Without warning or protocol, the magnetic bond opens a door of knowing in your soul. A knowing that breathes, “You are a mother now,” into your spirit.

So, one biggie rule in writing is cut the clichés. Like all of ‘em. Thing is, the rules of parenting are clothed in triple trite cotton. It’s evident the mothering outfits I don come from a large wardrobe of universal truism-me-downs. (Sammiches & Psych Meds)

Being a teen and raising a teen offers an enlightening juxtaposition of reason. Parents have the benefit of wisdom and experience; bi-products of evolved forward-thinking. The knowledge both snares us with exasperation when our teen does something stupid and strokes us with benevolence when we recall our jaded past. (Huff Post)

The yin and yang at every turn as we raise these on-loan miracles enacts a Divine drama on an all-consuming stage. Then, after eighteen years of loving on our kids like there’s no tomorrow, tomorrow comes. (Red Tricycle)

Inhaling the magic of such a massive display of beauty with offspring in tow set the stage for cavernous insight into the past 23 years of my parenting journey. It was as if the walls of the crater beckoned me to embrace the emotional connection point where the miracle of giving birth and staring into an abyss intersect. (Parent.co)

The battle for our children’s souls rages on in today’s culture. We can thank the cowardice and scathing shallowness of mainstream and social media “communication” for continuing to erode basic human decency and spiritual virtues. (Her View From Home)

I’m positive there isn’t a mom out there with a white glove mothering resume. But our culture stoops beneath this truth by feasting off private affairs made public. And the messy mistakes undergo damaging promotion through the viral spread of online gossip. (Tribe Magazine)

Two emotions drive every aspect of human life. One binds, the other separates. Love draws together. Fear pushes apart. (Parent.co)

Blessed are the peacemakers, i.e. blessed is every mom walking on the planet who can model productive conciliation. (Her View From Home)

The truth is, we can’t take a career to Heaven. But we can take a healthy heart and leave a joyful footprint behind. Staying home is the greatest choice I ever made – for me. I have the utmost respect for those who manage a career and raise amazing kids – the best choice for them. (Her View From Home)

Losing something dear to us means we had something to begin with. I wouldn’t trade the pain of these passings for anything: watching my newborn sleep, nursing in the still of the night, first smiles, reactions, crawls, steps, haircuts. (Her View From Home)

Seeing the white dust on my kids' rosy lips over the past seventeen years continues to caramelize my mom heart. (Tribe Magazine)

My astute daughter reminded me we can’t ignore our feelings for long. And our kids count on us to avoid any chance of ignoring theirs. (Parent.co)

Failing to distinguish between what’s right or wrong, acceptable or unacceptable, loving or hateful in our evaluation of humanity is the real tragedy swallowing up our culture. And 'This Is U's masters the art of weaving together individual lives to expose this plight. (Huff Post)

I know. I hear your soul crying. You’re only 46 and owning a pair of pee-proof underwear is outrageous and humiliating. But try not to let the gravity of this day weigh you down. (Parent.co)

It’s official. My guy will go to any extreme to get some shizzle. I came home from a six day vacation without him to a house that had been primped, primed, touched up and tinkered with. (Sammiches & Psych Meds)

My heart continues to swell with pride and joy after witnessing my brother’s courageous demeanor while knee-deep in crisis. You learn the true measure of a man in times of distress. (Huff Post)

Thank you. Thank you for saying “yes” to you. Thank you for seeking help when your spirit lay drowning at the bottom of the pool. Thank you for your courage in mining through the wreckage within your heart. Thank you for your perseverance in overcoming the demons exposed in the process. (For Every Mom)

“There’s pain, life hurts, there’s a thousand things you think you don’t deserve. I bet you don’t curse God." Her words. Our lesson. (For Every Mom)

Hatred has instituted full blown chaos in the hearts of multitudes. Fear has become the spear piercing the side of Christ with every act of violence, terrorism, wrath. (For Every Mom)