Navigating a world marred by lies can feel like a never-ending tug-of-war between truth and deception, especially when it disrupts the peace within our blended families. This post explores the all-too-familiar struggle of untangling a child's web of fibs, offering practical insights to redefine focus from merely confronting lies to cultivating an environment where truth is nurtured. Learn how documenting reality, avoiding unnecessary confrontations, and setting an example of honesty can transform this challenging landscape into one of growth and healing. Engage with strategies that prioritize safety and understanding, reassuring that with patience and faith, any storm of dishonesty can be weathered. Join the conversation to uncover how you can find peace amidst the chaos and become part of a community championing truth and trust.

Unlock the transformative journey of thriving as a Christian mom after adoption, filled with strategic insight and holistic healing. Imagine navigating post-adoption complexities with a tailored roadmap, built from a unique blend of legal savvy, therapeutic insight, and faith-centered guidance. Embrace a message of hope that validates your pain and triumphs while promoting spiritual renewal, empowering you to turn every challenge into a testimony of God’s grace. Dive into actionable steps that not only restore confidence and strengthen marriages but also rebirth a flourishing identity as the mother you are called to be. Discover how to partner with someone who understands your path and is ready to walk this life-changing journey with you.Navigating the intricate path of post-adoption life as a Christian mom can feel overwhelming, with its blend of unexpected challenges and profound joys that test the very core of family dynamics. Imagine discovering practical strategies that combine faith-centered guidance with real-world insights to help you protect your family's wellbeing and foster healing amidst the chaos. You'll find encouragement in learning how to turn obstacles into testimonies of grace, validating your experiences while building a roadmap for renewal and resilience. As you explore these truths, you'll uncover ways to strengthen your marriage and reclaim your sense of purpose, all grounded in the unwavering hope that faith over fear brings. This journey isn't meant to be walked alone, and there's so much more waiting to inspire you within these pages.

🎧 Listen to episodeMOM ROLE QUESTION:When you think about your mom role I want you to ask yourself — and you can journal about this and pray over it but ask yourself — What do you realistically want your mom role to be like, and what do you think is standing in the way? I’d like you to get a notebook, journal or pad of paper for a journaling exercise today about how you envision your role as mom in the current season or the season that’s right around the corner.  What obstacles are you currently running up against? 

 You may know that my tagline is “standing in the gap for second moms“ — so you may wonder, what gap? Where is this gap? Do you know what the gap is in your life? See if this rings a bell:ENTERING THE GAP...The gap I have recognized is when you know something is wrong, and as mom you have identified that there’s a real problem that needs to be addressed and you begin to reach out for information, for resources, for help.  You may not know exactly what to call it. You may not know if there’s something diagnosable…or what the cause is…even where to look for answers. But that doesn’t stop you. You’re told not to worry or given trite responses or over-simplified advice. You don’t know exactly what to do...

Today’s topic is emotional boundaries.  In particular on this episode I’m focusing on emotional boundaries for moms like me.  In many of our adoptive families children have suffered an enormous degree of trauma and in particular the loss of not only their first mother but other caregivers as well in their formative years. Different Types of BoundariesYou’ve seen & heard quite a bit about setting boundaries by now I suppose.  And perhaps you have a good grip on what it means to set personal boundaries with others, and have even put this into practice in your own life. Even so, to make sure that we’re on the same page today, you need to know that what I mean by the word “boundaries” is that dividing line (boundary) you make to protect something of yours from trespass by another that says you will not continue past that line (boundary) with the other person.  In practice it may sound something like, “I will not continue listening to you yell obscenities at me;” a boundary to protect your finances might sound like, “I will not continue paying you while your work is unfinished;” one to protect property – “I won’t leave without locking the door first”; one to protect physical safety –  “I won’t stay in the house where there are unsecured weapons.”With all these various boundaries to protect different things, there may be an emotional component. But today I want us to pick apart and focus primarily on emotional boundaries. You may set boundaries to protect your time, your physical body, your work/ability to get work done, your belongings.  You can also set boundaries to protect your emotional safety. 

How Churches Can Support Women who are Moms in Complex Families such as Adoptive Moms & Step-MomsJust imagine…You're a mom, and you're not the child's first mom. They don’t automatically look to you as their home base, as “mom”.  You feel alone, unsupported, and like you don't quite fit in anywhere, and while your church has been an integral part of your life for years, you’re feeling less and less connected, less and less understood, less and less supported.

🎧 Listen to episodeDo you think of yourself as trustworthy? On a scale of 1-10 where do you think you are? Where on that scale would you say most people would put you back before your child/children came along? In our complex adoptive and blended families trust can often be lacking from our non-biological children, not because we aren’t trustworthy, but due to their own backgrounds. And that can bleed over onto others.

Q. What is Parental Abuse? A. Parental abuse, also called by other names (CPV - Child to Parent Violence; APV - Adolescent to Parent Violence)  is when a child/adolescent abuses a parent.This can be done through words (threatening) or physical actions, and often results in fear for the safety of the abused parent. It usually refers to physical violence.  However there are other types of abuse as well.If you are being threatened or physically harmed by your teenager, it is important to take steps to ensure your safety. This may mean leaving the home temporarily until things calm down, calling the police, or seeking help from a friend or family member. 

 From the paperwork & legalities to the physical and emotional tolls, there's no denying that adoption is a BIG undertaking. If you're thinking about becoming an adoptive parent, or are in the process of adopting, you're probably aware of many challenges that come with the territory.

Second Moms - I'm here to remind you that you are a “Mom For REAL” and can feel REAL too! ...Let's spell it out....R is for realistic and also the reality checks we may need from time to time. Reality-based expectations can help us hold onto truth while also holding onto hope & joy!....E is for empowered.... which is what you can be when you look to God and lean into him while watching expectantly for the ways he is working in the details of your life.