The Blog of Susan K Daugherty
Birthdays, graduations, weddings. These milestones remind us that stepping into the new means leaving behind the old. Something precious is past, and will not return. We find ourselves asking how it went by so quickly. With this intense awareness of the passage of time, it feels like life is slipping through our fingers.
How can we slow things down, hold on a little longer?
Lonely fellow travelers cross our path not only in airports, but also in doctors’ waiting rooms, the checkout line at the grocery store, and the adjoining office cubicle. When we choose to love them, we are walking in our Savior’s footsteps. (This post is also appearing today at wwww.incourage.me Please check out this wonderful site that offers uplifting daily devotional pieces.)
Read MoreWhen we gather around one another, and help each other grow in grace, we are practicing community and discipling. No matter what our role or calling, we need this. We are not meant to do mom life, or any part of the Christian life, in isolation.
Read More“It’s my fault” may be some of the most powerful words we ever speak. As we take care of that plank in our own eyes, we build bridges with those we care about and give them a safe place to deal with their sawdust.
Read More…healthy connection has be in place before correction can be well received. Those we feel obligated to counsel have to believe without a doubt that we are rooting for them to succeed. The underlying message must be “I believe in you, and the two of us can take on this issue together”.
Read MoreLack of rest is tied to lack of peace. It is hard to still our bodies and our minds, if we believe that our well-being or that of people we love depends on us.
Read MoreBy God's good design, we are all wired for relationship. That drive to connect leads us to seek acceptance for who we are, what we do, and what we contribute.
Read MoreWhat happens when we fail to live up to a standard we hold? We feel guilt and shame, and we try to hide. It's true for my housecleaning. It's also true for so much more.
Read MoreThe rasp of velcro being pulled apart announced the reappearance of "the Boot", as it is known at our house. Ten days ago I had to strap an air cast on my leg again, after a painful ankle sprain. This is a fairly regular event for me, due either to weak ankles or my tendency to move too fast.
Read MoreThere is power in simply showing up. The condition of our clothes, our hairdo and makeup, our main dish, or our house does not matter nearly as much as the condition of our hearts.
Read MoreI received the upsetting news of a good friend's cancer diagnosis by telephone. She asked that this message be passed along to those of us praying for her, "What God gives us is always good. It may be hard, but it is good."
Read MoreThose of us who are parents know that we often fail to administer discipline well. Mixed in with our desire to save our kids' future difficulty is our own complex mix of feelings such as frustration, hurt, or embarrassment. Due to our imperfection and their immaturity, kids often see discipline as an angry response rather than helpful guidance. Most of us carry that warped view of discipline into our adult lives.
Read MoreA week ago I had been giddy with excitement over my pregnancy and looking forward to a fun weekend at an out-of-town wedding with my husband. Now I was recovering from a miscarriage, suffered alone at a strange hospital while my husband played the trumpet processional for a bride. The chilly, gray November day mirrored the lifelessness I felt.
Read MoreRecently, the way I have been interacting with my teens has not been working well. My attempts at routine suggestions or corrections result in conflict. Both parties leave the encounters feeling hurt and angry. Yet when God shows me where I am wrong in these situations, I inwardly scream “I don’t want you to change me!”
Read MoreThere are so many wonderful words that start with “re”, that speak hope to us. Rebirth, renewal, reconciliation, restoration, refresh, and rejuvenate come to mind. I’m sure you could think of more. God is the author of all that is contained in that precious prefix.
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