Challenges of Siblings, Part 1 of 3
Most Commonly Reported Challenges of Siblings of Special-Needs Children Many siblings struggle when their brother or sister carries a disability. Challenges arise unexpectedly. Parents are often unsure how to provide help and guidance. The first step to helping the siblings of special-needs children involves knowing where to look for the most common challenges. Here are […]
Honoring Men of Character
As a more serious complement to our previous post, which shed light on the humorous side of being a man, I’ve created my own list, honoring men of character. Men who are called on to provide loving care to individuals who cannot function on their own face sobering realities and unique demands. As you carry […]
It’s a Guy’s Life!
In a sermon about the family called “Looking Back on Things That Matter,” which aired last February as part of the Family Matters series, Chuck read a list of great reasons for being a man. Here is a sample of that list. And speaking as a woman, I think you guys are fantastic. Enjoy. Great […]
Celebrating the Influences of a Mother
The influence our mothers have on us cannot be overestimated—it’s powerful, it’s permanent, and it’s prominent. Powerful. The sixth president of the United States, John Quincy Adams, said this about his famous mother, Abigail, “All that I am my mother made me.” Abraham Lincoln said something similar about his beloved mother: “All that I am […]
Things My Mother Taught Me
This month is dedicated to celebrating women. I realize not everyone who reads this is a woman, but you probably have at least one woman in your life—a mother, your spouse or girlfriend, or a daughter. But whether or not you’re a woman, this fun little piece made me chuckle, and I thought you would […]
Mending Fences
What is it that defines property lines, provides security for kids, and gives privacy for parents? Fences, of course. The one in our backyard happens to be made of wood and, much of the time, is barely standing. It’s been slowly falling due to age, weather, and incessant pounding by our two dogs: Sherman, a […]
Journal
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 Lord, here I am again, full of worry—a subject I bring to You over and over again. It’s about what I believe (Your truth and promises) playing tug of war with what I feel (my emotions and fears). The journey between my head and my heart is the hardest one of […]
Do You Believe?
A Note from Colleen Several years ago, I had the opportunity to speak with Nancy Guthrie, the writer of the following devotional, titled “Do You Believe?” Our talk was brief, and her voice was serene. One wouldn’t have expected this, due to the unspeakable suffering she’d experienced in her family. Two of Nancy’s children, Hope […]
Bubbles
Day One: I heard something scratching in the boys’ bathroom wall . . . not good. Day Two: I heard more scratching and named the source “Godzilla.” Day Three: Godzilla was hungry. I knew this because the scratching intensified. Day Four: I mentioned Godzilla to the kids, asking if they had heard any roaring. I was then informed […]
Committing to the Road Less Traveled
M. Scott Peck began his book The Road Less Traveled with this truth: “Life is difficult.”1M. Scott Peck, The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1978), 15. Writing this reality or reading it is one thing; accepting it is another. Are you wrestling […]
“Believe”: Sometimes Found in Stars over the Porch
My close friend just found out her son was sexually assaulted. In the last 10 years, her son has been diagnosed with the following: intellectual disability; developmental disorders; severe Tourette’s syndrome; learning, behavior, and life skill disorders; and the accompanying challenges related to anxiety and emotions. Believing in God’s goodness was tough for her. Adding […]
Attitude Check
In the last blog post of 2009 I encouraged you (and myself) to toss out the idea of “New Year’s Resolutions” and instead cultivate four areas of character development. The first character trait was directed towards our attitudes. I determine to exhibit a persistent ATTITUDE of praise and to write down three examples each day. […]