by Shannon Popkin | May 8, 2013 | Anxiety, Christian Growth, Family, God, Prayer
By: Heidi Vriesman The first time I walked into our current house, I almost cried. It wasn’t the house I was dreaming of at all. It had flowered wallpaper boarders and ugly countertops. The bedroom that would work best for the boys had had pink carpet and flowers on...
by Shannon Popkin | Mar 15, 2013 | Anger, Family, God
Yesterday morning, I added my daughter’s Water Polo schedule to the big calendar in my kitchen. I filled in weekday boxes and wrote into the corners of weekends, which were already crowded with soccer games and tournaments. By the time I had transferred...
by Shannon Popkin | Mar 11, 2013 | Anger, Control Girl, Fear, God
I have a little secret. I think you might have one, too. In fact, I think we might both be keeping the same secret from each other. But I’m willing to blow my cover if you are. Ready? Here goes…. I struggle with control. I mean really struggle. That’s why I call...
by Shannon Popkin | Feb 22, 2013 | God, Kids' Perspective, Leadership, Parenting, Wisdom
Once, when my son Cole was three, I talked to him about stranger-danger. I told him that there are strangers who drive through neighborhoods like ours, looking for little boys to steal. I said that even if someone offered him candy, he must always stay away from...
by Shannon Popkin | Jan 15, 2013 | Jesus, Mistakes, Prayer, Speaking, Witness
Our first house was in a neighborhood that had no stop signs. Weird, I know. It was a grid of intersecting side streets, and our little house–situated on a corner lot–looked out upon one of the many intersections.There was an unwritten rule in the...
by Shannon Popkin | Oct 23, 2012 | God, Problems, Rescue, Roles
I’m a piano teacher. Every Monday evening I am blessed with amazing children who warm my piano bench and my heart at the same time.But my most challenging student doesn’t come to the bench on Monday nights. He comes whenever I think to call him between...