At my house, getting out the door, especially to church, is almost an Olympic event. There are wardrobe crises, tired teenager tensions, sibling struggles—at times it’s more a combat zone than a home. I’ve observed many families with the same struggles. But isn’t it amazing how our attitudes change when we finally clamor into church […]
Category: Family Life/Caregivers
The Serenity Prayer
We have just begun a new year. Hopes are high, goals are made, and efforts are in place to accomplish what we have set out to do. One thing is for sure: surprises await us all. Some will be great, and some will be painful. I have found the following prayer and its personal application […]
Wishing for Something Different
All was quiet in the office that day—all but the questions and quandaries that had plagued their minds over the past year. The doctor’s confirmed diagnosis resolved one set of questions, raised another set of questions, and removed their hope for a better outcome. Nothing was unusual in the months that followed—pain persisted, friendships faded, […]
Thanksgiving
I’ve got a love affair going with Thanksgiving. It has been going on for over seventy years, as far back as I can remember. Hands down, it’s my favorite holiday of all. Here’s why. First of all, it seems to blend together all we Americans hold precious and dear—without the sham and plastic mask of […]
Remember to Forget
Post-it® notes and personal lists . . . where would we be without them? If you are anything like most folks I know, we use them for reminding us of things to do, meetings to attend, appointments to keep, and events to celebrate. In fact, on my desk right now I have seven different Post-it® […]
One Step at a Time
by Michael Woods adapted by Colleen Swindoll Thompson Don Bennett was on top of the world. He was wealthy; he owned a ranch, an eight-bedroom waterfront home on Mercer Island, and a ski chalet. Life was good, until everything changed. A boating accident resulted in Don losing his right leg; and while he was in […]
Playing Hooky
Laughter is key to a full life. This week, I tripped, spilled, stumbled, tumbled, and fumbled. I would assume you have your own stories as well. But have you learned to laugh at such mishaps? I hope you will, as I have, because laughter brings freedom and joy to life. Over time, I found one […]
An Advocate
When I read this, I thought of you and all of us who care for loved ones in need. An Advocate by Charles R. Swindoll Job is portrayed as “blameless, upright, fearing God, and turning away from evil” (Job 1:1) . . . and yet the bottom drops out of his world. He loses everything […]
Back to School
It’s back-to-school time! I’m guessing some parents (including me) are delighted, and most kids are disappointed. Kids tend to ask lots of questions before school begins: “Will I be riding the bus?” “Who is my teacher?” “Are the kids nice?” “Do I wear regular clothes or a uniform?” But kids don’t ask questions just about […]
Where Are You Looking?
I was lonely and asked the Lord to speak to me. I received a letter from a dear friend, but I didn’t hear the Lord’s voice. I was grieving and asked the Lord to comfort me. A friend stopped by and sat with me as I cried, but I asked the Lord to comfort me. I was […]
The Sandbox
I came across this story on the Internet. Rock in the Sandbox Author Unknown A little boy was spending his Saturday morning playing in his sandbox. He had with him his box of cars and trucks, his plastic pail, and a shiny, red plastic shovel. In the process of creating roads and tunnels in the […]
A Tough Assignment
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” How familiar we are with Paul’s penciled words; Paul’s oft-used salutation rests upon God’s grace in salvation and peace that comes through the work of Jesus Christ. The subject matters vary: to the Romans, he wrote of unshakable truths for the […]