by Shannon Popkin | Dec 10, 2019 | 5 C Challenge, Control Girl, Holidays
So… how’s has the Five C Challenge been going for you so far? I seem to be clamping my hand over my mouth quite frequently – usually after I’ve just complained about something. Complain: to express dissatisfaction, pain, uneasiness, censure,...
by Shannon Popkin | Dec 5, 2019 | 5 C Challenge, Control Girl, Holidays
Okay, ready to begin this Five C Challenge? Let’s start with Criticism. Criticize: to censure or find fault with. Why is this so easy to do at Christmas time? I think it’s because during the holidays, we have heightened expectations. There’s a RIGHT...
by Shannon Popkin | Dec 2, 2019 | Uncategorized
Are you a woman who… Loves to make things turn out right? Often feels driven to take or keep control? Sometimes says things you shouldn’t? Is any of this particularly true at Christmas?? If so, please consider joining me for… The Five C {Christmas} Challenge...
by Shannon Popkin | Sep 25, 2019 | Ministry
I’m not someone who has always dreamed of traveling. We live in beautiful Michigan, so when my husband points to this place or that place on a map, I just say, “But Michigan is so pretty in the summer (or fall… or winter… or spring…). We...
by Shannon Popkin | May 21, 2019 | Disgust
This weekend, dozens of Christians from a Christian university walked out of a Christian graduation ceremony where a Christian leader was giving a Christian commencement address. But tell me, does this seem “Christian” to you? This weekend, dozens of...
by Shannon Popkin | Apr 25, 2019 | God, Uncategorized
Siri is like a giant mother in the sky. She gives information and direction generously to all who ask, without getting exasperated–no matter how dumb the question. Down below, sprinkled across the earth, are millions of lost, frustrated, confused, tardy, unsure...
by Shannon Popkin | Apr 1, 2019 | Uncategorized
I used to get so mad when I would find wrappers shoved under beds and socks shoved between couch cushions. It was evidence that, not only had my kids disobeyed (“Throw away your wrappers!” and “Put your clothes in the hamper!” were instructions...
by Shannon Popkin | Mar 22, 2019 | Uncategorized
I’m honored to be the guest of pastor and author, Champ Thornton, on his “In the Word, On the Go” podcast. This podcast takes ten minutes to focus on one verse. Well, it’s supposed to only focus on one verse, but Champ let me bend the rules. We...
by Shannon Popkin | Feb 18, 2019 | Love, Mistakes, Pain, Parenting, Problems
This post first appeared on, where I serve as one of the bloggers. I braced myself as I walked in the door. I knew it would be dark, so dark that I’d have to squint to read the faded gray numbers on the price tags. And I knew it would be loud, so loud that I’d have...
by Shannon Popkin | Feb 13, 2019 | Control Girl
To my married friends: I offer these suggestions based on my vast experience as a Control Girl wife over the past 25 Valentine’s Days, spent with my husband Ken. Here are 5 Easy Ways to Ruin Valentine’s Day. Or not. It’s your choice. 1. Create a...
