It was a hot September day in 2010 and the counters in the Dairy Queen were sticky. The smell of waffle cones and sugary sweets wafted through the air as I nervously shifted in the red plastic covered booth. My husband, Chris, and I sat across from our twelve-year-old foster son as the three of... Continue Reading →
The touch of ceramic, cool on my lips Hot liquid pours in, savory sweet bliss Each sip fills my heart, joy brims to overflow Memories flow, warm through my mind Fresh cut grass, green and rolls of hay bales in the field Chasing chicken through the pen, feathers fly through the air Playing in... Continue Reading →
Developmental psychologist, Erik Erikson, is quoted as saying, “Life doesn't make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all.” It’s often the small things; a touch, a listening ear, a smile, a small act of caring, that have the ability to turn a life... Continue Reading →
Listen up folks, we cannot stay silent forever. Far too long, many of us have buried our heads in the sand and wished all the bad away. We're good people. We’re caring people. We believe in equality. We believe in freedom. We believe in free speech for all. We believe in right and wrong. And... Continue Reading →
I hid behind lies Buried myself Pushed way down to escape the pain I faked the smile Hardened my heart Denied love that came my way I forgot how to feel How to love Pushed away everyone I'd hung my head and given up Convinced I was useless and irrelevant Then you came like a... Continue Reading →
One Sunday afternoon as my church family ministered to the homeless of Colorado Springs I was looking over the faces of the crowd and noticed her. She sat off to the side, alone. Her expression heavy and hardened. She avoided eye contact with everyone, never lifting her gaze. She refused to approach the folks handing out... Continue Reading →
Dear Teacher, My husband and I have spent 5 years building up our daughters self-worth-- telling her she's amazing, happy, a good leader, friend, person, and lots more. We've worked diligently at making sure her tiny ego is developed with armor comprised of unconditional love, realistic expectations, positive affirmations, and focused confidence in her and her abilities. We recognized early... Continue Reading →
Everyone who has entered into the bond of marriage knows -- marriage is difficult! Life has a way of kicking the crap out of you when you least expect it, and learning how to navigate these hard times with a significant other can be tricky, especially if you don’t put the time and effort into... Continue Reading →
Note to self: As a wife I have the opportunity to create a home that either supports or crushes my husband. I can make our house a haven of rest and peace, or a place of anxiety, struggle, dissension. I can choose to be affirming or critical. I can teach my children to honor and... Continue Reading →
One of the most monumental and unforeseen obstacles I have faced as an adoptive parent is how to prove my love to my adopted child. This issue seems to be made more complicated by the fact we adopted him through the foster care system as a preteen. Adopted children struggle with feeling connected, loved, a part... Continue Reading →
SELENA BOYTS 