by Elaine Olsen | Jul 17, 2026 | dad, death, grief, out of the mouths of babes
Granny Camp ended on Tuesday when her parents came to pick her up after their four-day getaway to celebrate their anniversary. What a time we had – Granny, Poppy, Aunt Mimi and our grand-girl, Finley. As a six-year-old, she has turned a corner on former interests....
by Elaine Olsen | Mar 16, 2020 | dad, family fun, out of the mouths of babes, parenting, peace
“When you come to the door, kiss me on the cheek so that I know I am safe.” I found the piece of paper inside my red diary. I keep treasured notes from days gone by tucked inside its pages. The diary was a Christmas gift to me in 1974. The note inside? Well, it was...
by Elaine Olsen | Jun 11, 2018 | family fun, out of the mouths of babes, pain, parenting
“At least in heaven we’ll be friends again.” Tears fell from her eyes as she imparted a final hope regarding a relational struggle she’s been dealing with for the past six months. Tears fell from my eyes as well. As a mother, my greatest personal pains have always...
by Elaine Olsen | Sep 2, 2016 | calling, faith, Lessons from the Lunchroom, obedience, out of the mouths of babes
“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe – as the Lord has designed to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only...
by Elaine Olsen | May 13, 2014 | calling, discipleship, family fun, grace, Holy Spirit, Lessons from the Lunchroom, living God's truth, obedience, out of the mouths of babes, parenting
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we...
by Elaine Olsen | Nov 19, 2013 | family fun, joy, knowing God, living God's truth, out of the mouths of babes, thanksgiving
“Mom, I need to tell you something about that song. It just touches my heart.” Her assessment was correct as evidenced by her hand over her heart, tears rolling gently down her cheeks. “Just imagine, mom, people hearing those words for the first time and asking ‘Who …...