Hope

Gift Giving 101

Alyssa DeLosSantos3 Comments

Last week I bought my youngest a small Lego minifigure pack while grocery shopping. The little guy had memorized the “continent rap” and was required to recite it in front of his classmates. Knowing his intense struggle with anxiety, especially when “on the spot”, I felt led to buy him this tiny gift to celebrate his courage. This crazy little pack,…… Continue reading Gift Giving 101

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Capsizing and Crying

Alyssa DeLosSantos6 Comments

John, my husband, took our youngest son kayaking several months ago. Being Andrew’s first experience he was tentative, at best. No sooner than pushing off from the shore, the kayak capsized. Paralyzed with fear, it took an enormous amount of coaxing to get him back in the boat for the remainder of the trip-some two…… Continue reading Capsizing and Crying

Hope

In Need of an Alignment

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Alignment: proper or desirable coordination or relation of components. When your car needs an alignment, it pulls to one side instead of moving forward in a straight trajectory.  Braces are used to achieve proper alignment of teeth.  A level is used to assure pictures are hung with equal distribution-so as not to be catawampus. In…… Continue reading In Need of an Alignment

Hope

Learning How to Say NO!

Alyssa DeLosSantos2 Comments

Reading a blog post this morning, I was reminded the value of saying no! If you suffer from people-pleasing, like me, you might carve out time to read this post (from Dom Miller’s Storyline blog). I am learning that my value is not measured in how man sees me, but in how My Creator created…… Continue reading Learning How to Say NO!

Hope

through the eyes of the Beholder

Alyssa DeLosSantos4 Comments

Racing heart, wide eyes, and hands clinched, I watched him jump.  It was the first time he had attempted swimming in the deep water.  At a distance, I watched him reluctantly enter the water and swim with all he had.  After reminding myself to breathe, my hands began to clap and I couldn’t help but…… Continue reading through the eyes of the Beholder

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The Presence of Absence

Alyssa DeLosSantos3 Comments

For my daughter because through her pain~I was forced to deal with my own. You cry on Sunday nights while lying in your bed. Sleep invites, but heartache overwhelms you. “Mommy, I need you,” you call from your room. Heavy hearted, I respond to your plea. I come in and sit down on the edge…… Continue reading The Presence of Absence

Hope

Between Pages

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A few weeks ago, I took a study bible off the shelf and a sweet surprise fell out. Years ago, during a stormy season, I enjoyed the words of wisdom found on my desk calendar. It was during the rise of the Prayer of Jabez (1Chronicles 4:10), so I can only assume the author to…… Continue reading Between Pages

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Stood Up

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Two of my three children are in their teenage years. Enough said. Post complete. Right? No. I’ll put some flesh on my thoughts. The most common pattern I see, in this teenage season, is a strong need to retreat. Once home from school, it’s no surprise if I don’t see their faces until I ring…… Continue reading Stood Up

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Her Name Means Forsaken: Her Story Illustrates Redemption

Alyssa DeLosSantos1 Comment

Genesis 16:1-13 and Genesis 21:1-20 bring us face to face with an Old Testament relationship disaster. We get front row seats to watch circumstantial loneliness manifest-and become a platform for poor decision-making. Enter our main character: Hagar. Hagar is an Egyptian slave and Sarah’s rival. She didn’t have a voice as a slave, so she…… Continue reading Her Name Means Forsaken: Her Story Illustrates Redemption

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Protect Your Valuables

Alyssa DeLosSantosAside1 Comment

I was making Andrew’s bed while answering many inquires about each item I placed on his bed.  I had just finished an extensive dissertation about how the mattress protector-which I was also recalling was ridiculously expensive-would keep his bed from absorbing any accidents, spills, etc-thereby avoiding a stinky aroma.  The conversation was beyond his three years, and coincidentally he… Continue reading Protect Your Valuables