How do you enter into your kids’ worlds so you stay close during the topsy-turvy times of puberty? Recently I was helping my son with homework, teaching him to make a list of what he had to do, then checking off each point. He nodded, smiled at me, then went to the bottom and penciled in “fun.” “Mom, after all the work, we get to have fun, right?” That moment struck a cord in me, as I watched his braces-filled smile and remembered these moments only come once. “You bet!” I replied. So in the busy hum of every week,…
C.S. Lewis, A Great Mentor
Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become. -C.S. Lewis When I was in college, I spent one wonder-filled summer chasing after C.S. Lewis’ inspirations on a study abroad program in London and the outlying areas of England. Little did I know that the Lord was planting many seeds of inspiration for writing my own novels to encourage and entertain today’s youth. That summer, my grandfather had suddenly passed away, two weeks before…
Tangled Under The Butterflies
Have you ever been tangled up inside, worrying about something, only to realize you were about to miss a blessing? Recently I was worrying over a decidedly poor decision a friend had made while unloading our van after a freezer stock-up at a large chain grocery. I smashed the salad greens a little too tight and wondered what my role should be. I lifted large bags of frozen fruit and meat, hefting big thoughts alongside, like whether I should say something or remain quiet and pray. I looked up and the most magnificent, huge yellow and black butterfly was right overhead,…
Life-giving Hugs
Recently Bethany Hamilton, of Soul Surfer movie fame, shark attack survivor, and world-class among women surfers, visited Southern California. One of Bethany’s great sayings is, “I can hug more people with one arm, than I ever could with two.” There were many impressive speakers before she came on, but when hundreds of tween and teen girls surrounded the stage to sit at her feet, my insides just melted. What a humbling, huge embrace! “We are all beautifully flawed in God’s eyes; He can use our flaws,” she shared. Seeing all these beautiful girls, and some amputees that are part of…
Resilient Cookies
Resilient Cookies After surviving challenging situations, one of the best lessons we learned was to create new traditions. Our son Joey loves anything with pumpkin in it and one year after the fires, we started making pumpkin cookies. Now it’s an annual moment that brings everyone a smile. Especially our neighbors and friends since they are too good not to share. These simple cookies remind me that God’s grace is new every morning. When I get sad remembering our loss in the massive wildfires of this area, I just breathe, count my blessings, and turn directly toward the difficult memory…
Sprinklers and Charcoal
Yesterday as I was driving near our community, past the wasteland left from the recent Southern California wildfires, I saw a lovely sight. Crews working on the road medians had replaced the piping that must have melted during the fires and were testing the new sprinklers. Instead of being frustrated with water on my windshield, I had to smile. I’m still excited from ACFW and feel poised for new beginnings. I loved this visual reminder that life can spring with new hope from the wastelands of our experiences. When I took this picture today the air still smelled like charcoal…
Resilience.
The Lone Cyprus Tree in Carmel CA Resilience. This summer our family drove through some favorite places in California, including Carmel. We went to visit the famous Lone Cyprus tree, on a foggy, chilly day there. When I look at it, I see strength despite the storms. It’s still there! Perhaps you’ve survived a tremendous challenge recently and are looking for some ideas about making your life whole once more. Or you are searching for resources to improve your family’s journey in the midst of a difficult time. You are in the right place. This is a safe haven amidst…
Because We Survived
Because We Survived by Elizabeth Van Tassel Because we survived great loss in the fires, our family became a little less attached to stuff and more connected to one another. Because we survived my husband’s stroke, we’ll discuss embarrassing things like snoring, if it will save a life or spare someone from walking in our footsteps. Because we survived having a son in and out of critical health early in his childhood, every day—even a trying one—is a gift and we try to remember this. Because we survived financial difficulties and poor decisions early on, we’ve tried to make better…
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