The holidays bring families together; this can be a joyous time of celebration OR it can be a time of intense conflict and stress. Over the years, I’ve experienced both the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child, and the horror of unfiltered, angry words instigating heart-wrenching pain. If Christmas brings joy and peace in your home, give glory to God and thank…
The first day of school can be stressful for everyone — students, parents, teachers, and administrators. However, the anxiety students experience is unique. In an attempt to “fit in” they worry about who will and won’t be in their classes, who they will sit with at lunch, and what to wear (after all they want to look good without drawing too much attention to themselves)….
Far too often, I hear people talk about falling in love as if love is similar to tripping and falling into a pit. If you can fall into love then you can fall out of love. This “falling” most people talk about is based on feelings. When a couple first “falls” for each other, the brain releases dopamine which is a feel-good hormone. Your brain…
Several years ago, I took a course where I not only learned a great deal about doing therapy, but also gained a few pearls related to being a mom. One of those “pearls” relates to special time. So often, we get so busy that we give our children our leftovers. What would happen if we would schedule 30 minutes a week when we give our kids…
Last month, Jeff and I went to put the leash on the dog so that we could go for a walk. As we bent to attach the leash to her collar, we saw maggots – thousands of maggots (OK, it was probably hundreds but it was A LOT) – coming out of a knot on her back. I ran inside for rubber gloves and shampoo….
Going to Africa with my family was a dream come true. I was a little concerned that Jorjanne would get irritable and that this might infect the team. Before we left I told her, “You will be tired. You will be hot, and you will be hungry…but you will NOT complain!!!!” I am so proud to say that I never heard her complain once throughout…