by Gayla Grace | Apr 19, 2016 | Blog, character, Faith, hope
It’s easy to feel like one some days, isn’t it? Especially when our stepchildren treat us that way, despite our best efforts. My friend, Carol Boley, and her co-author Kathi Lipp wrote a resource for stepmoms, But I’m Not a Wicked Stepmother! Secrets...
by Gayla | Feb 25, 2013 | attitude, Blog, character, Faith, love, successful stepparenting
The early morning text surprised me. I don’t hear from my young adult stepson a lot but sensed he needed to talk based on what I read. I picked up the phone and engaged in a lengthy conversation with him regarding his year-long relationship with his girlfriend....
by Gayla | Sep 12, 2012 | attitude, Blog, character, feelings, love, loyalty
“I don’t feel the same way toward my stepchildren as I do my biological children,” a stepmother recently admitted. “I feel guilty when I say that, but it’s the truth.” “That’s okay, ” I replied. “The...
by Gayla | Mar 8, 2012 | Blog, Change, character, expectations, feelings, hope, peace, stepfamily relationships, surrender
“Mom I have mono. The doctor thinks I’ve had it six or seven weeks. He says I might need to quit my job so I can finish out the school semester while trying to get well.” My daughter’s words were distressing. A 21-year-old college student...
by Gayla | Feb 28, 2012 | attitude, Balance, Blog, character, feelings, love
If you watched any portion of the Academy Awards Sunday night, you must have noticed the number of women who looked unusually thin. And the media makes it worse by talking about how good these women look! I love this post by Christina Katz and am re-posting it with...
by Gayla | Jan 23, 2012 | attitude, Blog, character, Faith, feelings, Finances, perseverance, Rejection, rewards of stepparenting
I had the privilege of attending the first “stepmom retreat” this week-end in Dallas, hosted by http://www.blendedandbonded.com/ with Laura Petherbridge speaking. It was a wonderful time of connecting with stepmoms from around the country, meeting stepmom...
by Gayla | Jan 18, 2012 | Blog, character, Faith, perseverance, Prayer, surrender
“Observe the ant,” the great oriental conquerorTamerlane told his friends. In relating a story from his early life, he said, “I once was forced to take shelter from my enemies in a dilapidated building,where I sat alone for many hours. Wishing...
by Gayla | Jan 12, 2012 | attitude, Blog, character, patience, perseverance, stepfamily relationships, successful stepparenting
If you’re a football fan (or even if you’re not), you’ve likely heard the ongoing publicity surrounding Tim Tebow. Tebow is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos and has made a name for himself with his unorthodox...
by Gayla | Apr 19, 2011 | attitude, Blog, character, Faith, stepfamily relationships
My stepson came by over the week-end to help with the yard and clean the gutters for me. Since my husband is now working out of state, he asked his son to help with stuff around the house that he normally does.It was a blessing to have him here and offer a...
by Gayla | Mar 4, 2011 | attitude, Balance, Blog, character, feelings, forgiveness, stepparenting choices, take care of yourself
What’s stressing you today? Have the little things of life become big things because you’re having trouble letting go? Is your stepchild relationship experiencing a small leak that’s about to lead to a blowout?How we react to what happens around...
by Gayla | Dec 9, 2010 | Blog, character, perseverance, stepfamily holiday tips
In the wake of Elizabeth Edward’s death this week, I’m reminded of a resiliency few people possess. With unending optimism toward life’s challenges, she faced her struggles head on, refusing to hide behind the curtain of her...
by Gayla | Nov 3, 2010 | Blog, character, love, stepfamily relationships, successful stepparenting
The little things in life can make the most difference. My daughter helping me carry in groceries on a day I’m overwhelmed with chores. A stranger offering me thanks at church for playing the piano each week. My husband putting air in my...
