Ever observe Those Parents at the grocery store? You know, the ones yelling threats at their kids and calling them names, as if this proves they're on top of the whole child-rearing thing? I feel angry and sad when I see this behavior. Sometimes I actually pray for those parents. I pray they would learn what respect is -- and what it isn't. What comes to mind when you hear the word "respect?" A harsh father with a belt in his hand, demanding compliance? A drill sergeant barking orders? Meriam-Websters dictionary defines respect this way: "High or special regard; esteem." The Continue Reading
5 Honest Questions To Test the Depth of Your Faith
It was a fluke, really; an impulsive, tragic, "I'm invincible" kind of thing to do. The energetic nineteen-year-old catapulted himself into a back flip, landed wrong, and snapped his neck. Photo credit: Erik Thorson In the first moments after the accident, Kevin Thorson needed CPR to stay alive. Once he could breathe and talk again, the first words out of his mouth were, "God is so awesome." Kevin is what I call a real Christian. So is every member of the Thorson family. They've walked out an arduous, inspiring faith journey, starting with their refusal to pull the plug on Kevin Continue Reading
How We Help Heal a Hurting World, One Heart at a Time
Ever found yourself suddenly faced with blame, accusation and judgment? Fight or flight mode kicks in -- unless the Holy Spirit gives you supernatural grace for the moment... Adobe stock image Read my guest post for Heartbeat International's pregnancy help news site here: pregnancyhelpnews.com to find out how God coached me through a rough conversation. Continue Reading
Three Things Your Children Need to Hear From You (For a Lifetime)
My eighteen-year-old son and I sat at a window table of the roadside cafe, enjoying two juicy burgers. The room was filled with Danny's fellow workers from the nearby truss-building company. This wasn't just any mother/son outing. I had taken Danny out to lunch to tell him something important. I needed to apologize to my son, and I wanted him to know I meant it. I'd home schooled Danny since his third grade year. During his high school years, I'd lost my temper with him on a regular basis, scolding him to the point where his face would grow pink with frustration. I knew this was Continue Reading