by Shannon Popkin | Apr 8, 2020 | Problems, Submission, Suffering
Hello, Trouble. We were expecting you. Come right in and make yourself at home. Will you be staying awhile? We thought so. We’ve heard a lot about you. We’ve seen you visit our friends’ homes. To be honest, we’ve been dreading your arrival for...
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 | Mar 5, 2013 | Marriage, Problems, Sin
The first time she met him, she thought, “I don’t have my wedding ring on, so he won’t know I’m married.” She doesn’t remember what attracted her. Maybe his forwardness? His attentiveness?Whatever caused the spark, it made her pulse...
by Shannon Popkin | Feb 28, 2013 | Humility, Pain, Parenting, Problems, seasons, Sin
When Cole was a baby, we were in a neighborhood play group. There were about a dozen kids, so it got pretty chaotic while the moms chatted and the kids rammed trucks into each other and banged pots on the play stove.On one particular week, I was asking the other moms...
by Shannon Popkin | Nov 16, 2012 | Anxiety, Differences, Disagreement, Family, Holidays, Problems, Roles, Women
I’d like to call for a huddle before we kick off the holiday seasons. Calling all the women in the family, please. Can we huddle up for a moment?Now, please don’t call me coach. I’m really not in a position to be coaching anyone on these matters. So...
by Shannon Popkin | Nov 14, 2012 | Anxiety, Holidays, Problems, Siblings, Wisdom
Thanks to Beyond Bathtime Blog, for publishing my story:“Mom, I need you to pray for me.” The serious look on Older’s face caused me to lean in with concern.“OK,” I said. “What is it?” Older took a deep breath and said, “Well, tomorrow is Younger’s birthday, and on my...