Dear Child of Mine, In August of 2007, your daddy led me out to the most romantic corner of our favorite place – “The Point” at Somerset Beach Campground. It was there he asked me to be his wife, committing to love and cherish me forever and ever. The look in his eyes, the sights […]
Craving Campfires
Dear Child of Mine, As I look out from our cozy little apartment, I since inches upon inches of fluffy white snow. It’s beautiful, it really is. And I’m so thankful for the loveliness of each unique flake. It has been years since I last experienced a true WINTER – one filled with snow days and […]
We Already Have Four Kids
Dear Children of Mine, I need to tell you right off the bat–we already have four kids. SPONSOR KIDS, that is. In 2005, I began sponsoring Umuhoza Albert, a little boy from Rwanda. I was a sophomore in college, with no real “home” church, but a conviction that I needed to tithe from what little […]
How Many Will There Be?
Dear Child of Mine, I thought it important to emphasize that these letters, aren’t just for you, the firstborn. You are not the only desire of our hearts. Should God grant us just one child, then certainly, our words are for you alone. But should He allow us to parent two or three or more children, […]
Sudden Death
Dear Child of Mine, How I wish I could promise your heart would never break, tears of sadness would never drip down your precious cheeks. But I can’t. This life is painful, sometimes surprisingly so. I saw a vague Facebook status of my friend, Ben, and sent him a message asking if he was ok. […]
More Than Just a Degree
Dear, Sweet Child of Mine, I don’t know what plans the Lord has for you. I do believe that, like Hannah, there will come a time when I’m going to be required to give this living, breathing, part of my heart – YOU – back to God. I can hardly fathom that moment from where […]
When Diamonds Speak Forgiveness
Oh Child of Mine, If there is one thing I can tell you about your father, he is a tremendously forgiving man. My behavior could be wrought with selfishness, complete with immature whining, complaining, and insult throwing. But should I come to repent, he never hesitates. The man lives out Matthew 18:21-22. Then Peter came […]
Hope or Optimism?
Dear Child of Mine, I love being able to write to you. It gives me a purpose and a focus, both of which seem very allusive to me these days. These letters are a pretty honest look into the real me, my likes and dislikes, the things that excite me and the situations that bring […]
Homemade Rolls from the Heart
Although your dad and I have been living mostly grain-free since October (with some long stretches of EAT ALL THE BREADS!), I do have a love for baking fresh rolls and loaves. There is something magical about the rising of the dough, the power of the yeast. Working with your hands, kneading and shaping the loaves is […]
Saturated in Music
Child, Music is a vital part of who I am. My memories are steeped in concerts and recitals, practice times and rehearsals, clammy palms and shaky notes, exhilarating performances and spontaneous song. I can remember back to my very first solo; I was the Little Red Hen in our kindergarten musical. Clad in yellow tights, […]