THE AWKWARD MOM

because uncomfortable conversations are the ones worth having

Month: September 2015

Your opportunity…vs. your call

Reading Time: 3 minutes

I’ve written about my overcommitment before, and the true cost to my family. But it’s challenging when it’s not a bunch of nonessentials munching at the white space on my calendar. It’s people. People with needs; pain; longings; hope.

And it was then that words from a friend drove themselves home, settling in my chest: The need does not always constitute the call.

Now you’re speaking my [love] language: 20 ways to express affection through quality time

Reading Time: 3 minutes

5.Head to an event together--a ball game, a concert, a play, a lecture, a comedian--and grab a bite to eat before or after. 6.Go for a walk or hike together. 7.Exercise together. You might even set a goal (“let’s do P90-X!” “let’s run a 5K!” “Let’s see if we can bench that much by the end of the month!).

The Beautiful Blend

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Loving people unlike ourselves--when we can patiently wait for the dissonance like a junior-high band to pass--produces the swelling, overwhelming harmonies of a full orchestra.

Counter-cultural Prayers for America (with free printable)

Reading Time: 4 minutes

13.Pray for repentance, forgiveness, and revival in God’s people. Revival in our nation starts here--in me. In us.

What did you expect?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Too often, my expectations steal my joy. And my gratitude, my sense of worship, for what is.

Now you’re speaking my love language: 20 ways to display affection through acts of service

Reading Time: 3 minutes

1.Knock out that item on her to-do list she just hasn’t gotten to. 2.What little touches could better make your home a “prepared place”--like God creates for us--that’s comforting, encouraging, and uplifting, so family and guests feel embraced? For guests, it may be the basket of extra toiletries next to the cozy towel in the bathroom; for kids, you could have a favorite snack ready when he arrives home; help him remove his backpack.

Now you’re speaking my [love] language: Showing affection through gifts

Reading Time: 3 minutes

1.The key with communicating in this love language (so I'm told) is to study the recipient well, and communicate your understanding of him or her through the gift. It's not about the size, but the intentional, knowing thoughtfulness, a demonstration of I get you. I see you. 2.Purchase tickets for the event you know he or she would love. 3.Have a cup of coffee (or a favorite morning beverage) ready when he or she comes out in the morning--just the way they like it--or a snack when they arrive home.

Now you’re speaking my [love] language: 20 ways to express affection through physical touch

Reading Time: 2 minutes

1.Put an arm around his or her shoulder. 2.Hug them in the morning, or when they arrive home, or to wish them good night. 3.Sit next to each other while watching a movie. 4.Throw your arms around their neck while they’re sitting in a chair.

For the days when helping hurts [you]

Reading Time: 4 minutes

helping hurts

At first, I thought she cheated my son.

But when, yielding to my call, she trudged back up the steep grade of our hill, my frustration softened. Her wide black eyes slid up to mine, her forehead glimmering in sweat. Her faded, two-sizes-too-large men’s T-shirt was pocked with holes. She must have been walking nearly the entirety of the morning in those foam shower slippers with the toes long gone and sizeable gaps in their soles. She was thirteen, though looked all of eleven.

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