A few years ago, I found this passage: The King of Assyria is threatening God’s people, and good King Hezekiah is badly outnumbered. And they said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah: ‘This day is a day of trouble and rebuke and blasphemy; for the children have come to birth, but there is no strength to bring them forth. [...]

Filed under: Introspection

One child saying to a friend, “Let’s go away. We HATE him. [about another child]” Putting off making phone calls to friends yet another week. So long that now she’s embarrassed to call. One child trying to discern how appropriate a request is before obeying.Trying to figure out the future before she stops worrying about [...]

Filed under: Introspection

We do know that we cannot be a perfect mom, right? If we could be supermom, we wouldn’t need God’s grace and mercy, would we? If Ted Tripp could tell us what to do in every circumstance, then we wouldn’t be on our knees pleading with God to give us wisdom (and rejoicing with exuberance [...]

Filed under: Introspection

I am not merely a babysitter. I’m merely reminding myself of definitions here. We know how important definitions are, don’t we? My mother gently reminded me of the distinction when I was talking about the overwhelming task of shaping desires and occupying minds. “You’re not a babysitter. Being a mother is a lot more work!” [...]

Filed under: Introspection

I’ve been working on applying two Scriptures this week. First, I’ve been working on being a good steward of the time God has given me. We’ve been talking about money, and how important it is to be a good steward of it. But I’ve also been given a great deal of time. Am I being [...]

Filed under: Introspection, Uncategorized

I am not a gardener. I do however, think gardens are a fantastic idea for a variety of reasons; so this year we planted a small plot. We planted tomatoes and Big Jim chiles (for Lee), marigolds (for me), sunflowers (for the girls), carrots and romaine (for David) and pumpkins (for us all). I had [...]

Filed under: Introspection

I’ve occasionally felt guilty for a particular way of thinking. It usually happens when I have a good idea or thought, and then I try to think of a Bible verse to go with that idea. Maybe it’s a way to solve a parenting problem, or a solution to an interpersonal challenge. Sometimes I find [...]

Filed under: Introspection

We all want to be good moms. You know what good moms are like, don’t you? Good moms make all their perfectly balanced meals from scratch, plan exciting activities for their children, have an organized chore schedule in place that works well, and never raise their voices. You get the idea, right? But a good [...]

Filed under: Introspection

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye [...]

Tags: Walking in the Spirit
Filed under: Introspection

Lee and I had a long discussion a few days ago. A little while ago, he had a young patient die. After he gave the orders to stop medical intervention, he prayed beside the bed of this child.  One of the things he said was “Thank you for allowing us to serve you in life. [...]

Filed under: Introspection