Truth on a Picture Card
The old theme song from Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood echoed in my ears as I dropped Jon off at school . . . “It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. . . .” Jon and I had left for school on time, reviewed Jon’s affirmation page created for our commute, […]
What If . . .
I used my pinky fingers to drive home from a two-day conference because the temperature of the sunbaked steering wheel was blistering hot. The conference theme was based on a treatment model for those with neurological and/or autism spectrum disorders. While trying not to melt, I mentally reviewed the information I had learned at the […]
Every Second Counts
My son Jon was 9 years old at the time, and we were returning from a doctor’s appointment I will never forget. In the previous three weeks, Jon had regressed so significantly that he could not go to school. All the tests came back unexplainably abnormal. The appointment lasted two grim hours. We left with […]
The Class You Can’t Miss
It was a full house. Parents, students, teachers, and tutors had prepared a day to celebrate students in the summer art class. The students attended classes once a week for six weeks and learned about famous artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Claude Monet. Then the students sat at […]
It Wasn’t about the Gifts
√ Birthday cake √ Plates √ Napkins √ Cake with Smurfs √ Candles (16) √ Punch √ Ice √ Plastic utensils √ Cards √ Balloons √ Final gifts (still looking) I strolled slowly up and down the same aisles I had for years, looking for a few final gifts for my son Jon’s 16th birthday. […]
When God Gives Detours on Your Road Trip
It was a road trip vacation for the Swindoll-Thompson family . . . a 2,288-mile road trip to be exact. At 1:00 a.m. on the morning we were to leave, I was doing some last-minute packing. I reached into my clothing drawer, never expecting to uncover a little framed school picture of my son Jon […]
Those In-Between Days
While reading some Old Testament stories the other day, I began to wonder about the days, months, seasons, and years that passed which were not included in the Scriptures. The stories of Abraham, Noah, Joseph, Elijah, and David contain incredible accounts of God’s provision, protection, and providence. Though we can read these narratives in one […]
Desoto
I recognized my daughter Ashley’s phone number on caller ID and answered right away. “Hi, Sweetie!” No sound . . . “Hello? Honey, is that you?” No response . . . “Ash, can you hear me . . . where are you?” I looked to see if the phone was connected, and it was. In […]
Treasures
What first comes to mind when you hear the word treasure? Don’t think too hard . . . in fact . . . I say treasure; you say ___________. Honestly, my first thought was Treasure Planet, a movie my son Jon chose for us to watch recently. Next, I thought of the Disneyland ride “Pirates […]
No Shortcuts
I have something to confess. I HATE traffic! Not just slightly dislike or patiently endure . . . I simply hate traffic! I’ve tried listening to books on tape, MP3s, podcasts, and radio . . . but driving still seems like a waste of time. No surprise! Many life lessons are learned in circumstances we […]
Something to Remember
What first comes to mind when you hear the word season? I first think of the seasons of the year . . . summertime and swimming pools, fall leaves and football games, winter as a wonderland, and April showers bringing spring flowers. Each season holds memories we cherish. Each season carries with it moments of […]
Family Rules
If you ever feel stressed, a bit cranky, or as though you’ve been hit by a bus, this blog post is for you. It was the last day of school, and my son Jon cheered with delight on our drive home. Outwardly, I applauded him for his learning and growth; inwardly, I felt . . […]