When I Have Fears

In a few days I’ll cross the third-trimester threshold, and my emotions are mixed. Part of me is eager for my daughter to arrive–a precious bundle of mini-me–so I can see what she looks like, so I can watch my husband and son embrace our new girl.

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A Conversation with Jerry Jenkins

Last week Jerry Jenkins, the best-selling author, paid a visit to my writing-critique group. Jenkins, who’s penned more than 175 books, including the Left Behind series, discussed his life and career, and offered insight into what it means to do full-time Christian work–as a writer. His remarks

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A Mother Lost, a Mother Born

It’s Mother’s Day, and while I celebrate my own motherhood, I also think about my mom, who died almost 22 years ago. On the late-summer day when she gave up her brief-but-valiant battle against breast cancer, I prayed the crystalline skies would swallow my shock, that my

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The Privilege of Pregnancy

I’m pregnant for the third time in my life. The first time I had a flawless pregnancy–my son was born perfectly healthy, and I had very few complaints. The second time I experienced a missed miscarriage–my child died without my knowing it, sometime around the seven-eight-week mark.

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Learning to Revel in a Loss of Control

In any given week, at least one day seems to spin out of my control. Especially lately, as my pregnancy hormones ebb and flow, claiming bits of my memory and pieces of my physical dexterity. By day I chase an impish two-year-old who speedily scampers away at

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Staying Smart About Online Learning

More and more of America’s K-12 students are taking courses online–a trend that’s drawing ire from some, and accolades from others. Last week The New York Times ran a piece that examines the increasing popularity of distance learning, and whether the quality is on par with brick-and-mortar

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Why Mama Writes

For the first 35 years of my life, writing was my greatest love. My identity was neatly, proudly wrapped around being a member of the Fourth Estate. Journalism took me from Chicago to Washington, D.C., and back, and I loved nothing more than stacking my plate high

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