Recently, talking with two dear friends, one was experiencing a “storm” in parenting her nearly-but-not-quite-adult “child.” Each in our little trio had experienced something similar in recent years. We each admitted that– in those moments, in our hearts– we feel inwardly assaulted by trying to pinpoint what we had done wrong, and what alllllllllllll the…
Looking For Spiritual Life in Our Kids
Lately I’ve been on a gardening kick, seeing the good outcome of building our compost pile last year, and multiplying the fashions and forms of botanical life in our patch of earth. Spring offers such a profuse picture of hope! Last week I found myself, feet atop cinder blocks, stooping and carefully examining long trenches…
25 Ways Camping is Like Being Mom of a Lot of Little Kids
So. The first time I went camping, I decided we’d do it with 7 kids in tow. Ages: 13 to 6 months. Yup. To those of you who aren’t campers, that probably sounds CRAY-ZEE. To those of you who are adept at camping, you’re probably all googley-eyed and thrilled at the mere sound of it. It…
The “SHOULDS” & the Limitations of Now
As I’ve returned some attention to this little blog of mine, I’ve revisited old draft articles. Some are fiery; others seem lackluster. Well, if it were you, and you had sensible articles with practical advice about mommy topics you could finish up and polish, or passionate articles brimming with fervor, which would you pick? Each…
Spiritual Abuse: Grow More Discerning and Be Less Manipulable
Last fall, I unexpectedly encountered someone I haven’t seen in decades. Mercifully, it was in a crowded setting where we did not have to interact, and I don’t think he ever saw me. I didn’t even recognize him at first. But when I was young and impressionable, that person-across-the-way deeply impacted my life through manipulative…
USING THOSE MUSCLES AGAIN
Two springs ago, we were in Georgia on a road trip, and our van needed attention. Doug and Mae went into town with the van, and I spent the day with 7 of our sons on the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail. We had hiked a steep two miles uphill to see Amicalola Falls…
Changing things…
Transferred the site to a new host; I’m gonna be cleaning things up and hope to be back soon, writing.
Say It OUT LOUD (this is changing my life)
Yesterday, I bought five cabinets that I didn’t exactly “need.” I did that because they were on Facebook Marketplace for a mere $5 each, and I thought they would work in our shed. See, our shed has been, for 7 months, basically a big mess that we all kept trying to organize and reorganize– but…
Pondering Middle-Aged Naomi
Lately, tired, hopeless, Old Testament Naomi has been running around in my brain. For those of you who HAVEN’T had Naomi running around in your brain, here’s a brief run-down: We meet her in the Old Testament book of Ruth. Jewish woman, in the time of the judges (no kings, not much societal order) Because…
Root-Bound?
Plants make a home more welcoming, don’t you think? Lately, I’ve acquired so many plants that my daughter recently teased, “I think you’re becoming a full-on Plant Lady.“ But, come on! Antique store succulents… hanging pots for crazy cheap… certain plants just need to come cozy up our home, and THAT’S THAT. Today, after Doug…