In case you haven’t realized it, parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world. No matter how many parenting books there are, there’s not a “one-size-fits-all” parenting manual. If our parents would have been perfect, then maybe that would help us. But there has not been a perfect parent from the beginning of time—except our heavenly parent, God our Father. So the good news is, our “perfect parent” will help. 

As I looked ahead at the long stretch of road in front of me, my eyes focused on what looked to be an approaching tornado! I gasped and clinched the steering wheel. 

I loved going to the fair or carnivals as a child. Living in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the big event was Rooster Days each May. All the fun and festivities a girl and her friends could want. Of course, whether at the fair or strolling Main St in my hometown, we couldn’t resist the lure of the arcade games. One in particular fascinated me. As a softball and basketball player, I loved anything that required eye-hand coordination or speed and skill. So, I would always wander to the Whack-A-Mole game.

A few days ago I went outside and took care of my favorite rose bush. It was full of yellow roses. It was given to me after my daughter Kari passed away. I find myself taking gentle care of it. I took a picture of it, full of roses, hope, and beauty.

I often find myself watching my son or daughter doing something adorable and think, “You are the most precious thing in the world. How can you be so precious?” Then immediately after that thought leaves my mind, this thought comes racing in, “How much more precious am I to God, than these children are to me?” 

Summer is over. A season spent outdoors with moments of swimming and enjoying the water. Do you remember when your kids first entered the pool? Maybe it was just to splash as a baby. How much paraphernalia did you put on them? Floaties, pool noodles, rafts, and anything else that would protect them and keep them safe.

Recently I heard the host of a radio show ask, “What do you think is one of the most popular topics searched for on the Internet?” I thought, “Money issues.” She commented, “Over three million people searched for help on how to get over a breakup or be set free from a toxic relationship or friendship.” Maybe you’re trapped in one now, and no matter how hard you try to break free from this person, you can’t.

I used to be a 7^th grade school teacher. I know middle schoolers well. For those of you moms who house junior high students, you’d agree these hormone raging humans face many challenges.

So how can you help them navigate through this three-year crucial journey? Here are twenty ideas I suggested to my incoming parents. Hope they help.   

1. My past is not what defines me. It is empowering me to become someone I’ve never been before. 

I have a little exercise for you. Think back. How old were you twenty years ago? What was going on in your life? Some of you were teenagers and others entering your first job. Others were giving birth to your first child.

I excitedly prepared to head off for a conference in Grand Junction, Colorado, early the next morning. My confidence ebbed and flowed as I packed my car, ensuring everything I needed was secure within. I knew I could get from Edmond, Oklahoma, to Grand Junction in one day, but it would be a long travel day.

l. She has four legs, four arms, and two hearts—equaling double the love.

I faced a time of great suffering and uncertainty after experiencing a car wreck that resulted in many injuries. My body was beat up, I had a brain injury, and I was emotionally and psychologically a mess. I felt isolated and alone, as well. I needed God desperately.

The Lord has taught me many crucial lessons during my time as a parent. One lesson stands out to me the most: honor my child’s preciousness over his performance. 

Playing with Barbie and Ken as a child and dreaming of my wedding, I didn’t imagine my life would not include the white dress, picket fence, and children. As time evolved, I finally realized at the age of 37 that a traditional family was not in God’s plan for me. He set me apart to live life as a single woman

Have you ever done something and then looking back you thought, how could I have done or said that? Or how could I not have weighed the options and made a better decision? If you’re a mom, you’ve lived long enough to have at least one disturbing regret.  

Recently we hosted Jay Millar, founder of The Virtual Dad, on our Single Momcast. During our discussion, we talked about the following article. We felt like it would be a good addition to our blog content too, so we’re reprinting it below. 

Am I the only one that feels this way, or have you noticed, too? THESE ARE HARD TIMES! Not exactly a positive way to introduce a blog, but sometimes I just have to write what’s heavy on my heart.

A few years ago I spoke at a conference with the theme “Though None Go with Me.” Once I heard the title, my mind started racing with all that it encompasses. I focused on what it would be like if in my journey and my decision to follow Christ, none went with me.

I’m just so tired of being a puppet on a string, controlled by fear. Can someone please pass me the scissors so I can cut the ties that bind me to this bundle of wires directing my every move?