Service isn’t just about reaching outward, it’s also about letting others reach inward. Sometimes we are invited to be the One, to let ourselves be seen, to accept help, and to allow connection to happen… Read More See the One, Be the One: On Vulnerability, Ministering, and Letting Others In
One of my favorite children’s books is Sheila Rae, the Brave. It tells the story of two sister mice: Sheila Rae, who is fearless, and Louise, who—by her own admission—is timid. Sheila Rae charges headfirst into situations others find terrifying, using them to show off her bravery. In contrast, Louise stays on the sidelines, encouraging… Read More Lift Where You Stand: What Louise Taught Me About Making a Difference
My second child recently received his official diagnosis of ADHD and ODD. For years, we have joked that he had ODD, but now we have the documentation to prove it. Lots of parents deal with defiant children. Learning to defy the rules is part of childhood! It’s just like learning to lie to save your… Read More Walking on Eggshells: Living with a Child Who Thrives on Conflict
It’s hard to remember that most people rarely make decisions out of pure malice…treating people and their differences with kindness and respect helps facilitate meaningful discussions and productive interactions. … Read More Kindness Begins Here
Late last night my oldest told another child called him a terrorist at school.… Read More Embracing Heritage, Rejecting Hate: A Reflection on Kindness and Identity
Let’s take a few minutes to discuss Mother’s Day. I anticipate an audible groan from my imaginary audience at the mention of that holiday. I, for one hate Mother’s Day. Like almost as much as I dislike hot weather, waking up when it is still dark, and vomit. The dislike runs deep. I know it’s… Read More Celebrate, Recognize, Lift
So I want to be the mom that plays it cool enough for her kids to come talk to her about… well, anything. I know my perfect angels are going to screw up; I do. I know they will grow into adults who need room to stretch their wings and make their own choices. And… Read More Be Cool Like a 90’s Middle School Dance
I want to be one of those moms who can read parenting advice and smoothly implement the suggestions into daily life. I am not that person. Like not even a tiny bit. Every one of these attempts ends in an epic parenting failure. I admit it’s probably just me because we are all perfectly imperfect,… Read More Sifting Through the Trash: Real-Life Advice
There is something about walking through the stacks of books waiting to be read that is exciting, a library is like a thousand adventures just waiting to happen.
Cultivating Chaos 