One winter, my son Austin and I sat on the patio warmed by the embers of a small fire. We laughed over his childhood memories that at the time felt far more chaotic. Back then, I wanted to be a perfect mother—as if there is such a thing. I was like most parents who want their […]
Category: Grief/Encouragement
What Should I Say to Hurting People?
Ever wish you could reach out to a friend in crisis, but you’re just not sure what to say? Most of us tend either to avoid the person or situation altogether or to rush in and say too much. The list below demonstrates some ways you can effectively support people in need. Notice how these […]
Truths to Remember When Times Are Dark
Some people are beautiful . . . even when they cry. I am certainly not one of them . . . especially when I cry. When my heart breaks, tears gush; one little tissue is of no help. I grab the toilet paper ROLL . . . yep, those double-sized, extra strong rolls . . […]
A Double Disaster Daily Survival Guide: What You Must Do Now
The West Coast is no stranger to natural disasters. I was 4 years old when our chandelier began to sway like a playground swing at recess. Time stopped as the earth rocked and rolled beneath our feet. We had just moved to Southern California; none of us knew what to do except hang on for […]
A Life-Changing Way to Look at Your Relatives
We waited more than a year for this day to come. My husband, my son with disabilities, and I arrived early to the courthouse. It was 9:30 in the morning as we walked nervously toward the room that would change my son’s life. My son is now a legal adult. But he will never really be an “adult” as you and I may define adult, unless the Lord chooses to change how he currently functions.
Three Tips for Sitting Securely in the Suck
It was colder than the arctic when I stepped out for an evening walk. I needed space to breathe. Life was anything but balanced; I felt disrupted and tired. Layered in clothes, I resembled an irritated woolly mammoth roaming the frozen tundra trying to figure out which way is north. I don’t do well with […]
Where to Turn When Sorrow Suffocates Seasonal Joy
I remember my first holiday season as a single parent. Surrounded by ringing bells and colorful bows, the only box I wanted to open was a box of Kleenex. Ever been there? You Are NOT Alone! We desperately wish it were the most fun and festive time of the year, but some Christmases aren’t fun […]
Three Essentials That Will Revolutionize Your Holiday Season
Years ago, shortly after Thanksgiving, I learned my son had been horribly assaulted. Suddenly, all thoughts of a joyful holiday vanished. The last thing on my mind was giving thanks. Though the trees displayed the colors of autumn, my heart was the shade of deepest sorrow. I remember two specific things about the holidays that […]
Seizing Life’s Shocking Surprises with Help and Hope
My son Jon let out a yell. Chairs tumbled over, and his cell phone slid across the wood floor. By the time I reached Jon, the grand mal seizure had started. Without warning, Jon’s body was suddenly bombarded by legions of electrical and chemical blasts that slammed him like tidal waves of shock. Let’s all […]
Life Can Be Hard and Full Also
An Interview with Carol Kent
Most parents cringe when the school principal calls you for a meeting about your child. However, the school principal pales in comparison to being called by a prison inmate . . . who is also your child. The last place we expect or desire our child or loved one to live out his or her […]
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What You Must Do to Live Fearlessly
My husband’s work hours have been crazy due to the recent natural disasters. He was called into work every Sunday in October. I had just returned from a speaking engagement. I had yet to unpack . . . I was tired. Church is often a struggle for me. It’s tragically amazing how creative my excuses […]
The Priceless Value of Shattered Things
It’s confession time: I have an addiction. It started years ago. Short on cash but high on creativity, secondhand stores and antique shops became my go-to spots for getting stuff. I figured someone’s trash could become my treasure, with the help of some power tools, paint, and my sewing machine. (Thanks to Pinterest and DIY […]