I recently read a study that highlighted the difference between our ability to recall images versus words. There were two control groups. The first was shown a picture of a circle. The word ācircleā was written down for the second group. The groups were re-convened 72 hours later and asked what they were shown. The [...]
Category: Foster
Great and Other Expectations
One of the greatest sources of conflict for any of us is unmet expectations. So many of the low moments in my life are when people didn't behave the way I thought they should or hoped they would. At the same time there are an equal amount (if not more) of moments where others are [...]
The Tale of Two Thanksgivings
Thanksgiving 2013 has come and gone without serious incident at our house. That statement is enough reason to rejoice because there is always the potential that something could go wrong every year. I won't get into it here but let's just say experience has made me wise. Fortunately this year nothing went wrong. We had [...]
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Maybe
I am really looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday. Itās one of my favorite holidays. I love the way it smells, the weather is usually perfect and thereās football to watch. Maybe Iāve idealized the whole thing, but the thought of a day where the whole nation pauses to remember what we're thankful for [...]
People Mean Well, No Really They Do
I know people mean well, but good intentions are not necessarily an indicator of right actions. We've been asked some questions over the years that either leave us smiling or scratching our heads. These questions could be considered misguided or uninformed, perhaps the thoughts of people who donāt know any better, but when strangers ask [...]
How to Ruin a Saturday
I have a coworker who just took a short trip out of town with her husband. He is the outdoorsy type. He loves exploring and finding adventure and she is more of the stay at the cabin and read a book type. This, as you might imagine, is a source of conflict between them whenever [...]
Creating a Healthy Adoption Culture in Your Church
About a minute into the greatest sermon ever preached Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world. I know, big responsibility is placed on us in that moment. I think that a way for our churches to be the light of the world is by embracing the ministry of adoption and foster [...]
What Does Your Label Say?
We all like to label things. If it doesn't have a label, then it doesn't make any sense to us. We even have label makers so that we can label our things. Apparently the names they were assigned by their makers donāt really work for us. We have to give them names that fit our [...]
Why People Matter to God
The topic assigned to us forĀ last weekend's Tapestry conference was "Why does my child's birth family really matter?" It seemed like an easy topic at first, after all we have been at this for a long time, we even have a very open adoption with our oldest daughter. We know about birth families. We should, [...]
My Childās Birth Family
The Ā topic we're speaking on at this year's Tapestry Conference isĀ Why does my childās birth family really matter?Ā It's a question that all foster and adoptive parents should consider. Let's be honest, it's a question that all parents should consider because it is central to who your child is and who they become. We cannot escape [...]