Personal Growth
The season of advent began yesterday. I've spent many years not really paying much attention to this season other than to start worrying about Christmas plans and gifts and things. But last year we decided to try to be more intentional about marking this season for our kids
Personal Growth
Dietrich comes up to my leg while I sit at the computer preparing to write this blog and wipes his snotty nose on my jeans. Then he looks up at me and says "dodo," which seems to mean, "Can you please get me a tissue and wipe
Family Updates
"Submission." It's one of those words that comes up a lot in evangelical circles when you talk about marriage and being a wife. It can have both a negative and beautiful connotation depending on whom you talk to. There are those who are scared of the
Personal Growth
Before I get into this post, let me add a quick disclaimer and explanation. We don't do Santa Claus in our family and never have. This is most likely due to the fact that neither John nor I grew up with the tradition and so don't
Personal Growth
You know how they say that you never realize how selfish you are until you become a parent. When I hear that I assume that somehow parenting is thought to somehow "cure" you of that selfishness. But it doesn't. Parenting innately causes you to see your
Personal Growth
"How many days is it now?" We hear that a lot in our house as the kids count down to a holiday or a special occasion. Lately it has been Seth asking how soon his 4 year old birthday party will be. Will occasionally asks me how many
Personal Growth
This is something I wrote two years ago and just recently found as I was sorting through some computer files. As I read it I realized that others might find it encouraging, so I thought I'd post it. As a reference, Elise would have been 7 at the
Personal Growth
As I travel through the barely inhabited rolling plains of Montana, I feel at peace. Which is actually really nice, because just two days ago I was wondering how long it would be before my emotions calmed down a bit. I had hoped that TeachBeyond Orientation would be a refreshing,
Personal Growth
The goats forage outside my work room window. Leah, the very pregnant farm cat, wanders noiselessly through their pen. In the background I hear Elise's quiet voice as she reads to the boys. How do I store up these quiet moments so that I can remain peaceful in
Personal Growth
Someone recently asked me about my blog name, and I thought it would be best to answer her with a post. The name originated with the idea in Psalm 30:5- For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night,
Personal Growth
This blog post is not about food or about family, but it is something I've been thinking about a lot lately. I love writing blogs. I like to read blogs as well, though I'll be honest that there are only a very few I read consistently
Personal Growth
I've been in kind of a funk lately. I think if I had to put a name to it I would have to call it dissatisfaction. I've been doing a lot of feeling sorry for myself lately. I am enjoying all my hobbies immensely. John says