Tears flow down They fall like the rain There's no end to my sorrow and pain Too many nights I'm crying for You There's just nothing left for me to do I'm reaching out I just need a touch from You Hope breaks through the cracks in the wall I've built around my bleeding heart Starting to see... Continue Reading →
A Letter From Mama Bear
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 →
How Healthy Social Media Habits Can Strengthen Your Youth Ministry
Cliché notwithstanding, social media in all its forms is the ultimate double-edged sword. One edge blessing and one edge cursing. Whether we like it or not, it is here to stay, and it’s growing, so the trick is to embrace the blessing. When it comes to youth ministry, embracing the blessing is not always an easy... Continue Reading →
Evil, Suffering and God
Why does God allow evil and suffering? There are no words to describe the anguish felt by those who encounter suffering. There are so many tragic stories, so much pain. And many people ask the question, “Why? Why did God allow this?” This has been a heart-rending couple of years for my home-state of Colorado. First... 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 →
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 →
SELENA BOYTS 