This is a slightly different kind of post than usual, but I thought you might be interested in two things involving kids. Today only, you can listen to Faith Like a Sprinkler, a Keys for Kids devotional I wrote that was published today. (The link is always good for the daily devotional, but you can only read this particular story…
I had just settled on the couch, grateful to have crossed the day’s finish line with two kids intact and in bed. I eagerly reached for a book I’d been longing to read, when my six-year-old padded out of her room – one bare foot and one slipper-socked foot. I bristled, wondering with the psalmist how long, O Lord? Dear…
I swept crumbs from under the dinner table deep in thought. Three separate sources of words – a book, a phone conversation, and a question – collided, and I puzzled through the fragmented thoughts. Maybe Christ doesn’t want codependence so much as He wants co-laborers? But I don’t even know what that means. I’m all in, God! Even if it’s…
Dear Friend, Happy (slightly early) Fourth of July! After deleting numerous attempts to convey an “appropriate” amount of gratitude for those who have served our country, those currently serving, and especially the One who purchased ultimate freedom for us – I wave the white flag of surrender. There isn’t anything I can say that would be “right” enough to do…
Dear Friend, You did everything you were supposed to and it still didn’t turn out as you’d hoped. Maybe not even close. Maybe abysmally far from what you’d prayed for. And then – test time – do you still believe God loves you? Of course I do. How preposterous to ask such a stupid question! But since God obviously forgot…
I want to be happy on Mother’s Day, but I also want to be sensitive. So many raw territories to navigate: the first Mother’s Day without your mom, or feeling around the edges of the fissure that was left years ago by her death, Alzheimer’s, rejection, abuse, neglect, or serious strain. Mother’s Day when you have a wayward child, a…
My six-year-old daughter, Zoe, taught me a love lesson exactly one year ago today. After she was tucked in for the night, she padded out of her room – one bare foot and one slipper-socked foot. I tensed, annoyed the finish line to my day was extended. Zoe held up the partner slipper sock in one hand and a gray…
I once heard a man say of his wife, “She goes to all these Bible studies, but nothing changes. Guess they’re a waste of time.” Ouch. I can think of numerous reasons why this may have been, but the point remains: The husband didn’t perceive value in his wife being part of Bible studies. Do you side with the husband…
The other day my kids asked me which workout was my favorite? I just laughed. Honest? I hate every workout, every day. (Profuse apologies to my fantastic BeachBody coach Jaime Hall.) I don’t like to move it, move it. (Cue the Madagascar song) But there’s a driving reason behind why I’ve started exercising nearly daily, and it’s not guilt. Guilt is not an excellent driver. (Rainman fans, anyone?) …
My four-year-old daughter colored several papers and attempted to staple them. Her six-year-old brother observed. “I have to push with all my weight when I use the stapler,” he said, validating her struggle. Suddenly, she stood up, chair scraping, launched her project in the trash can, and stormed to her room. “I’m right here if you want –,” <cue slamming…
