May 13, 2017 | Janet's Blog
~Janet’s Blog
Parenting In A Brave New World
In 2004, we moved to the great unknown of Boise, Idaho, the week of spring break. Our daughter was only in first grade. Wow, that seems like both yesterday and a million years ago, at the same time.
It was an exciting and intimidating time. My husband went off to work that following Monday, where he had been working for the past 7 weeks, while I drove my daughter to her first day of school. She settled into the desk in her new classroom. So, I slowly dragged my feet out the door. Boy, what a lonely feeling. (more…)
Mar 18, 2017 | Janet's Blog, Relationships
~Janet’s Blog
But, it was all planned out…
The mission was going according to plan.
You had it all worked out. Chores: done. Errands: done. Dinner plans: done.
You are ready for a day of shopping with your precious daughter. A girl date. What could be better than mother-daughter bonding, right? (more…)
Feb 25, 2017 | Janet's Blog
~Janet’s Blog
Do you have favorite memories that you love looking back on? The kind that just warm your heart? Have you ever noticed that some of the most special warm fuzzy moments are the ones you made as a kid? Remarkable moments?
Seriously, just stop and remember. What memories give you warm fuzzies inside? My bet is these memories happened while you were with someone. This moment was special and made its home in your heart because someone special was with you. It’s a special place you can visit whenever you want inside your heart.
(more…)
Nov 13, 2016 | Chronic Pain, Janet's Blog
~Janet’s Blog
Is there a place to hide here?
My heart was pumping so hard I thought it was going to jump out of my chest. I found myself staring at the exit sign in the church sanctuary just 30 feet away and thinking, “Maybe if I ran fast enough no one would see me escape!?”
It had been awhile since I had sung a solo and accompanied myself on the guitar. After five years of not being able to play, due to chronic pain in my hands, I was still getting back into the swing of things. It had been only a recent discovery that playing, while it still hurt, didn’t result in a huge increase in pain for days. Before the chronic pain began, I regularly played in public. But that was five years ago. Back when I didn’t think about it. Today, I felt like a fake and the EXIT sign was looking quite inviting. The sermon felt like it was going on forever and yet I never wanted the pastor to stop either. Because then I would be next. (more…)
Aug 12, 2016 | Janet's Blog
~Janet’s Blog
Bullying Is For Grown-Ups, too
There was nothing special about that Wednesday night. Joel and I were out with our dog. Bronx loves his walks. And we love to talk through the day and relax.
Little did we know we were about to cross paths with a bike rider out on a mission of hate. (more…)
Jul 23, 2016 | Janet's Blog
~Janet’s Blog
…or Perseverance Isn’t For Sissies
I must admit that when I prayed to God for perseverance, I meant,
“God please just give me what I want now!”
Yes, it’s true! I really wanted the journey to end sooner than later and get to the finish line faster. You know…to have the pace picked up by God, not by me.
Why? Because this year has been brutal emotionally, physically, and mentally. (more…)
