I know what your mother told you — don’t worry about what other people think of you, it doesn’t matter. I know because I’ve told my children the same thing. It’s a sound piece of advice, except when it isn’t. The truth is, sometimes other people see you more accurately than you see yourself.
In September I had the privilege of leading a small team of women from three different US churches to León, Nicaragua with www.TwelveChurches.org. Our primary purpose was to host a three-day conference for 100 women. Our theme? Be Loved (Se Amado).
“I have to find a new church.” Gary said. “The new worship leader just isn’t doing it for me. Those hawaiian print shirts he wears?! Please. 1983 called and Magnum PI needs his wardrobe back.”
Did you catch the typo in the title? If so, we probably have something in common. I seem to have a radar for those kinds of mistakes. During a visit to the zoo, I made my son pause at the sign for the Mountian Goat. On a road trip, I laughed out loud when we crossed the “Georgia-Florida Pwky.” I …
One of my daughter’s favorite refrains when she was a toddler was “Do it my big-self, Mommy.” It was a phrase that simultaneously made me happy (so proud!) and terrified (she’s not ready!). If you’ve spent any time around the preschool scene, you know toddlers can go from clingy to independent in an instant. It’s fun to watch them as …
I have a confession: I’m not an Olympian. Not as a mom or in any other way, really. I have occasionally met parents who believe they can train like Olympians. Do you know these people? They try to read, research, plan, and pray their way to the gold medal platform. Usually, these folks have an infant or are expecting their …
We have a tradition in our family, our own catchphrase. In our home videos we never say, “The End.” Instead, we always say “More to Come.” I don’t remember when it started, but it’s now ingrained in all of us. In fact, when the kids want me to stop-it-already-with-the-video-camera they’ll smile and, sort of sarcastically, say “more to come, …
A few years ago, my husband and I moved into our dream home. We spent about three years working with professionals to design and build it. We oversaw every detail, even deciding where each outlet and light switch would sit. It’s the kind of experience that creates conflict and frustration for many couples. The sheer number of decisions required can …
There we were, cuddled up in the big rocking recliner. I held my sweet baby as he sucked on his thumb and his eyelids grew heavy. I felt the weight and warmth of him against my arms. I sang to him and studied his face. He was eleven months old and we had been home from Russia for only a …
Honk. HONK. Honnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnk. I was pumping gas when I heard the horn. On the adjacent street a woman in a small luxury car was honking at the big sport utility vehicle in front of her. Using exaggerated gestures and wide eyes she yelled, “you CAN’T stop here!” As I watched her gestures and deciphered her words, I thought, “calm down …