Clothes hang on the oversized armchair, the trunk, spilling over the corner of our bed and pooling on the ground in a rainbow of sweaters and basketball shorts. It’s a mess. Our bedroom is a mess. And just the other day I was nagging my oldest about cleaning up his room. Not once. Not twice, but ten times. I was …
For my Mama Friends Who Are Doubting Themselves
This morning one of our children (who will remain nameless) was found with a rare lego that he may have *ahem* stolen from a *public place* because he *needed it.* After all, the lego was *gifted to him* so he said (at least he didn’t shove it up his nose). Help us all. I’m raising a dishonest manchild. Anyone know …
When Are YOU Most Alive?
He asked me to lay with him at bedtime. Our oldest boy who comes just below my chin and appears as if he’s been pulled by a taffy machine the eve before. We laid on our backs, he grabbed my right hand, draped it across his chest, rubbed the back of my palm, and in that moment, I saw him …
When God Chuckles
“I’M.NOT.TIRED.” He’s bawling, of course. Laying on the bottom bunk. Over-tired. He pulls his shirt up and as he scoots in reverse, he gets all demandy. “Mom, sing Jesus Loves Me and scratch my back.” The same ritual we do every.single.night. It’s summer. What can I say? Sleep is over-rated. Until it’s not. I’m next to him, fingers grazing soft skin while afternoon sun …
Dear Children, I WILL Embarrass You
Approaching the metal, diamond-shaped gate in front of his T-K class, Ty spies me and jumps to his feet. Quick smooch, snack hand-off, then skip, Ty’s ahead to the far gate where his big brother is dismissed at the same time. And then it happened. He suddenly took notice of the taupe overalls I was wearing, and, as if he …
From a fellow imperfect Mama
Walking out of the church together, I breathed in her daughter’s pink and purple adorned cuteness as she pushed the stroller toward her car. “How old is she?” I asked. “She’s 9 months,” the mom smiled. “I have an 18 year old and 13 year old son too.” Leaning over, she pulled her daughter’s blanket down to reveal the most delicious rosy …
A Faith Journey: Yogurt, Trains & Heaven
This is the 5th of 6 essays in A Faith Journey as I re-trace the final week of my Dad’s life. Loss served as the catalyst to my faith, and it is through this story, I see God’s invitation to experience Him as the greatest story. For those that have walked this with me from the beginning, please read and remember and know …
Why your life is Epic
When you think of epic, does your mind immediately wander to famous personalities, international vacations, and extreme sports? Do you ever consider your own life as epic? One of the biggest lies I fight against is in order for my story and life to be of value, it must be epic. Take our recent “honeymoon friday.” With both boys in school Friday mornings, we’ve found ourselves alone. …
FULL is the NEW Busy
Meet former me:
I’m so busy.
My calendar is crammed.
I’m exhausted.
You know what I’m saying?
It’s as if every opportunity leaves us wondering, Should I say yes? If I don’t, am I not using my gifts to serve or step outside of my comfort zone? If I say no, am I selfish?
Bully for You
It happened at the park with some friends. The older ones were racing around the structure, pretending to be “Sonic.” Yes, folks, Sonic the Hedgehog is back {insert “I feel old thoughts”} One little munch was playing in the sand, while Ty was circling two boys like a vulture. His face determinedly brazen: “You are my chosen park playmates and I will be joining you both.”
They, on the other hand, were not feeling the same.