“Transition.” That’s what they call the most intense part of a woman’s labor to deliver her baby. During transition, the cervix finishes opening to 10cm, contractions come fast and hard, and many women become overwhelmed by the pain. Some vomit, some feel light-headed. Once through the transition, which may last anywhere from a few minutes…

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The halls were jammed with families, coats, and strollers. Tickets in hand, we made our way from each game to the next, kids collecting trinket-prizes at each one. The signs above each door named the activity inside. “Snowball Grab” “Toboggan Run” “Ice Hockey” Then, at the far end of a back hall, the sign read…

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I counted tonight. I’ve been coughing for nearly 7 weeks. Then I think of those with actual chronic diseases and feel guilty for wallowing. The mud is right there, just inches from my feet, so easy to slip into, almost beckoning me off the toilsome hike. “Come, rest here, throw a pity party.” Sometimes, the…

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January has been a very long month: bronchitis, a 19-day $2k repair of our van, colds shared by the entire family, stomach flu, snow days, sinus infection, more stomach flu. This is the kind of month that sends depression spiraling downward if you let it. But all I have to do is think back one…

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“A thankful heart is a happy heart. I’m glad for what I have, it’s an easy way to start.” – from Madame Blueberry, Veggie Tales Today, I am counting many blessings from the past few weeks. 40. A successful procedure for our son, and his swift complete recovery 41. The timing of the procedure, just…

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…but we’re going to the hospital anyway. For several weeks, my children have asked, “When is it going to snow?” After the first few times, I got a little snarky. “I don’t know. God makes the weather. Talk to Him.” Always quick with a comeback, the youngest stomped through rain puddles he wanted to be…

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