Life can be undeniably rugged. I was reminded of this while watching a reality show filmed in Alaska. The family homestead was in constant motion. Kids galore, parents, and grandparents were feeding animals, harvesting fields, storing up for winter’s blast, which was right around the corner. Certainly, no one was sittin’ round the campfire—it was […]
Category: Family Life/Caregivers
Five Holiday Hacks When You’re on The Hunt
I stumbled over my shopping cart last Saturday when I saw shelves competing for my retail attention—beautifully displayed decorations for every national holiday between Christmas and Fourth of July. How do they do it? I keep believing I’ll be prepared for the next season of life—just like the local craft stores . . . Hobby […]
Ten Transforming Truths about Batons
I passed the baton last weekend . . . well, sort of. I’ll explain. Baton—you’ve probably heard the word a hundred times, referring to the cylinder-shaped device athletes carry and trade off during races, or maestros use to lead orchestras, or policemen wield for protection. Batons are usually rather small but powerful. Well, my baton […]
Examining the Four Letter Word
Physical therapy? Nope, I’m too busy! I was a few months late for the typical post-op back surgery appointment. I had been a little busy: my son’s small but complicated surgical procedure, two international trips in the summer, several pneumonia illnesses in July, and two broken ribs for my husband in August . . . […]
For the Sake of the Children
This is a guest post by Barb Piel. Barb received her master of arts in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary and formerly served as managing editor and assistant writer in the Creative Ministries Department at Insight for Living Ministries. Barb counts herself especially blessed to have enjoyed more than two decades of ministry in […]
The Hardest Questions to Ask
I love great, big hugs and hellos, happy celebrations with hearty laughter. But I dread goodbyes. When it comes to family and saying goodbye, I’m a crier. Today was one of those “I’m going to cry and say goodbye” days. My son Austin had arrived at the end of June to help us look after […]
Wellness: Step One
Paperwork. Need I say more? I could have used a forklift to help me heave the stack of patient forms from the physician’s counter. My medical file exploded this year—and this was just one of many stacks I had already sifted through and signed. Caregivers—people who help other people (which means all of us at […]
What Matters Most When Life Stops You in Your Tracks
“No pain, no gain—get over it!” That’s what I thought until . . . I came out of my mother’s womb running, climbing, trying to fly. I could have been the poster child for ADHD. Having ADHD had its upside. From the age of 19 to 22, I was busy: I spent three priceless years […]
Being a True Friend
He was the kind of friend we all wish for. His name was Jonathan, the son of King Saul and heir apparent. However, Jonathan was a loyal friend to David, the Bethlehem shepherd boy whom God had chosen to succeed Saul as king. Saul was fiercely focused on killing David; Jonathan was fiercely devoted to […]
Mama Bear’s Secret to Changing the World
It was a gamble for sure. I was asked if my son Jon would participate in a social skills development group. “Teenage social skills group”—let’s think about that. Teenage anything can be interesting; social groups, whatever the age, can be quite colorful. Thus, I was skeptical at best and had a few questions for the […]
A Month for Love
It is February. Overcast, chilly, bleak-and-barren February. If you’re not into skiing the slopes, skating on ice, or singin’ in the rain, there’s not a lot outside to excite you. Sure was gracious of God to make it last only twenty-eight days . . . well, sometimes twenty-nine. No wonder bears hibernate at this time […]
Your One Brave Act Today
Years ago, my dad and I used to run together every morning. We ran a few 5Ks and tossed in some 10Ks and a couple half-marathons. The Los Angeles Marathon was coming up, and even though Dad’s schedule didn’t allow time for him to train, I decided to go for it. Hitting the Wall I […]