When my husband soared to heaven nine years ago, my daughters were ages 2, 5, and 8. I was a young widow and a suddenly single mama, trying to grieve and make space for my daughters to grieve. One of the most natural ways to help them process their grief was through reading and discussing books. At the time, I found it difficult to find books that [...] Keep Reading
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Books to help adults of all ages navigate grief
Most people don’t want to read books about grief until they find themselves on a grief journey. At least that was true for me. After my husband died nine years ago, I found myself reaching for books that would give me hope in the depths of grief. I wanted to read the words of people who had been down their own windy path of loss — and survived. In [...] Keep Reading
The power of sharing your story: Three women in the Bible who changed history
Our family started a new journey this Fall. We are walking through a curriculum called Foundations written by our pastor, Brad Bell. This experience brings us deeper into understanding of key principles in the Bible, but also invites us to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. My favorite part is that we are discussing what we learn [...] Keep Reading
When your answer just might be a question
One of my daughters was struggling earlier this year to understand a decision her teacher made at school. All the feelings of confusion, frustration, and misunderstanding came tumbling out as she unpacked the details for me. This decision came at a cost to my daughter and to other students. My instinct was to call that teacher and give her a [...] Keep Reading
When God surprises us with glory
How two ambulatory athletes continue to inspire me as a coach Last night I had the thrill of a lifetime watching one our track athletes snag first place in the para ambulatory division of the California State Track & Field Championships. As we were waiting for her race, her mama showed me a picture of her when they picked her up from the [...] Keep Reading
An unexpected adoption: You are loved as God’s daughter
The hallway started to feel a little toasty on that December afternoon at the Fresno County Courthouse as forty friends and family packed in for the momentous occasion. The joy in the air was palpable for the official adoption ceremony of my three daughters by my husband Shawn. Shawn and I married seven years ago after my first husband [...] Keep Reading