http://www.thechristianpulse.com/2010/12/17/the-uninvited/ Dinner begins—I look at my watch—now. Cars have pulled in and out of my neighbor’s driveways for the last half-hour. Babysitters arrive. Smartly dressed couples depart. From my perch on the window ledge, I admire Melissa’s sapphire holiday dress and envy Dawn’s red high heels. Even though I can’t see up close, I’m sure Jen sports glittery earrings to accent her new haircut. A swift glance down at my black sweat pants and stained white T-shirt is enough to remind me that I’m not going to this holiday dinner. My husband peeks around the corner. “Let’s go eat sushi at Geisha.” “Not in the mood.” He comes to stand…

http://www.thechristianpulse.com/2011/03/15/the-other-side/ My eighth grader slumps at the kitchen table, his mouth curved down into his frustration frown, as I leaf through his unfinished homework. Tears fill his eyes. “Dad didn’t help me while you were gone. He played Wii every night.” Heat rises from my chest, up my neck. Settles into my face. My, “What?” comes out a strangled half cry-half scream as I lunge for my cell. Before my hand touches the phone, a small voice breaks through my fury. Wait. Wait? Wait an hour. Are You crazy, Lord? An hour will douse the flame of my anger. In an hour, I will forget all the nasty, witty accusations…