Contents

Cover    1

Title Page    3

Copyright Page    4

Endorsement    5

Dedication    6

Acknowledgments    9

1. A Welcoming Hug    11

2. The Single-Parent Tightrope    16

3. Roll Away the Stone    21

4. Dinner Guests and Angels    25

5. Unrealistic Expectations    29

6. The True Haven    33

7. What about Loneliness?    36

8. Roses with Thorns    40

9. A Morning Walk    43

10. Embracing the Abundant Life    47

11. With Open Eyes    52

12. Sweet Fantasy    56

13. Guilt—An Unwelcome Companion    60

14. Guilt and the Normal Mom    64

15. Guilt and Long Summers    69

16. Forgiving Others    73

17. Forgiving Ourselves    77

18. Analyze and Adjust    81

19. Celebrate with Joy    85

20. Take Care of Your Health    90

21. Keep Your Children Talking    93

22. Choose Your Battles    98

23. Their Questions Matter    102

24. Gracious Words    105

25. Guiding Teens through Sexual Waters    108

26. No Later Regrets    112

27. Meet Their Dates    117

28. Battling the Bills    121

29. Be Financially Resolute    124

30. A Bare-Bones Christmas    128

31. Save Now for Retirement    131

32. Trust God for the Impossible    134

33. Angel Maids and Major Purchases    138

34. Confident Car Buying    143

35. Housing Decisions    148

36. Pondering Parental Goals    152

37. Peer Pressure    156

38. Consequences and Other Joys    160

39. Discipline, Not Abuse    165

40. The Impossible Task    170

41. When the Kids Fight    175

42. Understanding the Battles    180

43. An Attitude of Gratitude    185

44. Surprising Encouragement    190

45. Help Comes from Many Sources    194

46. Many Opportunities    199

47. An Old Woman’s Lesson    204

48. Accepting the Empty Nest    209

49. Ignoring the Crowd    214

50. Many Faces of Courage    218

51. Forward in Faith    223

52. Embracing the Future    227

About the Author    235

Back Ads    236

Back Cover    239