No matter what trials we face,
What heartaches we experience,
What darkness we endure,
If we have made a decision to live for Jesus Christ, we have supernatural resources.
We have hope:
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain (Hebrews 6:19).
We can have peace: Continue reading
Today I have the privilege of being the featured blogger with the Just 18 Summers parenting website. If you haven’t checked out this online magazine, you’re missing an amazing resource for parents! There are daily articles on everything from planting seeds of faith in our children, to teaching responsibility, to unique crafting for every age group.
The site offers something for everyone in this incredible journey of raising our children.
Remember, we only have 18 summers!
In the aftermath of the Orlando tragedies, there is a chaotic blur of sorrow, asking why, placing blame, and searching for answers.
In the hours of news coverage, one survivor’s interview leaped out at me. I replayed the words several times and the weight of them sent me to the foot of the Cross.
I believe the words of this precious, hurting soul highlight our mission as Christians.
They are a call to action. Continue reading
Oh Father, how I praise You for the promise of spring! When Your creation begins to awaken, it reminds me of Your constant presence and faithfulness. Precious Lord, do a new thing in me! Shine Your Spirit-light into the darkest corners of my heart—reaching, probing, drawing me into deeper waters with You. Thank you for making a way through the wilderness and for bringing streams of living water into the wasteland. I love You, my Lord and my Strength.
To say this has been an unusual political campaign season would be an understatement. Every news report of candidates hurling accusations and slurs makes the knots in my stomach tighten a little bit more. These folks aren’t just slinging mud—they’re rolling around like tawdry mud wrestlers while the gathering crowd works themselves into a frenzy. And the more coarse and vulgar the contenders, the more deafening the throng of onlookers.
If you’re like me, you are sick. Of. It. Continue reading
So, I was feeling all “crafty.”
I took plain wooden letters and smeared a touch of Vaseline on the edges (recommended by one of my crafty daughters). Then I spray-painted the letters, let them dry, and wiped off the Vaseline.
Voila! Almost-instant “distressing.” Then I brushed antiquing paint over the top—all to disguise the fact that I bought the letters at Hobby Lobby a few hours before. Continue reading
Lord, 
I want to walk with You.
Not just on Sundays,
Or special occasions,
Or when the sun is shining…
But every day, in every way.
And Father, I want to be real.
Not caught up in tradition
Or habit
Or appearances.
I want Your ways,
Your eyes,
Your heart.
And in those moments
When I have the privilege
Of touching another’s life,
My deepest desire
Is to leave behind
The fragrance of You.
The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it. (1 Thess. 5:24 NIV)
I tried to keep it together…I really did. I was simply swapping child-in-college stories with a friend while standing in the cheese section of the grocery store, and before I knew it, my eyes were watering. What in the world? I’m supposed to have this down-pat by now!
This past weekend, Roy and I once again drove away from a college campus…with one of our children in the rearview mirror.
I wish I could say it is easier now than in years past. But every parting is painful, a tearing of tender emotions.
Over and over we tell ourselves, “This is a good thing…it is time for this child to take this step…time for her to go and grow…”
And that’s the rub.
Growth can be painful. There is risk involved. In this case, a child is stepping out into an unknown world. Parents are returning home to an unfamiliar silence (or home to one less sweet voice). And we’re asking a lot of questions – Is this child ready? Did we adequately prepare her for what lies ahead? Will she make the bed and wash her clothes?
I have friends experiencing this for the first time and my heart goes out to them. Sometimes you don’t know how to feel. Sitcoms and movies depict parents high-fiving and jumping for joy at their new-found freedom and I won’t deny there are perks – time with your sweetheart, time to refocus and try something new, less running, running, running. God offers fresh and exciting opportunities in every life-season.
But there is also a grieving process. That moment when it hits – that a time of life is transitioning, or coming to a close – can leave a parent slightly dazed. Unfortunately, we tend to internalize our anxiety and assume we’re struggling alone, that no one else could possibly understand.
Any major change can be challenging and a child vacating the nest is one of the toughest.
But there is good news!
We have a Heavenly Father who identifies with the upheaval of our hearts. Jesus experienced times of transition with all the accompanying emotions – pain, loneliness, sorrow, uncertainty. He knows 
the longings of our soul and He offers amazing comfort in our confusion. He loves us, and He loves our children.
Our God is faithful. He will never forsake His people. He provides His Word, time with Him in prayer, and (if we look around), others who are experiencing similar struggles.
If you presently have a child in your rearview mirror, (or you’re in theirs) through marriage, school (Kindergarten – college), or other life-events, remember…
…you are not alone.
Father God, I know in my head that this time of transition is a good thing. That it is Your design for families to grow and change. But Lord, right now I can’t seem to get my heart in line. At this moment, I feel a little lost. I want to dig in and hold on to the past. Please, help me to remember that You are in control, Your plan is perfect, and Your love is eternal.
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19 (NIV)
For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Psalm 107:9 (KJV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
Leigh Ann Thomas 