9. On March 8, I posted my first blog post as my website officially went “live.” 10. Bear and Bubba graduated from elementary school in June. A big step up into Middle School, Youth Group and pre-teendom. They had to say goodbye to some of their friends, as most of their classmates went to a different school. Bubba had an …
Top 12 of 2012 , part 2
5. In August, Emma earned her driver’s license! It took a few tries—it’s extremely difficult to pass on the first try on Maryland—but she finally did it. Not much help to us, as she left for college a couple weeks later, but at least she’s mobile while there, and can come home at will. 6. In September, I attended my …
Top 12 of 2012
I’m thinking back over the last year, remembering the best things that happened to me and my family. God has been good to us. I know usually it’s a top ten, but 12 in 12 just sounded cooler. I’m posting the first four this week, in no particular order other than the first four I thought of. 1. My book! Of course. I submitted the manuscript in January, …
The Good, the Bad and the Annoying
Tuesday was my birthday. The kids were all home because of Hurricane Sandy. We only got a lot of rain so we still had power, which is nice since we tend to lose power at least once each winter, and sometimes summer storms as well. The county, for a reason that escapes me, canceled school through Tuesday on Sunday morning. …
A Thousand Tiny Memories
I remember the first time I felt like I had officially joined “The Moms’ Club.” I went out to eat with a girlfriend. I took Emma along—she was a couple years old. As I searched in my purse for a pen to sign the check, I could find only a few crayons. I was quite excited, and I’m sure the …
The High Cost of Unforgiveness
We visited the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History a few months ago. It happened to be the 60th anniversary of America’s decision to place Japanese-Americans in internment camps during World War II. There was a large board standing near the entrance to the exhibit with 5×7 posit-it notes and Sharpies nearby, inviting guests to share their thoughts on the decision. …
Circle of Friends?
My daughter started college this week. Last week was orientation. One day they gathered the 435 freshmen, arranged them in a circle, and drilled into them that this was their new “community.” A “diversity expert” asked them quite personal questions and they were to step inside the circle if the questions were true for them. Questions like, “Were you abused …
Blame God!
If tomorrow a brilliant scientist came up with a cure for all cancer, one that was quick, easy and universally affordable, would the media and general public say, “Wow, look what God has done! See what he has given us!” I strongly doubt it. No, we would be shouting, “Man has conquered disease! We rock!” Whenever something good happens, when …
Angry with God
I recently had a conversation with a friend about being mad at God. I think this friend was mad at God for allowing a tragedy in her life, but didn’t want to be. Some people believe you can’t be angry with God because He’s … well … God. After all, it’s not like you can walk into the Oval Office …
Highway to Heaven
It took me a little longer to pick up my mom and get to church last Sunday. Between her house and the church is a Cambodian Buddhist Temple, one of the largest outside Cambodia, I’m told. Last Sunday marked Cambodian New Year, and literally hundreds of cars were parked in the temple complex, the lot next to it, and up …