Equipping Parents for The Journey
It seems the world has been turned upside down. But one thing we can count on is that your new baby will still need to be fed, changed, snuggled, and loved. Even if you have been a parent for a long time, and your baby is no longer a baby, there is good advice...
Recently, Melissa D’Arabian stopped by to talk about her new book, Tasting Grace: Discovering the Power of Food to Connect Us to God, One Another, and Ourselves. She is the winner of the The Next Food Network Star, season five, and the author of many cookbooks including The Ten Dollar Dinner. In our conversation,...
Journal Excerpt: October 23, 2013 “Tired. Worn. Heavy hearted. It’s a little bit of a roller coaster here. Some days I feel like we’ll be okay, like a year will fly by and it’ll be good. Other days I can hear the clock ticking slowly—and it’s really not a clock; it’s the dripping kitchen...
Christmas is a mixed bag for our family. I love the lights, decorations, special events, and family activities, but I dread the busy-ness of the season. The hectic schedule, the long to-do lists, the mental obsession over our family budget vs. gift list all threaten to zap any pleasure from this season. I recently...
I grew up Catholic. Before you think I’m one of those with the so-called “Catholic guilt” or negative feelings about my upbringing, let me assure you it’s quite the contrary. I am deeply thankful for how I was raised, and while I did not fully know the Bible, I did know Jesus. And I loved Him passionately—with all my...
Our daughter is graduating high school this year. There are so many things about her graduation that are exciting. Graduation photos, prom, banquets, college planning—it’s all so new and so exciting. After all, this is what we’ve worked hard for as parents, right? She’s so excited about college, and she’s definitely more independent than...
As I open my master closet, the door seems heavy. It’s time for spring cleaning. I have a natural gift of purging and organizing, so why does this chore seem so hard? I hesitate and draw a breath. My hand reaches for the knob, and I know on the other side waits my uninvited friend—loneliness....
Yesterday was stunningly beautiful. My boys and I enjoyed the Spring-like weather and spent some quality time outdoors. I’m hopeful that the change of temperature will help their bodies finally get over the hump of winter colds. In all the playing in the leaves, digging in dirt, and swinging action, we had a few...
The day we celebrate the first coming of the Christ child is upon us, and during this season, my oldest little boy has found a deep affection for Mary—the woman chosen to bear the Son of God. I honestly don’t know who, other than the Holy Spirit, has caused him to reflect on her...
When you think about your children’s future and all the experiences they will have, do you think on how they (and you) will walk through the inevitable valleys? We don’t want to see our children suffer, but we know struggles will come—they are part of life and necessary to growth. Still, how can parents...
I love the way 1 Peter 4:10 is worded in the NASB: “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” God has not just given you a gift, but a special gift. If you are like many people, especially those in the...
