I almost felt irritated the first time I heard my mom pray it. It wouldn't be until years later that I realized she was just agreeing with Scripture. But that night I lay there, listening to the words as they rested heavy on me. I shrugged and drifted off to sleep, wondering if God would answer her. The prayer was simple and heartfelt. "Lord, don't allow my daughter to keep any sin hidden. … [Read more...] about One Thing You Need to be Praying Over Your Kids
Adoption
the best books for Christian adoptive parents
Being an adoptive parent has been one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced. It's also one of the hardest. I have been abundantly blessed by having many pioneers in adoption, attachment, and special needs who have gone before me and have willingly given their advice, suggestions, and exuberant encouragement. Still, with all of that, there are times when this feels … [Read more...] about the best books for Christian adoptive parents
when stories deepen
I miscarried that October. I had known for two days that the tests were positive, that two years of infertility had brought us to a baby coming with the summer warmth. And then I was curled on the bathroom floor with blood smeared on my legs and my heart so empty and hollow I felt like maybe I had died too. Winter came to more than the countryside that year. It settled in my heart as … [Read more...] about when stories deepen
Are you a slave, a son, or a spoiled child?
He stayed in his room for the whole day. He didn’t have to! Good grief, of course not. He could have walked up the stairs at any point, looked at his dad and apologized for disobeying, then sat right down at the table. There was a meal set for him. It was one of his favorites, piled up on his plate at his place at the table. There were warm arms waiting to scoop him up and kiss his nose … [Read more...] about Are you a slave, a son, or a spoiled child?
The Lost Childhood
I was standing beside my daughter today when I noticed the scar. I had just been commenting on the fact that she's getting taller, stretching toward adulthood way too fast for me. When a child's first birthday in your home is their 9th, the years of "little" are very few. And there was the scar, near the top of her head. It's thick and white and is usually covered by her hair, but I see it … [Read more...] about The Lost Childhood
for the am-I-good-enough days
The first snow flurries are rushing over the farm and I am remembering the winters when there were no children racing through our house. It was always so quiet in the evenings, after the little ones I watched during the day would go home to their mamas. Our tiny house would be cluttered with my papers and scrap journals and I would look around and think that somehow I would be a better person … [Read more...] about for the am-I-good-enough days