No, guys, I'm not dead. I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Just taking a hiatus. I'm trying something completely new and foreign to me. I'm seeking out, and actually enjoying, opportunities to be alone and silent. Whether completely still and meditating in the quiet of my bedroom. Or huffing and puffing on a running trail before either the sun or the kids should rise. Or driving along in traffic with the radio turned off. Listening for the "sound" of God's voice. It's there, friends. And it might just be better than a sweet nothing from your bae. or a newborn's gurgle. or your … [Read more...]
To Be Known and Loved: Self-Esteem and Identity, Part 2
"To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us." - Tim Keller To be Neither known nor loved; Loved (or admired) but not known; Known and yet not loved; or Known and loved. Which are you? me? I know which one, or ones, I was -- or thought I was – until pretty recently. When we … [Read more...]
“The Fat Kid” In All Of Us: Self-Esteem and Identity, Part 1
I have these regrettable memories of a tubby, ostracized classmate of mine from 2nd or 3rd grade. Charles was a fairly good-natured boy who, unlike the other kids, was heavy, clumsy and wore tacky cowboy boots every day. But like every other kid, Charles just wanted, no - needed, friends to play with. Instead, we were cruel to "the fat kid." We'd run away from him when he came near. We'd kick him from behind, unprovoked. And on the rare days we were generous enough to let him join in our play, we'd give him the unwanted role - always "it," the chaser. I don’t recall us ever allowing him the … [Read more...]
Wanderlust and Dreams to Travel
This guy. I have a dream. I have a dream that some day, before it's too late, he'll be bit too. Bit by that stubborn li'l wanderlust bug that bit me as a young woman. And never let go. That some day we'll have the time and means and freedom to travel the world. To see and set foot on as much of Creation as we can before leaving this earth. Some day. Before the wrinkles already forming around our eyes and on our foreheads grow too numerous to count. Before we're too old and feeble to enjoy it with gusto and a spirit of unstoppable adventure. Before God calls us … [Read more...]
Back-to-School 101: Them Crazy School Moms
If your kids have already been in grade school awhile, you may have nodded a knowing "yup" just from reading the title of this post. If your little one's only just starting school, come closer and listen up. School moms can be a little...crazy. But first, rest assured. The kids will be fine. They're more capable and resilient than we give 'em credit for. Their teachers, unless irrefutably bad, know what they're doing and will do their best to teach, guide, encourage, listen to, discipline and help X number of kids, 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. Give 'em the benefit of the doubt. On … [Read more...]
House Hunting & Keeping Up With Them Joneses
Lost wedding bands. Fortune cookie fortunes. Schools. House hunting. Personal destinies. Faith. Contentment. These were what occupied my mind all yesterday morning. Summer's over and our eldest is starting his last year of elementary school. This year will be a big one for Son, and for DH and me too. It marks the end of a significant stage of Son’s life, and of ours. While we've loved our home of ten years (the first of our own and the only one our three kids have ever known), the neighborhood, the kids' elementary school, the weather, and the friends we've made and life we've built … [Read more...]
Sweepstake Giveaway: LEGO® Engineering Birthday Party ($300 Value)!
Last month, my kids and a group of their pals (ages 7-11) had a blast playing mechanical engineers with the most engaging, patient and friendly instructor from Play-Well TEKnologies in the comfort of our own home. “Kids are natural engineers. We help them realize it.” That's Play-Well’s motto, and I believe it. I watched with awe as my 10-year-old son (who’d never been much into LEGO® building), my 8-year-old daughter (who'd only liked the LEGO® Friends sets geared towards girls), and a dozen other boys and girls were totally (and quietly!) engrossed for a straight hour and a half -- … [Read more...]
Perfection, Worry and Guilt Aren’t On the Calendar
On crap days like today, when I feel all knotted up inside ‘cause there’s so much to do, I couldn’t get jack done, I flaked on people and commitments and neglected my kids and DH, I’ll sometimes collapse in bed, heavy with worry and every guilt you could name: woman guilt, friend guilt, wife guilt, that infamous “mommy guilt,” and even Christian guilt - for not then trusting Jesus, who said, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) For me, 90% of the time, surrendering it all in prayer relieves even the most seemingly insurmountable … [Read more...]