I’ve long been proud of every utterance, doodle, what have you, that my oldest son has ever produced. It’s just a natural motherly pride that swells within your breast every time you look at your precious child.

Some often wonder how you can ever love an adopted child “like your own.” Let me tell you ... not only is it possible, it actually happens! And it’s so natural that sometimes the force of your feelings rushes over you at times, and you wonder at the miracle of emotions that God creates within us!

I had such a moment today. My six-year-old daughter... more

Julia recently posed a dilemma she is facing with her daughter in this article. It’s a difficult issue, since as Christian parents our duty is to raise our children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). We began by addressing the role of belief and repentance, in Part One of our series. In Part... more

Julia recently posed a dilemma she is facing with her daughter in this article. It’s a difficult issue, since as Christian parents our duty is to raise our children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). We began by addressing the role of belief and repentance, in Part One of our series.

Next, let's look at the issues of confession and baptism:

One... more

Julia recently posed a dilemma she is facing with her daughter in this article. It’s a difficult issue, since as Christian parents our duty is to raise our children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

When our children reach an age in which they are able to be held accountable for their actions, they often begin to question whether or not to choose a relationship with God. If they seek our assistance in understanding the enormity of this commitment,... more

We belong to a non-denominational church that believes that a person cannot lose their salvation, once saved. I understand there are backsliders who fall away from the church, repent, and return. There are also those whom we wonder if they were ever truly saved. Yes, they expressed salvation, as my teenage daughters did, and we were there when they made the decision. But, did all of my daughters truly mean it in their hearts, or was it an act, put on either for attention, or to fit in to the family? Were they the seeds that fell on shallow ground, which grew quickly and withered... more

Big Bubbie has started a new tradition that I will call Storytime Theatre.

As you may remember, my daughter suffers from PTSD, and has severe insomnia. She has begun asking her big brother to tell her a story each night before she goes to bed. My oldest is quite the ham and he loves to tell long-winded... more

Sometimes, it is difficult for us, as adoptive parents, to remember that the reason we have children is because they suffered a great loss. In our happiness of being parents, we forget our children first belonged to another family. In order for them to become our children, they had to be separated from their first family. Separation from your family is a painful process. I believe the grief of loss is similar to the grief experienced when a loved one dies. Just as you never forget a deceased loved one, a child can never forget a first family. Periodically, memories of a deceased... more

While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. Someone said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You." But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?" And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, "Behold My mother and My brothers! "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:46-50)

Tonight,... more

Regular readers will recall that my daughter was recently diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She suffers from extreme insomnia and nightmares. Though we have tried many things in addition to her weekly therapy sessions, she is still an extremely fearful child, and nights in particular are terribly difficult for her.

While waiting at the pharmacy to pick up my older son’s medical supplies, I leafed through a parenting periodical, and found an article highlighting personal safety workshops... more

For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, (1 Peter 2:21)

People love “feel-good” buzz-words, and the phrase, “What Would Jesus Do?” is no exception. But, for my family, this expression has taken root in the hearts of my children.

Sibling squabbles are common-place and normal ... just a part of life in a big family. However, even though none of us is perfect, as Romans 3:23 reminds us, I think all parents expect their children to try to generally... more