Category Archives: parenting

The most destructive F word

The F word that breeds the most destruction…FEAR.  Fear keeps us from pressing into things and relationships that need courage and intentionality, and fear can steer us to actions that seem courageous and purposed but breed destruction.  Fear isolates us.  Fear brings polarization.  Fear clouds truth.  Fear elicits emotional response without thoughtfulness.  Fear shuts usContinue reading “The most destructive F word”

Starting a new project means…

My youngest started kindergarten 3 full weeks ago. It’s the longest time I have been away from my children since they were born. The first two days I felt like I had been dumped on a deserted island. I didn’t know where to start or what to feel. I felt an appendage had been takenContinue reading “Starting a new project means…”

Whatcha carrying?

Here I am, 44 years old, dressed like it’s 1996. Overalls–check. t-shirt–check. Backpack filled to the brim–check. No shower–check. No makeup–check. However, unlike 1996, the load I am carrying is much heavier. My wise counselor once told me that if you feel a heavy weight that that is not indicative of God’s presence and theContinue reading “Whatcha carrying?”

Clueless

At dinner the other night, my youngest said “Grown-ups know everything.” Then, the seven year old chimed with…”No way, they only know about some things.” I laughed to myself, and I remembered having that unbridled confidence in grown-ups. I think of all the adults I grew up around and that I considered any age ofContinue reading “Clueless”

2018 Year-End Ebenezer Awards

My counselor often says–“take time to write that down, Jen.” How can we so easily forget the beautiful provisions and lessons that are so life changing? We have amnesia of the moment.  Whatever is right in front of us gets our attention. So, I am writing it down–“blogging it forth”–“setting the Ebenezer up” to remindContinue reading “2018 Year-End Ebenezer Awards”

A good mom…

Well, it’s building again.  That pressure to do the right thing, to do it the best way, to prove your worth is on the rise.  Where does it come from?  From women’s mouths, popular books, sub-cultural norms to your ears–actually straight to your heart.  The words marinate in your heart until you believe it andContinue reading “A good mom…”