Gertrude 
The story behind the photo. This is a boring photo, but it has a story to tell. It was the most bizarre experience I’ve ever had. In the middle of a dusty, Iraqi village, I found myself face to face with an ISIS fighter. Let me explain. This spring, coalition forces were battering the last territorial stronghold of ISIS. Several thousand of their fighters were forced into a tiny portion of land in Baghouz, Syria. … Read more
Life is busy these days, so I am reposting this recipe from four years ago. Sweet Potato Fries Most kids like these sweet potato fries. In the last four years, I’ve served these to over a dozen foster kids, and every single one of them begged for more. If you have an excess of sweet potatoes, this recipe is a quick fix and goes with practically any meal. The how of the sweet potato … Read more
My child’s world. He was a busy toddler, and the more he could get into, the happier he was. In fact, he was happiest when he was making a mess. The struggle was real, and it was daily. I wanted him to be free to explore and create and I didn’t want to stifle his creativity. I also wanted him (and our house) to be safe. Finally one day, his father went up to the … Read more
Families helping families. Sometimes it happens, and sometimes it doesn’t. I came across an interesting reading about family helping family in the Old Testament the other week. While it’s true that there was so much disagreement among the Tribes of Israel that they ended up parting ways into two different nations, there’s a lot we can learn from them. This story is one example. I know I’ve read this story more than a dozen times, … Read more
There are few children who dislike finger jello – especially when it is cut into interesting shapes! In the summer, you can cut butterfly or animal shapes. In winter, snowflakes, wreaths or Christmas trees match the scenery. And in February, hearts for Valentine’s day work their magic. This is a good way to get liquid into a child who is recovering from a stomach bug. It’s also a good way to help keep children hydrated on … Read more