“Hurry up! Brush your teeth! We’re going to be late!” “How many times have I told you to put your shoes on already?!” “Don’t make me come up there!” It’s the daily loop that plays on repeat in my house. …
Behind Closed Doors: A journey through marriage with pornography & sexual addiction
Jason and Shelley Martinkus bravely shared their story in the Summer 2014 issue of Hello, Darling magazine. The issue of the magazine is called “The Privilege of Femininity.” We discussed a myriad of topics that shape and inform our understanding of …
The Mess Means People Live Here
I’m surrounded by evidence that I have four children. In my house. My car. My garage. Even on my stained clothes. Depending on the day, my inner pendulum swings between embracing the mess and resenting every crumb-maker in my family. …
Noticing the Man In Front of Me
“I still remember the days I prayed for the things I have now.” A spontaneous Friday morning work date. My husband Derek sat across from me in a downtown hotel lobby with Wi-Fi and coffee for the taking, our respective …
Kitchen Stories
“Mom, will you make the gravy?” The question came during a holiday gathering a few months ago at my daughter’s house, which included children, parents and two sets of grandparents, as well as my son-in-law’s parents, who were visiting from …
There’s No Place Like Home
When I was growing up, one of my favorite movies was “The Wizard of Oz.” The most powerful scene for me as a little girl was at the end of the movie when Dorothy repeatedly whispers her heartfelt declaration: “There’s …
Navigating Tough Family Relationships
For some, the most stressful part of the holidays is being together with family. It’s true, families are inherently conflictual. In our culture, we’ve been led to believe that conflict is bad – something to be avoided because it’s the …
Being Present with a Friend in Crisis
She had her hands to her face, and she kept repeating to the lifeguard, “That’s my baby. That’s my baby.” My best friend’s toddler son, my godson, lay blue and unresponsive by the side of the pool, while lifeguards worked …
Suffering with your Friend
My husband and I met Josh and Wendy when we moved to York, Pennsylvania, and started looking for a church. Wendy immediately introduced herself, and she was quickly followed by her husband, Josh. They were compassionate, caring and knew exactly …
Why Awkward is Good in Friendship
Once upon a time there was a woman (okay, me) who was shocked. I was a little disgusted even, when I discovered my friend made a decision with which I so strongly disagreed. I couldn’t believe it! Other people maybe, …