How Do I Cope With Having An Estranged Child?

I thought I was coping quite well...until I saw her picture on a relative's FB. I thought I had let go of the hurt...but that picture just brought everything back to the forefront.

I wrote last week about pregnancy losses, and as hard as those are, there is a greater loss...that of a child who is still living but refuses contact, as our oldest adopted daughter does.

Promises from Psalms; Psalm 27:5

This past week, I was able to spend a few days sitting with my mom, saying goodbye to her before she went home to be with Jesus. Knowing that she would be going to a place 'Where the storms never darken the skies' gave me peace and made it so much easier to say goodbye for now.

Four Names ~ Giving Meaning, Purpose and Honour

Four names on a page...names that were carefully chosen to give meaning to lives that would never be lived...to give purpose to mourning for what would never be...to give honour to God, who always knows what is best for us.

I've never talked about these names...they were really just for me at the time I chose them, but when I came across that piece of paper I thought maybe it's time to share them.

Promises From Psalms; Psalm 30:5

One day, all the trials of this life will fade like the darkness of night and we'll live eternally and joyfully in the light of our Lord!

A Love Story; How True Love Has Carried Us Through the Years

How is 'True Love' defined?

This is the Websters Dictionary online definition of love:

1.A feeling of strong attachment induced by that which delights or commands admiration; preeminent kindness or devotion to another; affection; tenderness

2. Especially, devoted attachment to, or tender or passionate affection for one of the opposite sex

As I read that definition, I thought,  that doesn't seem like enough to keep a marriage relationship going through all the struggles this life presents. 

Promises From Psalms; Psalm 23

This week's Promise From Psalms is an entire Psalm. There is so much in Psalm 23, I couldn't just pick one or two verses.

A Life Well Lived; We're Just Passing Through

It's taken me a long time to write this post...Mother's Day 2018 we went to visit the home where I grew up...or what was left of it. I knew I wanted to write about it, but I couldn't get all of my thoughts organized enough to express in a post, so I set it aside.

My parents are an example of a life well-lived.

I mentioned on our About page that my parents were my inspiration for Living Our Lives Well. I wanted whatever I wrote to honour them and be a reflection of their lives and faith.

What I eventually wrote was...surprise...song lyrics!

No music yet...not for lack of trying, but nothing sounds quite right yet. Hopefully one day it will come.

Promises from Psalms; Psalm 18:30

Again, in Psalm 18, David is calling on God in his distress. Throughout the earlier verses, he recounts his situation and God's response and he continues to speak of the character and righteousness of God.

Stories of Love and Loss

As I contemplated a theme for this month, love seemed to be the obvious topic, given Valentine's Day is coming up. Why not? Who doesn't like a good love story? And I just happen to have one to tell...mine and my husband's.