The Delusion of Control
We humans like to be in control. We women, especially, like to be in control. I don’t mean controlling in a manipulative sort of way–I don’t want to constantly tell others what they need to do and require them to comply. But I do want things to be how I want them to be. And…
“Reclaim It”
When we walk through difficult circumstances, things get taken from us. Sometimes tangible things, but more often than not, it’s abstract things that get stolen away from us without our consent. Our peace. Our joy. Our safety. Our confidence. Our belief that people are good. Our trust in others. We can typically recognize both abstract…
Are You a Carrot, Egg, or Coffee Bean?
I recently talked to a friend who was frustrated with her ex. Honestly, I frequently talk to friends who are frustrated with their exes–hello, single parenting! But this friend felt like her ex was lying to his new lady about who she was–telling her all sorts of lies and making up stories about her being…
“It’s Just a Phase.”
“It’s just a phase.” How often have you heard that statement? Or maybe you say it yourself on occasion. I don’t know about you, but oftentimes, that is music to my ears. When the middle schooler seems to be pushing your buttons in all the wrong ways.When the middle child has feelings so big that…
What a Pesky Splinter Taught Me About Healing
A few weeks ago, I got a splinter in the bottom of my foot. It came from my hardwood floors, and it was massive. I pride myself on having a pretty high pain tolerance, but this splinter was a doozy. It was big enough for me to grab with my fingers, but when I started…
Emotional Whiplash
Have you ever felt like your life is like a roller coaster ride? Sometimes, you are high on a mountaintop, experiencing exhilaration rush through your body and energizing you to the point where you’re positive you can do literally anything. You’re convinced that life cannot possibly get any better and that everything is right in…
Interrupted
As a mom of four kids, I get interrupted A LOT. Maybe I’m on the phone with a friend and one of my kids needs me to open a snack. Maybe I’m in the middle of cooking dinner and someone was mean to a sibling and they need me to intervene. Or maybe I’m in…
Comparison, You Thief
For years, I’ve heard the famous quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Most of us know that comparison does nothing positive for us. We believe it ourselves, and we even preach it to others. We tell our kids and our friends and our colleagues. We remind them not to compare themselves…
Transporting My Alone-Time Peace to My Kid-Filled Chaos
My oldest son gets on the bus at 6 am. It’s so early, and I really don’t like waking up early. But his early bus gives me a 45 minute gap between him leaving and waking my middle kids up for the elementary school bus. During that time, I make a cup of coffee and…
…And Then Peter Fished
A few months ago, I learned something new about the apostle Peter and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. After Jesus was resurrected, He appeared to Mary Magdalene and His disciples before anyone else. I love that Jesus broke the status quo by placing a woman and the young men who…