A few years ago, I planned a huge Christmas surprise for my kids. I had been planning for months. I wanted to make sure that it was a fun, exciting surprise, not just a simple unwrap the gift and the excitement is over kind of gift. So, I prepared a Christmas scavenger hunt that would […]
Nothing like a little excitement to kick off our work week. Monday afternoon, my son, Cole, called me. “Mom,” he began, “where’s Cassie?” Confused, I asked, “What do you mean? Isn’t she home with you?” “No,” he stated matter-of-factly. “She didn’t ride the bus.” “What?” I yelled. “She wasn’t on the bus? Did you call […]
August 20, 2015. Back to school for my kids. First day of 6th, 8th, and 10th grades. Where have the days gone? How did my babies grow up so quickly? Three kids. Three different reactions. Three different attitudes. One prayer. Today, my oldest climbed into his car and drove himself to school for the first […]
As a pastor’s family, we usually moved every three or four years. We never felt quite like we were home until we returned to the Oklahoma City area. Despite the emotions of having to disappoint people and leave relationships we had built, it was just a way of life for us. However, when we had […]
“Mom,” my 13 year old began, “can I go to Mississippi with Miles?” Of course, the normal questions began to spill from my mouth. When? How much? What are you going to do? How are you getting there? Who is going? As with any normal teenage boy, he knew very few of the answers. He […]
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:36-39 I had a conversation […]
Remember how I said I was tired? Well, Saturday proved to be my breaking point. Last week was incredibly busy at work. I had multiple evenings where I was still sitting in my room, computer out, working at 9:00 pm. In addition, my oldest had multiple doctor’s appointments yet again (a broken arm…again). And, God […]
Divorce hurts. Divorce hurts everyone involved. I have spent the last two years talking about the pain I have experienced, about how I have come through the pain to find the joy of Christ. I have shared how God has redeemed my life, brought me back from the death of divorce and given me an […]
“Mom,” my daughter began, “I can’t wait until I’m 18 so I don’t have to deal with this situation any more.” My heart broke for her, until my younger son called me to his room. “Mom,” he began, “this situation makes me so mad! I try really hard not to explode. Instead, I end up […]
Parenting is hard. It is definitely a two-person job that requires tremendous cooperation, meticulous planning, and endless flexibility. When you become a single parent, you are solely responsible for every aspect of those precious children in your care. You are responsible for their physical well-being, their emotional stability, their spiritual growth. And, you are solely […]
