By the time Jesus was crucified, Mary had spent 33 years trusting God through all kinds of experiences with her son. The second time we are told she "treasured" uncertain circumstances was after preteen Jesus went missing for three days. Worried and anxious, Mary scolded her boy. “Son, why have you treated us like this? … Continue reading Advent Reflection: Buried Treasure
Advent Reflection: Married Treasure
Just before our wedding day, my father asked if Joe and I were planning to ride away from the reception on a donkey. It was the first time anyone had ever joked about the fact that we shared the names of Christ’s parents, Joseph and Mary. Given the fact that our car didn’t start when … Continue reading Advent Reflection: Married Treasure
Advent Reflection: Holding onto Hope
I try very hard to feel hopeful about America in spite of our racial division. I am a grandmother, after all. I want a safe and prosperous country for my grandchildren. But since November 2016, I have been more discouraged than hopeful. Yes, the economy is thriving, but bigotry … Continue reading Advent Reflection: Holding onto Hope
What if motherhood is not the problem?
Every mom feels tired, defeated, ornery, overwhelmed, or depressed at some point or another. I have too. For years, I linked my negative emotions to the demands of motherhood since I had never really felt quite so stressed and irritable until my kids were born. But now that my children are grown, why do I … Continue reading What if motherhood is not the problem?
Giving birth to liberty hurts
I have a friend whose husband insulted her while she was giving birth to their first child. He pulled himself away from watching the NBA finals long enough to say, "If you had strong abs like mine, it wouldn't hurt so much." ...I'll pause while you pick up your jaw... Most of us know better … Continue reading Giving birth to liberty hurts
Timeless Parenting
Next to to my Bible, Andrew Murray's book How to Raise Your Children for Christ was my go-to source of inspiration as a parent. Murray died in 1917, but his timeless truths enabled me to grow strong as a mother. Do you have a reliable source of Christian wisdom to guide your parenting? In our … Continue reading Timeless Parenting
