“Because words can build a bridge” or “Why I blog and why you should too”

Thumbnail image for “Because words can build a bridge” or “Why I blog and why you should too” January 31, 2012

Two years and one job ago.
I sat across from the man I love on the bed we’ve loved in since we were first married ten years before. I sat and smacked fist into palm and said it again and again and again, “But this can’t be what I’m supposed to do with my life.”
And there [...]

Read the full article →

On seeing our {kids’} mistakes in perspective

Thumbnail image for On seeing our {kids’} mistakes in perspective January 23, 2012

My first born, he’s just like me.
Starts the day out with a gold ribbon ceremony for showing honor, courage, responsibility at school and all he can think about is the reprimand that ended his school day.

All praise clouded out by a finger shaken in his direction. His breath fogs up the glasses that hide his [...]

Read the full article →

What a mother needs to keep running so that she doesn’t end up running away

January 11, 2012

I’m a mini van-driving mom. And I love it. Both being a mom and my sky blue mini van with enough room for another parent, my three kids, a couple of their friends and all the random collection of back packs, soccer balls, swords and snacks that inevitably make the journey with us.
This week I’m [...]

Read the full article →

When God moves into the neighborhood

Thumbnail image for When God moves into the neighborhood December 12, 2011

It hasn’t snowed here yet. It’s been unseasonably warm. When Zoe and I walk to pick Jackson up from Kindergarten the sun warms us in ways unexpected for December. I’ve been able to say more yes to the playground than no.

But the radio sings of winter. It plays song after song of worship that sounds [...]

Read the full article →

Five Minute Friday: Color

Thumbnail image for Five Minute Friday: Color December 9, 2011

It’s Friday.
Let’s do it. Let’s just write without worrying if it’s just right or not.
For only five short, bold, beautiful minutes. Won’t you join me?
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. Most importantly: leave a comment for the person [...]

Read the full article →

The hard work of liking our kids, not just loving them

Thumbnail image for The hard work of liking our kids, not just loving them November 21, 2011

There are frayed edges of motherhood that aren’t often talked about. Those places where we’re holding onto our temper with one hand and the belief that things have got to get better eventually with the other.
One night that place rocks me hard as I rock my baby girl in one arm and cell phone cradled [...]

Read the full article →

How to feel productive on your most unproductive days

Thumbnail image for How to feel productive on your most unproductive days November 7, 2011

When he tells me his head hurts and my stroking it doesn’t help, I know he’s sick for real and not just for sympathy. His younger brother and sister are just emerging from the fever and croup he’s headed into. It’s Saturday and the US Marine museum outing has been traded for Netflix, mama’s bed, [...]

Read the full article →

Because children are in the eye of the beholder

Thumbnail image for Because children are in the eye of the beholder November 2, 2011

He’s wearing nothing but the blue camo underroos when he comes running at me.

I barely have time to brace before all that stocky, nearly-four-year-old life slams into my knees. Amazing, to be missed like this.
Today he asks me to wave from the door while he chops down that oak tree in the front yard. The [...]

Read the full article →

Things our parents could have told us about parenting

Thumbnail image for Things our parents could have told us about parenting October 26, 2011

How heavy a baby is.
How that tiny, new human being can cripple a back with endless nights of swaying and leaning and crouching over a crib to listen to her breathe. They could have mentioned the ache you’d feel at the pit of your heart when she smiles or burps or rolls over.
Perhaps they could [...]

Read the full article →

Maybe the best way to get over yourself

Thumbnail image for Maybe the best way to get over yourself October 12, 2011

I like sleep.
I like spending hours reading books, alone, in perfect quiet, in a pool of sunlight on a late fall afternoon.
I like a clean and tidy house. I like to eat food while it is still hot. I like clean clothes. I like to brush and style my hair in more than 2 minute [...]

Related Posts with Thumbnails
Read the full article →

← Previous Entries