parents – Signora Sheila

Through the Eyes of a Child

Child in a pink knit hat and striped shirt looks toward a small backyard playhouse and swing at sunset, creating a warm, peaceful mood.

One day, while watching an old Andy Griffith episode my 6-year-old grandson piped up with a question. “Why don’t they want that man to sing, Nonna? He sings real good!” That man was Rafe Hollister who, with his golden singing voice, had entered, and won, the singing contest held by the local Ladies’ Society. ButContinueContinue reading “Through the Eyes of a Child”

Honoring Dad

Two children play in the sand on a sunny beach, digging beside a sand mound as turquoise waves roll behind them, creating a carefree mood.

Today I’m looking back, way back. Yesterday was Dad’s birthday and he would have been 87. He died last year, just 4 days before his 86th birthday. I still miss him and always will. Especially because of all the years we lost. All my years overseas, so far away from my family. It’s not thatContinueContinue reading “Honoring Dad”

Raising Readers in a Technological Era

Dreamlike illustration of a girl in a wide sunhat reading by a glowing lantern, with a teddy bear, books, and misty window creating a cozy mood.

From the time our children were babies we read to them a lot, identifying pictures in books. Building their vocabulary, along with their love of books, one word, one page at a time. And it paid off! Our daughter could say many words by 9 months. And by the age of one, she was speakingContinueContinue reading “Raising Readers in a Technological Era”

Parents, Be Careful What You Allow

Tall beach grass fills the foreground, with three blurred people walking beside a bright ocean in the background, creating a warm, serene mood.

John Wesley said, “What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.” He was referring to sin. And we have seen this play out throughout history. But I’d like to look at it from a different perspective. Children are always listening to, watching, and imitating adults. And they often follow any example they’re shown. Kids from violentContinueContinue reading “Parents, Be Careful What You Allow”

The Father Abraham Mystery Walk

Family walking hand in hand along a sunlit path at sunset, with parents guiding their young daughter; warm, peaceful, hopeful atmosphere.

Have you ever taken a Mystery Walk? I have, and we all take them every day. Because when we get right down to it, life is a mystery. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, or even if we’ll have any tomorrows. And sometimes it’s hard to know which path to take, let alone explain itContinueContinue reading “The Father Abraham Mystery Walk”

Raising Kids for Such a Time as This {Queen Esther}

Classical painting of three women in an ornate ancient interior: a seated woman in cream, flanked by attendants, conveys quiet solemnity.

That palace, it struck both fear and awe into the heart of the young woman who was passing near its gates. The opulence and grandeur of its halls were known throughout the land. Not that she would ever see inside, of course. Nor did she wish to. For she’d heard tales of the evil, capriciousContinueContinue reading “Raising Kids for Such a Time as This {Queen Esther}”