by Shannon Popkin | Jan 4, 2013 | Compassion, Differences, Marriage, Roles
About six months into marriage, on a cold January day, we locked ourselves out of our second story apartment. My husband decided to use a big tank next to the house–a two story, which had been divided into apartments–to hoist himself up to a balcony on the...
by Shannon Popkin | Dec 11, 2012 | Anxiety, Compassion, Faith, Holidays
In one afternoon, her serene, predictable life disintegrated.She hadn’t done anything wrong, but everyone would think she had. Even though her community knew her to be a sweet, kind girl, she would still be presumed guilty until proven innocent–not the...
by Shannon Popkin | Sep 24, 2012 | Compassion, Father, Humility, Kids' Perspective
When Lindsay was a toddler, she would often climb up in Ken’s lap while he was sitting in his recliner over in the corner. It didn’t matter if he was taking a nap or talking on the phone. She would bring her little Good Night, Moon book, climb into his...
by Shannon Popkin | Sep 19, 2012 | Compassion, Discipline, God, Mistakes, Serving
As my friend, Wendy, and I were waiting with the rest of the choir to go on stage, I noticed something. Her choir dress was black and mine was burgundy. And our folders were just the opposite–hers was burgundy and mine was black. “Let’s...
by Shannon Popkin | Sep 17, 2012 | Compassion, Food, Funny, Kids' Perspective
Here’s a conversation I had one summer morning, with my nine-year-old son: Me: Honey, did you open the side door in the garage this morning? Him: Yeah, I went outside this morning while you guys were still sleeping. Me: What??! What were you doing outside? Him:...
by Shannon Popkin | May 29, 2012 | Anxiety, Compassion, Differences, Hardship, Kids' Perspective, Mistakes, Rescue
Last week I asked my son who is favorite elementary school teacher was. He named several, but our conversation gravitated toward Mrs. DeKam–an exceptionally special teacher, when we especially needed one.The year before had been so difficult. My son had entered...