by Gayla Grace | Nov 29, 2016 | Change, encouragement, feelings, stepfamily holiday tips
“Family traditions are a great way for stepfamilies to connect with one another. Family members come together and work toward a common goal in a non-threatening environment. Traditions can be as simple as making paper chains to count down the days toward...
by Gayla Grace | Aug 20, 2013 | Blog, Change, Fear, perseverance
Today marks the nine year anniversary of the loss of my stepchildren’s mother after a fierce battle with colon cancer. It’s always a hard month for them as they reflect on life without her. When I married my husband, I had no way of knowing such a tragedy...
by Gayla | Feb 6, 2013 | Blog, Change, Prayer, Waiting
I was approaching 40 years old. My husband and I had four children already – we each brought two from our previous marriage. My husband had had a vasectomy almost ten years prior. How could we even consider having a child together? “Delight yourself in the...
by Gayla | Jan 16, 2013 | acceptance, Blog, Change, conflict, stepfamily relationships
I was recently talking to a stepmom who’s struggling in her role with her stepdaughter. In hearing some history of the relationship, I could see the normal progression that often happens in stepfamilies with various stages of integration. How a stepfamily...
by Gayla | Oct 10, 2012 | Blog, Change, stepfamily relationships, stepparenting choices, successful stepparenting, Uncategorized
I love watching the giddiness of pre-married couples in our stepfamily class. They are in love and somewhat blinded to what lies ahead. Maybe that’s a good thing. Thankfully, they’re trying to educate themselves on how to do stepfamily life before...
by Gayla | Apr 24, 2012 | acceptance, attitude, Blog, Change, Faith, hope, stepfamily relationships
In honor of Mother’s Day in 2011, Heather Hetchler and I put together an e-book of encouraging stories written by stepmoms for stepmoms. We offered the book, Stepping with Purpose, to bring hope to stepmoms who often have a difficult day on Mother’s Day....
by Gayla | Apr 10, 2012 | Blog, Change, Faith, patience, perseverance, rewards of stepparenting, stepfamily relationships
Our family enjoyed a long Easter week-end with four of our five children home. As I watched our kids interact, I couldn’t help but reminisce of times past when we encountered constant bickering and conflict among them. But now, with four of our children in their...
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 | Dec 2, 2011 | Blog, Change, stepfamily holiday tips
Have you ever become so stuck in your way of doing things that you can’t realize there’s a better way? Do you insist on doing things the way they’ve always been done?Could it be time for a change at your house?From our Thriving at the Holidays:A...
by Gayla | Nov 4, 2011 | Blog, Change, Faith, thankfulness
“I have a lesion on my kidney. The doctors are running more tests today. Please pray for me.” “My friend’s 2-year-old daughter has just been diagonsed with a malignant brain tumor. Please pray for them.” These are words I’ve heard...
by Gayla | Sep 21, 2011 | Blog, Change, Faith, feelings, hope, stepfamily marriage
I knew our move out of state would be a difficult change for me. But I didn’t recognize the change of season I would experience at the same time.I had a comfortable life in Conway, Arkansas. I was actively involved in the community as...
by Gayla | Aug 25, 2011 | attitude, Balance, Blog, Change, stepparenting choices
As another school year gets underway, many stepfamilies are adjusting to new routines. Stepchildren may be adjusting to different expectations at Mom and Dad’s house with homework and after-school activities. Stepparents may be forced to alter everyday patterns...
