My eyes widened in surprise as my face flamed. Usually even-tempered, the hot heat in my cheeks was almost visible to me. I was furious. Oh, did I ever have a ready retort, waiting to roll off my tongue. I had never been so angry. Or hurt. I was justified, any jury would agree, God…
Careful Correction
How does she do it? I was absolutely astonished. Our astute second-grader had once again completed her homeschool math assignment in record time. She must have Daddy’s math ability, I thought as I happily checked all those correct answers day in and day out. Then one day we began multiplying with double digits. She meandered…
He Still Moves Mountains
I had my plans for the long weekend. My husband generously offered to take our children and the puppy to visit family out-of-state so I could work on a project. I didn’t expect the phone call Sunday morning that would forever change my life. “Stefanie, I need you here! Come to Pennsylvania ASAP! She’s being…
All Grown Up?
The disappointment swam in her eyes behind the small, plastic smile. I’d had to say “no”. I tried to explain, but how many teens maturely comprehend why a mom says ‘no?’ She quickly ascended the stairs to her room. She respectfully didn’t stamp or stomp. She didn’t huff and puff. She didn’t slam the doors…
Trust In His Time
I sighed in absolute frustration. I can’t believe this is happening, I don’t know what to do! I knew I would have to give up on an opportunity, the opportunity. The one I had prayed over, my family had prayed over, and my dear friends had prayed over. The one we all thought was a…
Even This
I gazed out the window: mountains of snow, icicles weighting trees, and whirling snowflakes created an icy tundra. No one wanted to go out in it. No one except our Rottie, Minna. At three, Minna needs lots of daily exercise to keep her from going stir-crazy in the house. Minna sat by the door, begging…
SAD
As you evaluate your circumstances, your station, and your place in this world, do you ever become sad? Maybe you really know sadness first-hand, perhaps sharing the diagnosis of S.A.D. with the estimated 10 million Americans nationwide. S.A.D., or Seasonal Affect Disorder is often diagnosed as feelings of sadness or depression during cooler winter months…
Keep Going
Ever been in a funk? Maybe you’ve suffered a series of challenging events. Maybe you’ve earned a Masters Degree from the school of hard-knocks. Maybe you’ve got every right to feel down, be negative and refuse to smile. No one blames you. You can’t always help you circumstances. In fact, the world might tell you…
Persistance
“Nevertheless, she persisted” is printed on the planner I purchased last August. I had no idea what the autumn held when I bought it… but God did. In that short season, my faith would be tested as each of all three of our daughters was thrown into her own crisis. My plans for those months…
Rest, Restore, and Renew
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is a quiet one this year. While we usually continue at a break-neck pace, this year we decided to slow down. We decided not to travel, not to overbook, and not to give into the temptation to cram as much as possible into that one week. It has…