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 →
How do I prove love to my adopted child?
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 →
Taking Off the Mask
Wearing a mask brings certain comforts, but it also may hinder our personal growth. As long as we wear the mask we don’t have to deal with the underlying problem. But when we are truly able to confront the truth about ourselves we will find true freedom. We can find healing.
What to (not) Expect When Adopting
"…she's my mom and I love her." -my son, age 17 The day we met our little boy he'd already experienced more trauma, neglect and abuse than most grownups will in a lifetime. When he rounded the corner on our first meeting I fell in love instantly. His little twelve-year-old face was adorable and smiley. (You can read more... Continue Reading →
Our Responsibility to Life
I’ve briefly shared about our journey with foster care and adoption in Two Prayers Answered, but our complete story has never been told. Someday. Maybe. Today I'll be sharing some information...some food for thought...and also challenging you – are you ready? Here's a short history lesson about National Adoption Month: In 1976 Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis announced... Continue Reading →
What Coffee Means to Me
Drinking coffee in our family is a bonding experience. There are heaps of positive (mushy, gushy) emotions attached to the smells, sounds and taste of freshly brewed coffee. All of my fondest memories of childhood are filled with the delectable, robust, savory, satisfying (I could go on) aroma of brewing coffee. I remember a family reunion in Denver when I was... Continue Reading →
7 Ways to Encourage Positive Behavior in Children
Notice. If we really want to encourage positive behavior, we have to start by noticing it. When you recognize positive behavior, it is more likely it will continue. What you focus on is what you get, so focus on what you want. So, it's time to put down the phone and look up. Pay attention.... Continue Reading →
Note to Self: Set Boundaries
I want to say YES to everyone. I want to be available all the time. I feel guilty when I miss a phone call, or cannot respond to texts or emails right away. I want to be available 24/7 to provide everything you need or want. But, I can't. It's just not possible. STOP! Stop trying to be everything for... Continue Reading →
Living Outside the Shadows
The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years. I’ve often wondered why it took them forty years to get to the Promised Land. Was Moses lost? Were they too afraid? Were they just too comfortable living in the wilderness? Perhaps some part of them wanted to go back to Egypt. At one point “All... Continue Reading →
Foolish Controversies
Man alive! If all Christians focused on being filled with the Holy Spirit and less on trivial matters like what day we should worship, the kind of worship music we should use, drums vs. no drums, who gets to be in charge, who sings the next special song, the color of the carpet, etc., the church... Continue Reading →
SELENA BOYTS 