by Janel Breitenstein | Apr 26, 2024 | compassion, difficulty, discouragement, enduring love, humility
One of my children recently didn’t achieve the teacher recommendation they needed for another year on student council. And I felt the tug-of-war in my innards. Part of me ached for the rejection they felt, particularly coming from a teacher who siblings...
by Janel Breitenstein | Apr 20, 2024 | challenging, children, discouragement, enduring love, failure, kids, motherhood, Parenting, true success
Last Saturday, I pawed through a time capsule of sorts. Let’s call it “parenthood.” The day before, my second son wheeled his carry-on through security, moving out of our home–to be fair, as we knew what happened when he was wrestled from my...
by Janel Breitenstein | Mar 21, 2024 | challenging, children, identity, Parenting, practical, sex
My high school and college years hit smack in the middle of purity culture, with all its strengths…and weaknesses. It’s easier now to see what fell short during those years. But man, was I deep in it. (How many times have I thought about trying to message...
by Janel Breitenstein | Mar 6, 2024 | challenging, emotional health, listening, Parenting, tweens and teens
My daughter was highlighting my hair (yes, from a box. Yes, to cover the gray that’s laying siege to my scalp) when she told me about a friend who’s not sure if she identifies herself as a Christian anymore. As when I hear about anyone who’s deconstructing faith, my...
by Janel Breitenstein | Feb 14, 2024 | children, Parenting, tweens and teens
I still remember where I stood that Sunday. I must have been three or at the oldest four. The church’s smell of coffee drifted above the part in my hair, crisply pleated lines of men’s suit trousers at my level. I reached up to take again my dad’s...
