I barely turn off the car engine and I hear the loud barks echoing from inside the house. As I come in, the usual ritual starts: Our miniature Schnauzer jumps up and down, crying and wagging her tail, showing the extent of her love and devotion. No, I haven’t been gone for weeks or even days. My trip to the grocery store took less than an hour this time. Indeed, it doesn’t matter how long I am gone, nor if I accidentally step on her pawn, my dog’s display of affection has never changed for Continue Reading
Marriage, Divorce… and the Fruit of the Spirit {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
In 1994, Howard Markman, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Denver and director of the Center for Marital and Family Studies, and Clifford Notarius, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and director of the Center for Family Psychology, published a book titled “We Can Work it Out: Making Sense of Marital Conflict.” The book was written based on 20 years of scientific investigations of several married couples. Later, in 2016, a Continue Reading
Dr. Charles F. Stanley – A Life of Unwavering Faith {Atlanta Journal Constitution}
I sat on the front row of the audience at the InTouch Ministries broadcast studio, where I was invited to watch the taping of an exclusive interview between two of the most acclaimed pastors of our time. For 45 uninterrupted minutes, Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Community Church, interviewed his dad, Dr. Charles F. Stanley, senior pastor of First Baptist Atlanta since 1971, and president of InTouch Ministries. The interview will be broadcast during the week of Stanley’s 85th birthday Continue Reading
Anxiety & Depression In the Church {Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Hi. My name is Patricia and I am a recovering anxious Christian. I hid behind the smile and said everything was great, even though my world was falling apart. I lied to myself that I could handle one more item on my to-do list, even though I knew I was about to hit a wall and crash. And I believed that my anxious days were behind me, only to find out that anxiety may be my thorn in the flesh. 'Til Kingdom come. I was sitting in my church’s choir rehearsal this week, skimming through Continue Reading
Run Your Own Race {Atlanta Journal Constitution}
After persistent pleading, I finally agreed to play Mario Kart with my daughters. Our teenager had asked us to purchase the video game at the end of the school year, so they could enjoy it during their summer vacation. I was reluctant, since my plan was to spend the summer enjoying fun outdoor activities, while cutting screen time to a minimum. Thanks to endless rainy days, my summer plans didn’t stand. Needless to say, there are only so many activities that a mother can come up with Continue Reading
What Will They Say… When You Leave? {Atlanta Journal Constitution}
He didn’t see me coming from behind. Intently staring at his cell phone, I could see by his broad smile that whatever was on the screen was either funny or brought him much joy. As I kissed his cheek, he woke from the trance and hugged me. “Let me show you something,” my stepdad said. He pulled the message from his cell phone, and read his daughter-in-law’s text out loud. She spoke of his influence in her life, and the admiration she holds. He grinned from ear to ear, the words filling Continue Reading
