THE AWKWARD MOM

because uncomfortable conversations are the ones worth having

Category: discouragement (page 1 of 12)

Dealing With Your Parenting “If Only”s

Reading Time: 3 minutes

if only

Question. What’s the one thing you wish about your family that feels like it would make everything better? That finally, your parenting could really sing?

What’s your “if only”? read more

Suffering: “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you”

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Four years ago, my husband and I squinted through snow flurries as we wound our way to Denver.

We were driving my 13-year-old to an MRI screening for cancer.

Lymphoma is a primary consideration, the radiologist had said, goading us toward the test that day. read more

8 Ideas for a SAHP (Stay at Home Parent) to Avoid Isolation

Reading Time: 5 minutes

SAHP

I paused on the stairs today, peering at this photo of my sons eating hot dogs in Halloween costumes at a Trunk or Treat.

The one on the left, in the fireman costume, is now a Marine in infantry training, rucking five kilometers this week with about forty pounds on his back. read more

A Parenthood Christmas

Reading Time: 4 minutes

parenthood christmas bearing children

So–a lot of women I know are in that window of life where one’s body starts needing repair from growing, then expelling a human.

If you’re not there? Hey, super-fun stuff. read more

“Is This Really Where I’m Supposed to Be?”

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Something beautiful happened in my family last weekend.

This is me, in San Diego, with my husband–and my oldest son, who has your back. He is one of the United States’ newest marines. read more

When God Says “No” (for now): FREE printable

Reading Time: 2 minutes

when god says no

Dear readers–I’m pulling this one from the archives today for you…mostly because it was what I needed. -J.

Do you remember the first time you wondered if God really was good? read more

Not Enough: When Self-Doubt is Real

Reading Time: 4 minutes

not enough

It’s become legend in my family–the night I went to see Hedda Gabler at my university as a freshman.

Somewhere in Act II, I think, my friend Paul came on stage wearing a painted-on black eye.  And that’s when I promptly began to feel lightheaded. I was thinking, Janel. It’s makeup read more

Walking with Kids through Church Hurt

Reading Time: 4 minutes

church hurt

This is one of those posts where I’m not an expert, just a mom. (Um, most of my posts?!)

But maybe these small ideas will help. And if I’m smart, I’ll keep this short, right? read more

Struggling with Faith? You’re in Good Company.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

struggling with faith

It was a conversation in my cubicle more than a decade ago, but my friend’s words remain seared in my mind: “You know, I think God loves strugglers.”

You know? I see it. read more

A Christmas Blessing. Sort of

Reading Time: 4 minutes

May all your kids come home, and may they get along with each other. Or at least fake it.

May you have a white Christmas to the point that you feel Christmas-y and can say no to an activity you didn’t really want to go to, but don’t lose electricity and heat. May everyone wipe their boots. read more

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