This is a watercolor I painted of my granddaughter Kialee almost a decade ago. I took this picture of her just after she had been told that swimming was over for the day and later tried to capture her sad little face in this painting. I remember trying to comfort her as I held her in my arms and …
Who’s in control?
I couldn’t move. I lay strapped to the hospital bed, connected to the world only through a set of tubes that led to blipping machines and bags of fluid. I couldn’t actually see the tubes or the machines, but somehow I knew they were there. Muffled shouts and screams were coming from the corridor. I couldn’t smell smoke, but I …
Five Essential Words for every Parent, Leader, Lover and Friend.
While doing research for my book “How To Live with Your Kids when You’ve Already Lost Your Mind,” I surveyed 600 teenagers and asked the question, “What are the words you most want to hear from your parents? Of course their first choice of words were “I love you.” It was their second choice that made the most impact on …
A Four Letter Word Essential to Faith and Living Fully Alive
When my daughter Traci was small, I found her standing at the edge of the courthouse steps. I stood below her and asked, “Why are you standing there?” “I want to jump,” she said. What an opportunity to teach trust. I held up my arms. “Go ahead, jump,” I said, “I will catch you.” She moved up to the edge …
Why Does This Video Bring Tears To My Eyes?
This heartwarming video of a little girl’s first airplane ride, was sent to me by a dear friend, Julie Patterson, who’s entire family has a passion for children. I choke up every time I watch it. Is it because the greatest joy in the world comes not from a crowd’s standing ovation, but from the joy brought to one little …