by Shannon Popkin | Jul 26, 2012 | Communication, Mistakes, Problems, Wisdom
I stood back a couple of feet from the window, watching my husband, Ken, talk to our very unhappy looking neighbor. The man kept pointing to a strip of grass between our two houses. As the neighbor’s motions swept wider and his face got redder, my anxiety...
by Shannon Popkin | Jul 20, 2012 | Discipline, Parenting, Sin
Recently, my friend and I were talking about getting to the root (heart) issue, when we discipline our kids. I shared with her my 3 Questions (which I got from another friend!), which I have found to be helpful with my own kids. She asked me to write them down for...
by Shannon Popkin | Jul 12, 2012 | Christian Growth, Differences, Food, Kids' Perspective, Mistakes, Parenting, Sin
Here are the blueberries we picked yesterday. And this is only the half that my mom didn’t take home! Over 85 pounds in two hours–definitely a record for us!Our success was due, in part, to one particular picker. In years past, he filled his tummy more...
by Shannon Popkin | Jun 26, 2012 | Food, Funny, Wisdom
For this story to have full effect, you must understand that my mom is a fantastic cook. I am not exaggerating when I say that complete strangers have walked to me up and asked, “Are you Judie Berry’s daughter? She makes the best rolls in the...
by Shannon Popkin | Jun 14, 2012 | Parenting, Problems, Wisdom
“When would you like them to come? And do you need to be present when our guys get there?” she asked me over the phone. I had already paid for one service call, but the problem had only resolved momentarily. Now it was back.”Well, the sooner the...
by Shannon Popkin | Jun 5, 2012 | Disagreement, Hospitality, Marriage
I wanted to buy some new sofas. Ours are at least ten years old, and the leather is all cracked and worn. I’m embarrassed every time we usher company into that room, but when I started pointing out new sofas in catalogs, Ken said, “Ours are fine! Who cares...