How to Hold on to God’s Promises
Within six months, Gabriel shows up to both Zechariah, a priest, and Mary, the soon-to-be mother of Jesus. He tells each they will have a child. (Well, Zechariah’s wife, that is.) They both ask Gabriel a question, but Zechariah and Mary get very different responses from Gabriel. Zechariah, a man described as righteous and blameless […]
2 Mother’s Day Gifts Every Woman Should Give
With the arrival of May comes a whole slew of events. School parties, exams, the start of marriages, graduations, and our first chance for a little vacation… they all occupy the calendar. Smack dab in the middle of all the events we’re planning is this thing called Mother’s Day. If you are a mother, perhaps you […]
Don’t wait too long…
When my daughter, Annika, was almost three years old, she wasn’t nearly as talkative as her older brother had been at that same age. I didn’t think twice about it. Each child is different. I think my son, Mark, talked in the womb! To have one that was a little harder to understand, or a […]
Are you being used?
Summer should be such a happy time of year, right? What could be better than vacations, sunshine, and beaches? This particular summer I got neither a beach nor a vacation, but at least I was free from the rat race of homework. (That alone is a vacation worth celebrating, if you have school age children.) […]
Our Bugatti
I am a woman who cares very little about cars. I literally grew up thinking a Honda Accord would be my dream car. I am way too practical. Insurance, gas, maintenance, and repairs are almost enough to make me consider bicycling as an option! Us Conlees, however, now have a Bugatti in our possession. Until a year […]
The Sniff Test
Have you ever blown it? Have you ever blown it as a parent? My answer is yes to both… a dozen times every day. Have you ever been disappointed by your lack of faith? If you are right there with me, then this statement from my last blog could bring a touch of fear or […]
This is NOT a Test – Part 2
On Tuesday, I sounded the alarm. It is imperative for every Christian to realize that the enemy is attempting to claw his way into the lives of our students at a younger and younger age. Our first reaction is to pull our kids in close and put them in the tightest bubble possible. Most of […]
This is NOT a Test – Part 1
I’m sure you’ve heard the robotic voice that the Emergency Broadcast System uses as they simulate an emergency: “This is only a test.” As of today, it is no longer a test in my book. Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to wake up and acknowledge that our world has changed! My 14 year old […]
Been There, Done That: In-Laws
By the time your children are grown, I imagine that you feel pretty confident in most areas of life. After all, you survived the most time-intense season of parenting. With an empty nest, there is an opportunity for many to experience new freedoms and even a little raise once your kids are off the payroll! […]
Been There, Done That: Your Child’s Wedding
Planning your child’s wedding may be months away or decades away, depending upon your stage of life. One thing is for sure: It is an occasion full of emotion, opinions and expectations. I don’t think it is ever too early to begin to have a healthy perspective on this special day. As a mom, you […]