It is so easy to over-commit your time and resources.
In your efforts to please others, you often forget that you have limits. Before you know it, you are stressed and overwhelmed by all that you need to get done. You are snapping at your kids, resenting all the cooking, you’ve overspent and…
Growing up in a large family, one of my favorite memories is of our Christmas traditions.
We made dozens of cut-out cookies, batches of sweet caramels, pounds of chocolatey fudge, and bags of party mix in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Then, every Christmas eve, we each opened one gift—new pajamas.
The next morning, the…
Your husband is in prison.
Suddenly, your primary way of communicating is no longer face to face, but over the phone. And not by text, snapchat, or Instagram messaging. Yikes! Talking on the phone together was probably not something you did often before he went to prison. Talking on the phone is now the most…
Christmas was the most difficult season for my family while Ron was in prison.
On the outside, we missed him every day—but during Christmas we missed him even more. For those on the inside, the days are longer and harder than any other time of the year. Spending time together during visits to…
Ever notice how hard it is to talk when you’re angry?
It is easy to shut down and say nothing—and it is easy to yell. But talking calmly is the furthest thing from your mind in that moment. Anger has a way of robbing us of our self-control, dignity, and character if we are not…
Christmas is not about presents, it is about people
When Ron went to prison, I realized that Christmas is not about presents, it is about people. My boys were grateful for the presents they received- but what they wanted most was to spend Christmas with their daddy. Some of the best gifts we have received…
Communication is King when your husband is in prison.
Without strong communication skills, you will struggle in every area of your marriage while he is away. Chances are, you will not make it out of prison together unless you learn to communicate better. Many couples struggle with understanding each other when they live together. It…
You might have heard that you won’t be able to get a job if you have a felony.
Ridiculous! Of course you can find a job with felony! Your path to employment will be a little different than others, but there are many, many, many jobs available to you. You just have to know what…
I so wish I could stop the commercialism in Christmas.
The pressure of trying to find the elusive “perfect gift” creates so much stress. If only that gift wasn’t so expensive, or I had more money, things would be so much easier.
I used to go crazy trying to save money for Christmas presents – and…
Family gatherings can be difficult.
Or they can be amazing. It all depends on how we manage ourselves. Yes, we have all the power to make our holidays with our family wonderful or woeful. When we react to what others say or do, we ruin the entire day. On the other hand, if…