- Written by Colleen Swindoll Thompson One of the first questions my children asked was, “Why?” It came at unwanted bedtimes, unexpected mealtimes, undesired moments of discipline, and unforgettable experiences of sacrifice and forgiveness. A wonderful innocence surrounds the question of “Why?” I don’t think we ever outgrow that basic question… at least, we don’t until we settle one of life’s … [Read more...]
Unconditional Love Or More Than I Can Handle?
Pumping quickly became a time where I allowed for my emotions to surface. Eight times a day I was attached to my own machine, unable to move, and able to wallow in my sadness. Many times, while milk poured, so did my tears. At times, I felt as if I was shaking my fist at God, asking Him “Why?” I had given Him my life; I had served Him faithfully; so why had He given me this child? Why had He … [Read more...]
Peaches of Promise
Do you ever doubt yourself as a parent of a child with special needs? Ever feel like a failure as a spouse? Wonder why you can’t get it right more often with your friends? Feel like you’re missing the mark as a follower of Jesus? I do. Not every day. But often enough. I want to be the best mom, most loving wife, true-blue friend, and role-model Christian. Instead, I find myself losing my … [Read more...]
That Feeling You Never Let Yourself Feel
We sat in the car, inching forward in traffic that stretched miles ahead of us. My tween daughter turned on the radio. "Not that station!" I protested internally, but said nothing. She pulled out a granola bar and started eating (by which, I mean she ate 1/2 and ejected the crumbs from the rest around the seat). I looked over, tried to breathe away the annoyed reaction to her mess... Then I saw … [Read more...]
How to Walk on Stormy Waters
Poor pitiful me! I'm sorry to say that this how I've felt lately. If anyone could throw a pity party these past few years, let me tell you, it's been me. My family has been walking a hard road for some time now, and somewhere along the way I forgot one of the most valuable lessons that God ever taught me: I forgot to look up. See, all around us was a sea of trouble. Miles and miles of waves and … [Read more...]
How Can 31 Years Ago Seem Just Like Yesterday?
Thirty-one years ago today, our first child was born at 12:35 AM on a Sunday morning. Like all mothers, I remember the details of that day at Lookout Memorial Hospital in Spearfish, South Dakota with perfect clarity. But my memories are different than those of many other new parents. The joy of the memory of our son's arrival is tinged with sadness and gratitude. I remember breakfast being … [Read more...]