Category Archives: Random

Posted on

How Do Pastors Find Help When They’re Supposed To Be Helping?

by

This was supposed to be a post from Kristin about taking better care of yourself while caring for children from hard places. But then I read the story of the recent suicide of California Pastor Andrew Stoecklein, after battling with depression. So I decided to talk openly and honestly about the struggle of being a pastor.

I’ve been there. 

This thought bounced around in my mind in the early morning hours, like words echoing off of canyon walls, as I read the heart-crushing story of how Pastor Andrew Stoecklein’s life ended this past weekend. In the darkness of my bedroom, I wiped tears from my eyes as I thought about his wife and young sons now trying to figure out how to live life without their husband and daddy. I read how he struggled with depression, and anxiety and I identified perfectly.

Posted on

Incredibles 2 Is Just That….Incredible!

WARNING: SPOILERS

by

It’s opening week for Disney-Pixar’s Incredibles 2, and we are your central hub for all things Incredible, including a short review of the film and a very special family fun page with coloring pages, activity sheets, recipes and more!

(*WARNING- Spoilers are contained in this review)

Laugh-out-loud humor, girl-power, family values, and one solid storyline.

These are just a few ways I would describe the brand new Disney Pixar film, Incredibles 2.

I took my two teenage daughters (yes teenagers!) to see Incredibles 2 last week a few days before it released to the public and in short…it did not disappoint. At all! In fact, as one of the most highly anticipated sequels in Disney Pixar’s history, it far exceeded my expectations as a moviegoer, a Disney fan, and a dad. Not only that, but my two daughters (who were 2 years old, and almost 4 when the first film released) loved every second of it. In fact, my 16-year old returned on opening night with a group of friends to see it a second time!

Posted on

Is Every Person Called To Adopt?

by

It’s a common question in our society. We all wonder if we are capable of such a hard task. Those of us who are seasoned usually find out we most definitely are not capable at all because so much more plays into it. Outside our group, it’s phrased as more of an exclamation. “Not everyone should adopt!” It seems they feel judged and maybe that I think of them as less than for not doing such a “noble” task.

I’ve observed/know of/heard of many families who started the journey of adoption where it worked great. Most just worked, but maybe not great. I’ve also observed those that started the journey and then it didn’t work. Like all things went TERRIBLY wrong. There is no cookie cutter answer or family for this job.

Posted on

How Families Can Eliminate Debt And Save More Money.

The Honestly Adoption Podcast - Season 9, Episode 79

by

Stressed out about finances again?  Wish you could save more money and eliminate debt?  Is that even possible for families who have many children and are in debt from adoption, cars, or other major expenses?

Welcome Back!  We are kicking off Season 9 of the Honestly Adoption Podcast with an incredible episode! Brian and Cherie Lowe join our hosts, Mike and Kristin Berry, to talk about why eliminating debt can help bring peace to your home, your heart, and your marriage and share some practical strategies for how you can do this even in a large foster or adoptive family.

Listen Now:

Posted on

We’re Proud Of Our High School Daughter For “Walking Out” And Here’s Why:

by

There’s so much debate and fighting going on over Walking Out versus Walking Up. And, there are many who feel that high school students who walk out of class in silent protest and support for the victims of the Parkland, Florida shooting, are wrong for doing so. Here’s what we think…

We’re proud of our daughter for standing up, and walking out with her classmates this past Wednesday.

We’re proud that she didn’t hesitate to do what we’ve raised her to do: stand for a worthy cause. Stand for injustice. Stand to make a difference in this world. Stand for something that directly impacts her and the world around her.

She walked out to take a stand for a worthy cause.

Posted on

How To Love A Child Who Won’t Love You Back

The Honestly Adoption Podcast- Season 8, Episode 77

by

As we continue to produce new content for Honestly Adoption, we wanted to share another Encore Podcast episode from Season 2. In this episode we discuss practical insights to parenting children who constantly push you away.

That first real hug. Hearing “I love you mom,” and knowing she means it. Watching him participate peacefully with the rest of your family. Having her not melt down when dad puts a gentle hand on her shoulder to guide her on an afternoon walk through the neighborhood.

Listen to the podcast.

Posted on

How To Take Better Care Of You In The New Year.

by

You’ll often hear us say that self-care isn’t selfish, and self-care isn’t hard. In fact, it’s quite simple. Our community manager, Michelle McKinney (who went to college for fitness), and is now on the adoption journey, breaks it down for us…

It’s January. You might be saying, “Ugh.” Or you might be saying, “Praise Jesus!” All depends on what happened the previous year to either give you hope for moving on or angst of the inevitable. For adoptive parents, it’s probably both. We feel hope because our kids are older and maturing. But then there’s the fact that they are older and maturing…bringing bigger, more life-altering consequences. If you’re like me, because of the above struggle, I rarely if ever make the common New Year’s resolutions. Honestly, I don’t have time for that silliness. I only have time to survive is what I usually think.

Posted on

Could You Help Us Improve In 2018?

Take our 2018 reader survey today!

by

We are always striving to make Confessions Of An Adoptive Parent a better blog that helps you on your journey. That’s why we greatly value your opinion and feedback. Could you help us out by filling out our 2018 reader survey? It takes about 10 minutes to complete…

465057533

I’d love to help! Take me to the survey.

Two-thousand-seventeen was an amazing year with many new milestones and accomplishments. We traveled to more than 30 states around the country speaking to foster and adoptive parenting groups, our podcast, The Honestly Adoption Podcast averaged over 12,000 downloads a month, and our monthly readership grew from 75,000 to more than 100,000 readers a month.