“Sometimes when I open my mouth, my Mom’s words come out!” I ran across this quote on Facebook and posted it on my Mom’s wall. It is so true! How many of you have declared, “When I grow up, I will live my life completely differently than my parents did!”? Well, you may live in a different kind of house. You may be pursuing a different career. You may even hold to a completely different child-rearing philosophy. But, at the end of the day, your parents are still with you... inside you. We are so indoctrinated by our caregivers’ beliefs, worldviews, and actions. Case in point: The … [Read more...]
Grandma, Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Ol’ Days (Grandparent Connections)
Almost two years ago, my family and I said goodbye to one of the most precious ladies you could ever hope to meet. She was the heart of our church and a mother to many. Grandma Lillie had a way of making you feel special all over. After she passed away, my cousin and I reminisced about how awesome it was to walk up to her front door and see her face light up. Grandparents can be so incredibly special. Yesterday was Grandparent’s Day, and I dedicate this post to grandmas and grandpas everywhere. I was blessed to know three of my four grandparents. My Grandparents My maternal grandfather’s … [Read more...]
Some Considerations for Family Planning
Truth be told, I do not like using the phrase “family planning” since it sounds synonymous with “Planned Parenthood.” While couples do plan to have kids, I find the phrase “family planning” a bit humorous. Some couples plan to have a dozen kids, but God only gives them a couple. Meanwhile, other couples say, “No kids ever!” and have a bunch. But the only full-proof technique for not getting pregnant is abstinence and I have not personally met any married couples who have opted for the “no sex” method. When it comes to having babies, we can plan all we want, but that does not mean our kids … [Read more...]
Who’s Your Daddy?
Each generation makes the same promise to themselves: “We’re going to live our lives differently than our parents!” It’s so common to see high school seniors chomping at the bit to graduate, leave home, and start their own lives. Who among us hasn’t said, “I’ll never do ____ the way my parents did it!”? It’s funny how every twenty or so years another group of crusaders emerge from their nests determined to be completely different than their parents. One of my favorite college professors basically told us to get over it – i.e., we are our parents. I actually believed her, but I had no idea … [Read more...]
Celebrate Your Family Before the Funeral
Through all the tears surrounding the death of my beloved Grandmother, I adored all the family time we shared! All of us had not been together in one place at one time in years. We all had a common bond and we leaned on each other for support. It was a long weekend that I will treasure in my heart forever. Yes, I’m feeling mushy and sentimental, and I’m proud of it! ~smile~ Today, over lunch, a friend told me that her family used to get together every few years for a family reunion. Her uncle organized the event and her family would come from all parts of the country to catch up and hang … [Read more...]