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
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
Here are my takeaways: I’m not the brightest crayon in the box, particularly when it comes to emotional intelligence. As summer came to an end I began waking up feeling sad and exhausted. “I don’t like to feel sad,” I told myself. “So just stop it!” But my body and my spirit wouldn’t listen to … Read more
“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
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
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
Growing up, I watched my mother closely. She was my role model, obviously, but also my hero. I couldn’t fathom her love for my sisters and I, but I am eternally grateful God gave me such a powerful example of love and sacrifice. Much of what I know about motherhood comes from watching my mom, … Read more
“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
In a normal week, I squeeze in three to four early morning workouts featuring a lot of weight lifting and CrossFit-style activities. Since breaking my finger, those aren’t working out so well. So I hit up my old standby… running. My running career began when I was in middle school, when I trained for my … Read more
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
