When a power outage at the pool house reveals more than faulty wiring, Carol M. Shrader reflects on the state of our inner lives—reminding us that no amount of outward polish can replace the quiet strength of a heart rooted in God.

When the demands of medical life threaten to harden our hearts, Carol Mason Shrader reminds us how a shift in perspective—from grumbling to gratitude—can rekindle compassion and help us shine in our roles as wives, mothers, and followers of Christ.

As a little girl, I remember Valentine's Day so vividly -- decorating a shoebox to hold our cards at school, picking just the right Valentine for each friend in our class and uh, having bronchitis several years in a row and missing the whole thing….
 

I miss basements! 

Growing up in Colorado, then moving to Minnesota (residency), Pennsylvania (fellowship) and then back to Colorado (another fellowship) I always had a basement to rely on for storage.  Now in California, where the seismic activity doesn’t allow for such a luxury, I am at a loss for storage space…  

The Child Life Specialist was working with my three-year-old triplets in an effort to prepare them all for Benjamin’s upcoming surgery…

Last week we moved our youngest to college. And I did the only thing a mother who now has four adult children can do: I rescued a dog….to add to the other two dogs we already have...

A 5-star review is nothing compared to the reward of a lifetime of counting the hours you are apart and celebrating every reunion in a way that speaks to you both; knowing that when the storms come, he is praying for me to be sustained, to endure and to cope. Knowing that together, our tomorrow seems brighter no matter the season, the sickness, or the storm.