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“Peace I leave with you; my piece I give you.”  John 14:27

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com

While on retreat in Massachusetts a few weeks ago, I went to the local church, one I’ve never been to before. It was breathtaking with its cathedral-like spires and ornate altar. There were probably three hundred people at Mass. Not bad for an early Sunday morning.

Although there was so much to admire in the stunning stained-glass windows, it was the seven-year-old boy with bedhead that really got my attention. Continue reading →

In his heart man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.  Proverbs 16:9

I started back to work last week, right at the beginning of the holiday season, with a million things to do. It was a crazy busy week, without a sliver of time to fit in one more thing. I was drained and exhausted and in no mood to deal with my kids’ misbehavior.

But that didn’t stop Mason from going over the line. My first reaction was: Why do I have to deal with this, on top of everything else? Little did I know what was in store for me. Continue reading →

A Flashback Re-post from Thanksgiving of 2015

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”  Proverbs 31:29

There’s a social worker at Jocelyn’s school who talks to each class about “bucket fillers” and “bucket dippers.” She explains that when someone is kind, they “fill” your bucket. On the flip side, if someone is unkind, they “dip” into your bucket. I think her objective is to teach the kids to be “bucket fillers” so they make this world a better place.

Thanksgiving has me thinking about, and grateful for, the bucket fillers in my life. I am incredibly fortunate to have a long list of them. But hands down, my mom is my #1 bucket filler. Continue reading →

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.  2 Timothy 2:22

I went on a private, silent retreat a few weekends ago for my annual reboot. Trying to get a new perspective, I chose a new location. I ended up at Mary House in Spencer, MA.

I was unable to arrange spiritual direction until later in the day on Saturday. That morning, I sat with my Bible and coffee, trying to hear, on my own, where God was trying to lead me. As crazy as it sounds, I found one of His messages in the bedspreads! Continue reading →

I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.     Luke 15:7

I used to be a helicopter mom when it came to my kids’ homework. I monitored what was due when, and tried to teach them organizational skills, time management, and good study habits. I played it that way for years. Consequently, both my boys had straight A’s because of it.

But there comes a time when our kids have to fly. Last September, I pushed them both out of the nest. Zack was in eighth grade; Mason was in sixth. I felt they were ready to apply all I had taught them, and strike out on their own. To inspire them, I dangled the idea of a big reward at report card time if they stayed straight A students. Continue reading →

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“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him…”              John 6:44

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When my kids were little, they were never exposed to advertisements. They only watched videos or commercial-free shows On Demand. Once they were old enough to work the remote themselves, they started watching network shows. Suddenly, our world was filled with commercials every eight to twelve minutes.

It was hysterical: Watching them get sucked in. They would literally come running into the kitchen to tell me about this great laundry cleaner that got out stains but wouldn’t bleach colors, or a floor cleaner that left a great shine. It wasn’t so funny when they fell victim to the commercials convincing them they truly needed every toy and gadget advertised.

Clearly they didn’t possess the wisdom to discern the difference between a want and a need. I was hoping that would come with maturity. But when I look around at our world today, I realize that battle is far greater than just an age thing.  Continue reading →

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him…  Romans 15:13

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com

It’s hard for Jocelyn: being the younger sister to two brothers who have a mind-meld going on. The poor girl can’t get a word in edge-wise. They never seem to listen to her.

In my house, the dinner table is supposed to be where everyone gets heard. In fact, we’re all required to listen well so we can prepare and ask curiosity questions when the speaker is done. However, the other night, when Jocelyn was super excited to share something, the boys ignored our rule, and her. She lost it. Continue reading →