Author name: Alyson

Saturday, the Pope declared a day of fasting for the worldwide Church.  I have done enough hand wringing over the situation in Syria so I felt relieved for the opportunity to do something tangible. I abstained all day and broke the fast with dinner in the traditional Catholic way of fasting; my husband at the […]

There are thin places in life where bad and unthinkable are a beat apart.  I first noticed this thin place when my 3rd child was admitted to the hospital as an infant. She had a congenital birth defect in her kidneys of which we were previously unaware.  The awareness came to me as a thin

As I was getting my kids out of the car to drop my 5 year-old off at preschool he was pushing, as 5 year-olds do, to get out of the car ahead of his 3 year-old and 1 year-old sisters.  I said, ‘Ladies first’ and he paused to let his sisters by.  He said, “I

My oldest son came home from school a few weeks ago with a typed up version of Psalm 23.  He said his teacher told the class they had several poems and Bible verses to choose from to memorize for the upcoming Speech Meet.  My husband standing next to him set down his backpack and threw

My husband always makes fun of me when I say Good Friday is my favorite day of the year.  He argues that in the Christian worldview one cannot really separate the birth of Jesus from His death.  One cannot say the day He was born was more or less important than the day He died

“You need to come over immediately and get me out of here.” I spoke into the receiver as soon as my best friend picked up her phone. “Oh, no ya don’t” Angie answered, “Norma will kill me.” “Leave Norma to me”, I whispered, never knowing if my mother was crouched outside my door listening to

To Whom It May Concern: I am aware that we leave a goldfish cracker remnant, sticky handed, sometimes poop scented trail behind us. I know that one of my children is spilling a juice box while another is pulling down its pants and yet another is screaming for fruit snacks. I know it’s annoying to

If you’ve run in Christian circles long enough, you are familiar with the Proverbs 31 woman.  She is the Biblical measuring stick by which husbands look for wives and women look for inspiration.  She has been used as an encouragement and teaching tool.  Unfortunately, she has also been used by some in the church as

“Why is it called Aslan’s Table?” asked Lucy presently. “It is set here by his bidding,” said the girl. “But how does the food keep?” asked the practical Eustace. “It is eaten, and renewed every day,” said the girl. “This you will see.”-Chronicles of Narnia, Voyage of the Dawn Treader We were on a flight

There was an incident in our house today that has caused me to question my parenting abilities in their entirety.  I’m still reeling from the events and not quite sure where I have gone wrong, but I assure you, it is under careful review.   It all started with F calling from upstairs, “I need