The Best Parenting Advice: Ask This Question
Two years ago, I asked a wise, older mother for her best parenting advice. I marveled at the way her grown children loved to talk with her and spend time with her. I marveled at how not one of them went through silent, rebellious years. I marveled at how open the children were about their […]
“I Hope You’ll Make Them Sing”
Last night, we attend my daughter’s choir concert. At certain points, the amazing music teacher instructs the audience to sing along. It was a packed house–standing room only–so when we weren’t quite loud enough, we had to sing again. We were timid, self-conscious, and unsure of ourselves. Not for long. At the end of the […]
10 Things Your Writing Teacher Wishes for You
It’s the end. Saying good-bye to students is both awkward and sad for me. This semester, I decided to give them this send-off as my hope for their futures. 1. That you will leave a legacy of beautiful words strung together from your unique and unparalleled mind to bless the world and […]
The Question Most Asked: “How Do I Stay Out of Trouble?” and 100 Ways to Do So
This morning I learn the question people ask most frequently that leads them to my blog. Aren’t you curious? Is it about happiness? God? Teaching? Parenting? No. Here’s the top question folks ask online that directs them to my blog: “How do I stay out of trouble?” From that question, people all over the world […]
An Opportunity?
I take a moment to read another chapter in Paul Miller’s book, Love Walked Among Us: Learning to Love Like Jesus. I only have five minutes because I’m just so busy complaining about all my problems today: My vacuum cleaner is broken and making strange noises. I have to clean for family coming. I am behind […]
Remember the Gamma Girls: A Must Read for Moms of Pre-Teen Daughters
I’m sitting at the kitchen table, doling out after-school snacks and casually talking to some preteen girls about their lives. I hear about the playground drama, the hurt feelings, and the popular girls who control the whole scene. (This is 5th grade, by the way.) “You have to be gamma girls,” I tell them, remembering […]
“God will fulfill His purpose for me.” Psalm 138:8
I’ve been taking great comfort in a simple truth from scripture. In Psalm 138, David claims, “God will fulfill His purpose for me.” It’s true. I don’t have to worry. As I think about all the times in the Bible that “purpose” occurs, I remember that nobody can thwart God’s purposes. Nobody. And nothing. The […]
Regardless, Just Bloom
Reports have come in that the weeping cherries bloomed early this morning. Last night, nothing. Today, everything. The children proclaim: “It’s like popcorn!” “It’s like fireworks!” Technically speaking, it’s not a beautiful day outside. Far from it. It’s dreary, cloudy, and dark. There’s hardly enough light to take photos. The trees pay no mind. They […]
Saving a Baby Squirrel (Video)
My daughters hear the sharp cries of some tiny thing in the yard by the big oak tree. “It’s a baby squirrel! She’s fallen from her nest!” //www.youtube.com/get_player Indeed, the little squirrel cries and cries for a mother who never arrives. Our town has an emergency service for wildlife. In particular, we have specialists in […]
“Let me help somebody in a tangible way. . . “
I read a firsthand account of someone inside the medical tent at the Boston Marathon. Tyler Dodd, with medical training in trauma, crossed the finish line and went to help victims. He says this: I’m a recovering alcoholic. I wake up every morning and I pray for God to guide me through my day, and I asked for […]