by GIFT Coach | Jan 11, 2017 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
January traditionally motivates us to review the recently ended year and to set our intentions for the new year. As adoptive parents this practice takes on extra significance. Parenting is challenging. Adoptive parenting has additional complexity and responsibilities...
by GIFT Coach | Dec 14, 2016 | Blogs by Sally Ankerfelt, Faith and Values, Faith communities, Foster Care Adoption, General Discussion
The influence of Christmas surrounds us whether it is part of one’s faith tradition and beliefs or not. Most people probably “know” the Nativity story– even non-Christians. This blog written by GIFT coach and Lutheran minister, Sally Ankerfelt,...
by GIFT Coach | Dec 6, 2016 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, faith, General Discussion
Christmas observances have taken center stage and much of the world celebrates the birth of baby Jesus. The religious significance of the Nativity coexists with the universal emotion of joy surrounding the miracle of birth. Except … Except in the case of...
by GIFT Coach | Nov 30, 2016 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
Rear View Mirror, Gratitude and the Lens of Love Conventional wisdom says hindsight is twenty/twenty. With Thanksgiving now in our rear view mirrors, what lessons can we bring forth throughout the holiday season? Intentional Parents can choose to sustain a gratitude...
by GIFT Coach | Nov 23, 2016 | Adoption constellation, Adoption-attunement, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Family dynamics, General Discussion
Thanksgiving centers on gratitude; that is the very reason for its existence. As adoptive parents we must be mindful of the hot button issue that often connects gratitude and adoption. Adoptees frequently hear that they “should” feel “lucky”...
