by Shannon Popkin | Jan 1, 2015 | Fear, Goals, Holidays, Humility, Jesus, Serving
I laughed as I read my friend Jocelyn’s Christmas letter. She described how her 8-year-old, Elsa, has solidified her life plans–where she’ll attend college, her field of study, and her career objectives after graduation. Life is quite tidy for Elsa....
by Shannon Popkin | Dec 19, 2014 | Compassion, Family, Gifts, Holidays, Hospitality, Kids' Perspective
Each year, our friends, the Gebhards, put up a ‘Jesus Stocking’ at their house in December. All month, they collect money, and then use the funds to buy a gift for someone in need. All month, they thumb through the Samaritan’s purse catalog, hoping to be able purchase...
by Shannon Popkin | Nov 24, 2014 | Communication, Family, Holidays, Kids' Perspective, Parenting
During one particular sports season, my son Cole complained that his coach screamed more at him than anyone else on the team. And from what I was hearing on the sidelines, I decided he might be right! I constantly heard my son’s name being screamed across the...
by Shannon Popkin | Apr 18, 2014 | Faith, Holidays
When we moved, a few years ago, one of our kids was especially distraught. He said, “But I prayed that God would bring a friend to live on our street, and he did! So I think that means we’re supposed to stay on our street.”Basically, his theology...
by Shannon Popkin | Jan 2, 2014 | Holidays
My son’s second grade New Year’s Resolution went like this:I will not refuse to eat granola bars all year long.Wow. Now, that would take some gumption, eh? Looking back, I’m confident he made his goal. After all, a granola bar is just a cookie that...
by Shannon Popkin | Dec 23, 2013 | Family, Gifts, Holidays, Roles, Women
When Lindsay was five, I took her shopping and let her choose a Christmas gift for each family member. For Mamaw (my mom), she chose a figurine of a little girl. You can imagine how lovely it was, since it was from the Dollar Store.Mom, of course, gave Lindsay a big...