http://www.crosswalk.com/family/homeschool/the-belly-of-the-bus-11637337.html It’s that time again. I rise with the sun, eager for what this school year will bring, yet sad to see summer end. And on this day, once again, the annual ritual outside my window lures me in. Across, the street, Liz opens her door, tightening the belt on her blue terry robe as her girls scramble out underneath her arm. Next door, Dawn, toddler on her hip, strolls down the driveway. Her triplets follow behind, turning toward the bus stop, carrying purple lunchboxes and bright pink backpacks—no doubt filled with perfectly tipped crayons, unused glue sticks, and tightly capped markers. Two houses down, Tommy, laced into a pristine…

http://www.crosswalk.com/family/homeschool/encouragement/stepping-off-the-wheel-of-worry.html 3:00 A.M. I can just make out the small green numbers on the cable box. Why did I think this couch would be more comfortable than my bed? My body pillow hangs off the cushions and the blanket tangles around my legs. At least I’m free to toss and turn without heavy sighs from my husband’s side of the bed. Squeak. Squeak. Squeak. Jeffrey scampers inside the blue plastic wheel hooked to the bars of his hamster cage. For the last hour, I’ve been tossing and turning to the rhythm of his relentless, nocturnal quest. The wheel spins faster and faster. Jeffrey goes nowhere. Pushing my head into the…

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/can-god-find-me-anywhere.html I ran down the hall desperate for a quiet place to meet God. Around the corner, through an old wooden door, an alcove hid a tiny restroom in the north end of the hospital. I pushed through the door and locked myself in the cold, grey refuge of the single stall. A knot formed in my chest, tight and suffocating. “Lord, please. I need to be alone. Don’t let anyone need to use this restroom.” I stared at the chipped, stained tiles. Would God meet me here? In a worn, broken down, dirty restroom? Footsteps echoed outside the door. I held my breath as they paused, then continued on.…