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 […]
“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. […]
Where Did January Go?
Do you ever wish to find more than just bills in your mailbox? For many of us, “the great bill pile” stacks up on our kitchen tables while we sit by hoping “the mail fairy” shows up and whisks it all away. Frankly, I wish the mail fairy would swing by my mailbox before I […]
Changing Our Minds, Changing Our Lives
The opening line of the sermon was: “What you believe about life affects everything about how you live your life.” The congregation quieted and heard once again: “What you believe about life affects everything about how you live your life.” Sometimes we believe happiness will eventually show up, or we might suppose, “If I do […]
Good Attitude
In his book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl wrote these amazing words: We who lived in the concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last pieces of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken […]
Teenagers Can Be Terrific Teachers
Teenagers are a unique group of people. They can text 4,000 words a second but can’t speak in complete sentences. They remember 8,000 e-mail addresses but claim memory loss on trash day. They sustain electric energy during all-night social events but become comatose at two-hour family functions. I have four teenagers. Four teenagers whose hormones […]