Cathartic journaling of an adoptive mom.
Latest Posts
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Prompts
Conrad and his dad set forth to write a novel based on a prompt. Each developed it as he saw fit and felt inspired. The novel I translated for Conrad, called Exolegacy, had this prompt of “memory.” I personally write as I go, living life, inspired to write as my kids ask questions or certain…
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The youngest as the only child
My brother left for college when I was 14. It changed my life. I was the quiet kid, self aware, peacemaker, never getting into trouble, walking lightly through the house. The four years I spent in the home of my parents without a sibling were transformative. I am very grateful for them. This week Ivy…
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Talent (measurement)
The talent (Ancient Greek: τάλαντον, talanton, Latin talentum) was a unit of weight used in the ancient world, often used for weighing gold and silver, but also mentioned in connection with other metals, ivory, and frankincense. One evening I was re-telling the girls, the Bible story with the talents. They asked me what fructifying means, putting to good use, enhancing, growing,…
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Integration
It matters how we are perceived in our social contexts, but it matters even more that we understand ourselves, that we know ourselves. I guess the sweet spot is integrating what we know of ourselves with how others see us. This therapist was discussing with a young girl, who struggled deeply with depression, about her…
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Listen vs watch
Be not concerned with the fact that kids don’t seem to listen. Rest assured that they are watching. How did I turn out this way? My parents didn’t over explain things to me. I sometime feel like I grew like a stubborn weed alongside them. Evidently they offered some protection and guidance. But they were…
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Packing for a trip
When thinking about what I’ll need on a trip, I live in anticipation and it doubles the joy of traveling, I always liked packing. As far as I can remember, I packed my own bags. I know some people need a list, so they don’t have to think about the necessary stuff. And I now…
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Not ready to launch
My eldest is having a sleepover with a friend. Ivy asked if she could join. Jackie agreed without skipping a beat. I loved her generosity and kindness. Evening came. I cleaned the girls room just because they weren’t home to mess it up with socks and stuffed animals, and was looking forward to a date…
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Finding love
Because perfectionism kills we strive to be good enough. Good enough parents, good enough spouses, good enough employees, good enough daughters and sons. But don’t mistake good enough for settling, for lowering the bar. Right before I met my husband I thought I might never marry because I was determined to not settle. A bit…
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The necessity to address the present burnout
It’s easier to talk about most things if they are in the past. Granted it takes some courage and vulnerability to open up even then, and it’s easier if you are confident in your identity. Who you are and your worth is not defined by a season in life, a set of circumstances, how you…
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Being enough and anxiety
When you don’t register at a mind and heart level that you are enough, you keep giving to the point of depletion, which state only confirms how limited you are and that in fact you are not enough. But God’s spirit in us is enough. Humility protects us from trying to be more and do…
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Coping mechanisms and temptation entering school age
When I was around 5 I visited with my grandmother an old grannie in the village. She was making carpets and other crafty things out of colorful threads. My grandmother was also a carpet maker and I helped her with that craft as a kid. That grannie had many spools of colorful thread. I remember…
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Lifestyle and schoolwork
We were watching a show in the evening when the teacher sent a text to the parents that she gave our kids their math test results back. And she encouraged everyone to check the kids homework and help them the best we can to practice math at home through homework. I turned to Jackie and…
