray for the world
I would love to travel the world with my kids.
I imagine we’d get lost down colorful alleys, pop into restaurants beckoning us with the smell of butter and spice, and marvel at the variety of creation surrounding us.
But right now, we spend most of our time at soccer practice and school drop-off lines. It’s our current life stage, and I adore it.
However, I long to instill a sense of…
Four ways to teach kids the incredible power of words
Our words have a profound impact on those around us. Whether we’re using our speech to build others up or pull them down, what comes out of our mouths is extremely powerful. If you or your children are struggling to choose uplifting words, these tips will help you with taming the tongue and making it obedient to Jesus.
Last week, I had a how-did-my-walls-get-this-dirty kind of day. Our foster…