12 Lessons from 12 Years of Parenthood

My oldest son celebrated his 12th birthday last year. In reflecting on the wonders of parenting for a dozen years, I thought I’d share 12 lessons I’ve learned along the way. No one knows what they’re doing when they become a parent. If they say they do, they are lying. It’s the greatest and most … Read more

Searching for Authenticity

Authenticity has been a buzz word in our culture for quite some time. It’s a word used to sell products, inspire others, empower activists, and more. But when I think about authenticity, I can get frustrated by all the noise drowning out its true meaning. I want to be authentic because I know Jesus was … Read more

Aging Gracefully

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 Aging gracefully comes with a set of challenges that I never … Read more

Preventative Medicine for the Win

As I’ve mentioned before, 2020 brought all the pandemic struggles alongside an onslaught of personal and familial challenges. One such challenge was watching my beloved baby sister struggle with a new Crohn’s Disease diagnosis and subsequent hospitalizations and treatments. Genetics can play a role in Crohn’s Disease; siblings and close family members of someone with … Read more

Boundaries: Tips that Helped me Save my Mental Health

In 2020, when the entire world seemed upside down, I had my work cut out for me. I found myself with a new job and all the challenges that come with transitioning from full-time housewife and parent back to working parent and spouse. I was juggling not one but two moves with six people, and … Read more

What’s in a Name?

“The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.” Isaiah 62:2 My given name is Angelica. When I was a child, there was a popular television cartoon that featured a “villain” with the same name. This was … Read more

Processing Pain

One Monday morning we started our school day with a kitchen fire. My oldest son is learning to cook. It’s going well. The day progressed from bad to worse when I was moving some heavy construction panels to our office dumpster. One broke in half in my hands, crushing my left hand into the icky, … Read more

Smashing Success

A few months ago, I got a phone call from one of my friends. She had a fantastic plan for my three oldest friends and I to vanquish our group stress: smash a massive pile of old stuff with sledgehammers, baseball bats, golf clubs, etc. If you’ve ever met me, you’ve pieced together that I … Read more

5 Tips to Staying Motivated when You Don’t Want to Get out of Bed

Hey, guys! We’re a few weeks into 2021 now, and I hope you’re happy, healthy and not bogged down yet! I’m definitely fighting pandemic fatigue and trying to find margin to both heal from last year and grow in this one. I thought it might be helpful to share some tips that keep this energizer … Read more