Like many moms, I wanted to be the perfect mother. I have quite an extraordinary mom myself and I envisioned what life would be like once I delivered my darling bundles into this big, beautiful world. I embraced the notion of pouring myself into these new lives and I determined to be the best mother ever. On my journey to …
I Can Only Imagine: 10 Things I Loved About the Movie
From the moment the movie trailer started circulating last year, I knew I wanted to see I Can Only Imagine. I loved the song (by the same name) and I was familiar with a bit of the backstory. The movie is based on Bart Millard’s turbulent childhood with his abusive father. (Bart, as you probably know, is lead singer for …
How Doug Pitt Brought Life Full Circle for One Forever Family
As is always the case, our time on earth is marked by seasons—those God-crafted moments by which we measure the ebb and flow of life and all we hold dear. Some seasons are harsh and unending. Others are more forgiving, punctuated by subtle joys and fleeting sorrows. Then there are those springs—those magnificent days of glory and sunshine—that totally upend …
From China to the Ozarks: A Girl, A Dream, and Sweet Sixteen
When Emily* joined our family she was such a little nugget. Like her parents, we loved her immediately. Miss Personality had flawless, brown skin and dark, expressive eyes. Silky, black hair framed a ready smile and a button nose. From China to the Ozarks, this precious girl came. And in a heartbeat we were smitten. For a while, we communicated …
A Surreal Detour
For the past ten days, our family’s traveled a new road. It’s a road not willingly chosen—a surreal detour laden with sorrow and a curious twinge of thankfulness, too. While we grieve the sudden passing of my father-in-law, we’re thankful Dad’s transition to Heaven was not prolonged or marked by a season of suffering. (If you missed last week’s post, …
Happy Fourth of July… (A Mini-Post and Tribute)
Happy Fourth of July, friends… Just a brief mini-post to wish you a safe, fun-filled holiday. I hope your celebration includes family, friends, food, and of course, a few fireworks. Whatever your day brings, I pray it’s also a time of quiet reflection. For our family, this holiday is bittersweet. Last Sunday evening, my father-in-law passed away. It was sudden …
Happy Mother’s Day! (A Bonus Post)
I rarely do a weekend blog post, but today I wanted to give a BIG shout-out to all the wonderful mothers who touch so many lives each and every day! Happy Mother’s Day! I pray you’re smothered with kisses, gathered in hugs, and blessed beyond measure! To you, dear Mamas, I dedicate these brief thoughts: You are loved. No one …
When We Forget We’re the Apple of His Eye
No, I didn’t forget about my blog post on Wednesday. I’ve been rather busy. Exhausted. Time-crunched. My mama had open heart surgery recently and things are a little up-ended at the moment. More than once in my sleep-deprived state, I’ve forgotten that I’m the apple of God’s eye and I’ve taken comfort in David’s prayer of blessing (Psalm 17:8). While I …
Celebrations and Milestones
This past weekend was extremely busy. Our son graduated from my alma mater, and while we were on the go non-stop, it was indeed a wonderful way to celebrate Mother’s Day. You may recall that I dedicated Friday’s post to our future educator. If you didn’t get a chance to read it, I’d invite you to visit the link. You …
The Institution That Isn’t Old Hat (Despite Today’s Best Efforts)
When God created the family, I believe all of Heaven smiled. There was a plan, and our Heavenly Father’s plan was perfect. The institution of family wasn’t an accident, happenstance, or a manmade “lightbulb moment,” but rather, a holy, God-sized feat of supernatural brilliance. In short, it was and is miraculous! Though some in today’s world might downplay it, the family isn’t …