Trauma does not always show up in obvious ways. In this post, I reflect on more than a decade of trauma-informed parenting, shaped by foster care, adoption, therapy, faith, and a lot of humility. This is a story about learning to see behavior as communication, releasing control, and choosing faithfulness when answers are hard to find. It is about hope that grows slowly, grace that meets us daily, and trusting God one next step at a time. Click the title to read the full post.
Tag: #FaithAndFamily
Foster Care: Learning to Love Without Ownership
Foster care was nothing like we expected. It stretched us, humbled us, and revealed how deeply we needed community. From intense training and constant uncertainty to profound grief and unexpected beauty, this post reflects on the hard and holy realities of loving children without guarantees, and how foster care became one of the clearest pictures of the gospel we have ever lived. Click the title to read the full post.
The Beautiful Complications of Siblinghood
Our home is complicated, filled with appointments, medications, and more acronyms than I ever expected to know. But beneath it all is a love that runs deep. Through headaches, allergies, and ADHD, my children have learned patience, compassion, and the kind of empathy that only grows through shared struggle. This post is about finding grace in the middle of that complexity and seeing God’s goodness in the love that holds us together. Click the title to read the full post.
Faith in Hard Seasons
The new year often feels like it should bring energy and excitement, but sometimes it just feels heavy. The joy of Christmas fades, the routines return, and motivation can feel far away. This post is a reminder that faith is not built on feelings but on consistency. Even when life feels quiet and cold, God is still working. Click the title to read the full post.
When Joy and Weariness Sit Side by Side
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the emotions that linger beneath the surface—joy, gratitude, weariness, and a quiet sorrow we don’t always name. For a long time, I thought lament was something to avoid or explain away, but I’m learning it is actually an invitation to bring our whole hearts to God. This post explores lament not as failure, but as a faithful practice of honesty, one that leads us toward healing and deeper trust. Click the title to read the full post.
The Peace of Presence
As Christmas draws near, it is easy to be swept up in the noise, the lists, and the rush of the season. But true peace is not found in doing more; it is found in being still with the One who came to be with us. This post is a quiet reminder to slow down, notice the moments that matter, and rest in the peace of Christ’s presence. Click the title to read the full post.
The Light We Carry: Reflecting Christ in the Classroom
Every December, classrooms sparkle with lights, music, and excitement, but the most meaningful light we carry as teachers is not strung across the walls. It shines through our kindness, patience, and love. In this post, I share how we can reflect the light of Christ in our classrooms through simple acts of grace and compassion, even in the busiest season of the year. Click the title to read the full post.
Teaching Jesus at Christmas: Sharing the True Story with Children
Christmas is full of wonder, but the greatest gift we can give our children is helping them see that the joy of the season begins with Jesus. In this post, I share ways to keep the focus on Him through storybooks, conversations, and classroom learning. You will also find a list of beautiful children’s books and simple literacy activities that bring the true meaning of Christmas to life. Click the title to read the full post.
The Children’s Advent Chain: A Countdown to Kindness
One of my favorite family traditions began when my kids were little, our Family Advent Chain. Each paper link held a simple act of kindness or gratitude that reminded us Christmas is about giving, not getting. Over the years, those acts have grown with my children, from hugs and thank-you notes to volunteering and serving others. This post shares how to create your own Advent Chain and make your Christmas countdown one of kindness, compassion, and connection. Click the title to read the full post.
Why Fix What Isn’t Broken? Because God Isn’t Finished Yet.
The phrase “why fix what isn’t broken” sounds simple, but it can quietly hold us back. Growth isn’t about fixing what’s broken; it’s about becoming who God designed us to be. Each day is a new opportunity to learn, stretch, and grow in faith, life, and purpose. Click the title to read the full post.
Grace in the Disarray 