Three ways to help a family who just received a cancer diagnosis

Three ways to help a family who just received a cancer diagnosis

Whether you’ve walked alongside someone or faced it yourself, you know there’s never a good time or circumstance to receive a cancer diagnosis—and…


Teaching kids to love their neighbor

Teaching kids to love their neighbor

In the middle of a blizzard, our family loaded up a moving truck and relocated to a new home in a new neighborhood in a new city. Bundled in puffy…


Is it time to reset your focus?

Is it time to reset your focus?

The day we became parents was the day our focus changed. While our attention was once on ourselves, our careers, or our weekend plans, in a moment…


Sharing more than presents this Christmas

Sharing more than presents this Christmas

During the holiday season, it seems the “to-do” list takes on a new meaning. It consistently grows a little bit longer as the hours and the days…


Turning Christmas traditions into teachable moments

Turning Christmas traditions into teachable moments

I loved Christmas long before I loved Christ.  I love candlelight and cozy nights. I love card-making and tree-decorating. I love home-made…


The best gift to give someone who is grieving

The best gift to give someone who is grieving

I’ve tried to put myself out there in new, creative, and excruciatingly hard ways since my husband of twenty-five years went home to be with the…


Honoring your mother-in-law

Honoring your mother-in-law

My mother-in-law and I are complete opposites. She’s extroverted and loves to talk. I’m introverted and prefer to listen. She loves big family…


Widening your family circle through foster care: Five things you need to know

Widening your family circle through foster care: Five things you need to know

“Hey, I hear you’re a foster parent. I’d like to do that one day,” she says eagerly, almost whimsically.  She looks about twenty-six, the same age I…


Three ways to support a family living through a severe childhood illness

Have you ever received that call? You know the one—the dreaded “we heard back from the doctor” call.  When you watch a friend or family member walk…