Tanara McCauley

Culturally Imagined Stories

Tag: children

  • The Cookie Jar

    “A cookie jar, though beautiful, will always disappoint if found empty.” My cookie jar is empty. It’s seen a batch or two–maybe–in the months since I returned home from Mount Hermon’s Christian Writers Conference; but for the most part it’s been unoccupied. Relieved of duty. Free of tenants. And for a while I blamed my…

  • Kids Cook Fridays

    Fridays have always been a population favorite. They end the work and school week, usher in vacations (or holidays, for my European friends), and offer much-needed breaks. Even the most disagreeable chime in on the popular consensus of Friday’s arrival…ahh. In my home, we issue up a hearty “Mmmm” as well. Because that’s when the kids get to cook. And I’m…

  • When Mom’s Away…

    As I gear up to head to the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference in St. Louis, I’m tempted to fret over how my family can possibly manage without me. My husband is off work and my father-in-law will be flying in to keep him company, still I’m skeptical of two men being able to…

  • Not Your Daughter’s Music

      “Mom, you okay?” “Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?” “I heard you yelling.” And that, my friends, sums up my shower singing skills.

  • Compassionate Hearts on Compassion Sunday

    Compassion Sunday is a nationwide event during which churches reach out to fellow Christians and encourage them to sponsor children who live in extreme poverty all over the world. These sponsorships, which provide education in a loving environment, meals, medical care and more, give children opportunities in life and in their communities that they may not have…

  • Touching Lives With Distant Hands

    Compassion Sunday is almost here. April 21, 2013 is a day of hope for thousands of children who live in impoverished conditions around the world. It’s also a day of opportunity for the rest of us–an opportunity to share our blessings and touch the lives of these children by sponsoring a child. Proverbs 19:17 reads,…

  • My Iron Sharpener

    A friend loves at all times… (Proverbs 17:17) Ten years ago she stood behind me fastening the last clasp on my wedding dress. She adjusted my veil, told me I looked beautiful, then reminded me of the signal I was supposed to use if – before the “I do’s” – I had a single doubt…

  • Two Are Better…

    Tears are never as bleak when there is someone to wipe them away…

  • Rich, Famous, Poor…And More

    Do you remember the game RFP-MASH? It consisted of a rectangle with three lines drawn to the left (with the names of three love interests on them), three lines drawn to the right (with the names of three dream cars), RFP – MASH written across the top (standing for rich, famous, poor – mansion, apartment, shack,…

  • Kids Come With! To China and Beyond…

    I’ve parasailed in the Bahamas, snorkeled the reefs of Hawa’ii, traipsed the rainforests of Puerto Rico, and danced the meke in Fiji; none of which – as awesome as they were – outshines one of my latest escapades: hiking up the great wall of China…with a twenty pound baby strapped to my front. Oh, and her kindergarten…