Building Traditions That Bond
For blending families, there are a lot of “but we always did it this way” challenges that come during the Christmas season, whether it’s about food, gift giving, visiting and traveling, or even decorating. Younger children may adapt… Read More
When Christmases Clash
The Christmas season can reveal differences between the two of you that didn’t even know you had, and this time of year can even exacerbate the differences you already know you have. When you’re aware of your holiday… Read More
Talking About the Holidays
Lots of emotions, obligations, and sometimes unreasonable expectations come with the holidays, and when it comes to understanding those things, mind reading doesn’t often work too well during this time of year…or anytime, for that matter. So it’s critical… Read More
My Picture Book Critique Group
Each month I meet with my critique group, and I love it. Each of us is working specifically on picture books, and we are all learning a lot about this special area of writing. We hone each other’s work…. Read More
Loving Words
“Do everything in love,” 1 Cor 16:13-14. My precious husband, Dale, and I just celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary. What a joyful journey it’s been being married to a man who tries his best to do everything in… Read More
My Favorite Playground
When I’m with my granddaughters, one of our favorite things to do is to go to a playground. Their imagination goes wild! Swings let them fly like birds. Slides let them soar like a dolphin in the blue… Read More
Blessings
So much of our Christian walk has to do with “…knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out… Read More
10 Commandments for Christmas (Part Four)
How can we apply the 7th and 8th Commandments to our busy American Christmas season? Let’s see. Commandment 7: Don’t commit adultery Really? At first, it was a mystery for me to know how to apply this commandment… Read More
10 Commandments for Christmas (Part Three)
How can we apply the 5th and 6th Commandments to our busy American Christmas season? Let’s see. Commandment 5: Honor your mother and father In a culture that often dishonors parents, how can we teach honor to our… Read More
10 Commandments for Christmas (Part Two)
How can we apply the 3rd and 4th Commandments to our busy American Christmas season? Let’s see. Commandment 3: Don’t misuse God’s name It’s easy to sing Christmas carols and not even notice what we are singing. The… Read More