I was ready to be sought out by those who did not ask, to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here I am, here I am”…     Isaiah 65:1

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As those of you who have been reading my blog since November know, I’ve been struggling with being back at work. For months, I’ve been a disaster and couldn’t see past the mess in front of me.

Now that I’ve settle in, I’m learning that, in any hardship, God always leaves little gifts along the way. The shame is when we don’t life our eyes to see them. Continue reading →

“When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other to him as well.”     Matthew 5:39

This scripture passages is a tough one for me. I’m all about keeping things even and balanced. If someone does something kind for me, I don’t rest until I’ve reciprocated. If someone insults me or does me harm, I shake their dust from my shoes and walk away (Matt. 10:14). I’m far more into passages like Luke 6:31, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” Continue reading →

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you…”     John 14:27

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We are all in the thick of the end-of-school madness. Every mom out there is overloaded, and overwhelmed. Hanging on by our fingernails, we’re just trying to get through.

We can’t even begin to imagine that God could grant us peace in the midst of this crazy time. But I’ve learned over and over again, never underestimate Him, or His awesome power. Continue reading →

I’m thrilled to announce that I have seven devotions published in the spring edition of These Days devotional. I would like to thank Pastor Mary Lindberg and her team for this amazing  opportunity.

Here is a quick excerpt of one of those devotions:

A Golden Moment

Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice?    Proverbs 8:1

My oldest son has become all things “teenager.” As he pushes me further away to establish his independence, I find I’m drawing nearer to God in my dependence.

Recently, the friction from that push and pull lit us both on fire. In the midst of the heated argument, I felt prompted to tell him: “This is new territory for me too! I don’t know how to handle this, and it’s killing me!” Continue reading →

Published on CatholicMom.com

Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin.        James 4:17

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My nine-year-old daughter, Jocelyn, has hands that get so dry, they crack and bleed. I feel her pain; the same thing happened to me when I was young.

I soon learned to apply lotion to my hands every time I washed them, even when they didn’t seem dry. It eventually became a habit, and the issue no longer exists for me.

I’ve been trying to teach Jocelyn this proactive approach. But when her hands aren’t dry, she thinks it isn’t necessary. Of course, within a matter of days, her hands end up cracked and bleeding once again.

I finally got so frustrated, I found myself saying, “You know the answer. You’re the only one who’s in charge of your choices. If you don’t make the choice to fix it, I can’t help you.” It sounds a bit harsh, but I think it’s the same truth God speaks to us. Continue reading →

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.    Isaiah 41:10

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There have been a few rough patches for Jocelyn this school year. With some complicated dynamics between her third-grade classmates, unfortunately, she’s gotten caught in the ensuing drama. Continue reading →

But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.    John 15:7

I resisted going back to work with all my might. I couldn’t move past the enormous loss of time I’d have with my kids. Who was going to help them with their homework? Who was going to pick them up from after-school activities? Who was going to ensure they were doing what was expected of them? Continue reading →

“Let the wise also hear and gain in learning…” Proverbs 1:5

A few weeks ago, Jocelyn asked me what special treat I’d like her to make for my birthday. I told her I would LOVE a funfetti cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.

Her face fell, and she said, “We ALWAYS have that for birthdays. I want to make something else special for you.” I explained how much I love that cake, and since I don’t eat sugar often, I’d been looking forward to it for weeks.

She heard none of it, and argued with me for a full three minutes, trying to make me change my mind. She had some idea in her head and wanted to push it on me, even though it was MY birthday and should have been MY choice.

Don’t we all do this? Continue reading →

All one’s ways are pure in one’s own eyes, but the measurer of motives is the Lord.    Proverbs 16:2

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When I started back to work in November, I told my kids they’d have to step it up and do more for the family. Working as a team was the only way we were going to get through.

But kids are kids, and it’s hard for them to remain mindful of anything when all they want to do is goof off. My response was to create a reminder list for each one of them that I put at their homework stations. Every day, they’re supposed to do their assigned chores right when they get in from school.

I’m sure you know where this is going… Continue reading →

I will rejoice and be glad in your mercy, once you have seen my misery, and gotten to know the distress of my soul.     Psalm 31:8

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Jocelyn came to me, last week, very upset after playing a video game on Roblox. Apparently, another player was unkind to her. When she told me more details, I realized the situation was so trivial, and the unkind action so minute, I began to talk her out of her feelings.

My intention was to help her see the bigger pictures. I also wanted to toughen her up a bit. If she was getting this upset over a minor incident, we were going to be in for BIG trouble when something truly unkind happens later.

To show me the error of my ways, in less than 24 hours, a similar situation happened to me. Continue reading →