Buckner transforms the lives of vulnerable children, enriches the lives of senior adults, and builds strong families through Christ-centered values. http://www.buckner.org/blog Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 1800 Lately, I’ve been watching the television series “This is Us”. If you aren’t familiar with the show, it stars one of my favorite people, Mandy Moore. Mandy plays Rebecca, who is married to Jack and pregnant with triplets. One of the triplets dies in childbirth, and through a series of... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/a-more-holistic-view-of-foster-care-and-adoption 6904d98c7a2391302e25b09a Fri, 28 Nov 2025 07:41:00 -0600 https://www.buckner.org/blog/buckner-celebrates-thanksgiving-with-the-dallas-mavericks 691b510dc452565ccd30a9a4 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:40:00 -0600 November is National Adoption Month and is a time to raise awareness for the 117,000 children waiting for adoption in the United States. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/national-adoption-month-2025 68e9237f35226f604a64a825 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:04:00 -0600 One million women in the United States experience a miscarriage every year. Globally, this number increases to 23 million women every year. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/how-to-care-for-those-experiencing-maternal-infant-loss 68e9271cfefe45739d4c4898 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:20:00 -0500 More than Costumes and Candy ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/how-to-protect-your-childrens-mental-health-this-halloween 68e3e8319a81af46401d1922 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 08:55:00 -0500 Why Mental Health Awareness Day matters ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/mental-health-awareness 68d2aba77c23005f7b0786e3 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 07:06:00 -0500 The importance of Hispanic American participation in the foster care system ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month 68d2a1f3f7d19c57f4197bf8 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:31:00 -0500 Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/from-trauma-to-triumph 68d4749d3a965d542c7ceefc Wed, 01 Oct 2025 07:40:00 -0500 This past Sunday, my pastor taught about how godliness begets godliness. When we live out our faith actively, we are inspiring those around us to do the same. His sermon focused specifically on boldness. When we are bold in our faith, we naturally inspire other Christians to live in boldness too. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/a-christians-call-to-encouragement 68d1abdfe133227a0d60f227 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:03:00 -0500 Human beings were not created to live life solo. In the beginning, God observed that “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). It’s no different today. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/community-is-a-gift 68c073e0b05a57649416fb1b Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:34:00 -0500 Have you ever felt like life is racing exceptionally fast and all you can do is hold on tight? This pace of life will inevitably happen to us personally and professionally – and sometimes simultaneously. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/clinging-to-christ 68c0336e7dee9629c8665a03 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500 What is kinship care? ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/differences-between-kinship-care-and-foster-care 689f75ae5099a076737e3a7a Wed, 10 Sep 2025 07:56:00 -0500 “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” – Psalm 27:14 ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/courage-to-wait 68b5c25a13731934b078ddf0 Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500 “Many of the kids who come into our care only have the clothes they are wearing. My husband and I often have enough to get them through the [first] night, but having the opportunity to take them to the store and let them pick out their own clothes and shoes—clothes that actually fit—gives... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/giving-dignity-and-joy-to-children-in-foster-care 68a894b5898c5b6771346aa4 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:15:00 -0500 One question we often hear is, “Why must single moms be enrolled in school to participate in Buckner Family Pathways?” ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/breaking-generational-poverty-through-education 68a47fcbec77640dd5560ba4 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 07:37:00 -0500 “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore, we will not be afraid though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its turmoil.” Psalm 46:1-3 ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/we-will-not-be-afraid-though-the-earth-trembles 68a39456b1da357e0c1133c8 Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:10:00 -0500 “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/whose-opinion-matters-most 689bb29aee9c3703d24326f8 Mon, 18 Aug 2025 07:29:00 -0500 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/cast-your-anxiety-on-god 6888e08f822d4c33176ea283 Mon, 11 Aug 2025 07:30:00 -0500 Divorced and left to care for six children, Reynelda McDonald was working two jobs. When the day was over, she’d find herself alone, praying for one more night with a roof over their heads and enough gas in her car to get to work. She was over 3,000 miles from family in Alaska, and she was losing... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/from-volunteer-to-victory 6893a0b46f80bc5c137f86e2 Fri, 08 Aug 2025 07:18:00 -0500 On the outskirts of Guatemala City rests a tiny cinder block house on the edge of a mountain. Reaching it requires a car ride up winding mountain roads, followed by bumpy, narrow dirt roads. After about an hour and a half, the journey ends at a gate. Beyond it, visitors walk past a few apartments... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/recovery-restoration-and-reunification 6888e5736ac96f6684467c93 Wed, 06 Aug 2025 07:30:00 -0500 Summer is ending and school is beginning. Before we know it, it’s back to supply lists, bedtimes, and that ever-present worry over your kids' physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/god-gives-unending-peace 68811153adeb2b7e13220324 Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:38:00 -0500 As students across Texas get ready for a new school year, Buckner International is working in several communities to make sure families have what they need. Through local events and collaborations, Buckner is providing backpacks, school supplies, shoes, and access to services that ease the... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/buckner-internationals-back-to-school-events-support-texas-families 6887a8f7f3d7b64893212c04 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:43:00 -0500 A 2018 study conducted by the Barna Group states that only 64% of Christians believe that “Christians have a responsibility to share their faith.” This is a drastic drop from the results of a 1993 study, in which 89% of Christians acknowledged their personal call to share their faith with... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/the-importance-of-sharing-our-faith 687e7fc5d15094654248d752 Mon, 28 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0500 Summer is a time for sunshine, relaxation and making cherished memories. As the school year quickly approaches, families are searching for ways to make the last few weeks of the season memorable. Whether you're seeking thrills or simply want to unwind, there's a summer activity out there for... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/summers-end-approaching 68825d87c4cb3546250e055f Fri, 25 Jul 2025 07:04:00 -0500 Whether you're walking your kindergartener into school for the first time or watching your teen prepare for their final year of high school, the back-to-school season is full of emotions. It can be a bittersweet time marked by new beginnings and preparation. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/the-emotional-hurdles-of-back-to-school-seasonfor-parents-and-kids 687e4e75c4a8d3195c1e29e7 Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:17:00 -0500 Golden anniversary homecoming ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/vietnamese-orphans-celebrate-50th-anniversary-of-arrival-at-buckner-childrens-home 687969b63ab17b78120d0470 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:19:00 -0500 In recent research done by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, more than 23 million children in the United States live in a single-parent household. According to the research, “This total has risen over the last half cen­tu­ry and cur­rent­ly cov­ers about one in every three kids across... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/single-parent-programs-support-independence 687663eca738106ffa013afe Tue, 22 Jul 2025 15:10:00 -0500 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29: 11 ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/no-surprises 68757a8052a6670e9631d6b4 Mon, 21 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0500 I am in a difficult stage of life. I am blessed to have wonderful parents, who at the age of 90 and 92, are unfortunately experiencing major health issues. I am the oldest of three children and the only daughter. I live five hours away from them, but do my best to visit them as often as I am able.... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/you-are-mine 686be315885c6f026d2fd8eb Mon, 14 Jul 2025 07:07:00 -0500 As our nation celebrated its independence this past weekend, I began thinking about what Scripture means when it talks about finding freedom in Christ. Believers who live in the United States might have a unique perspective on the term, considering “freedom” is a word often associated with the... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/finding-true-freedom-in-christ 68656b7affbac010386be5c6 Mon, 07 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0500 We know that strong families help end child abuse, but a study in 2022, also found that children with strong family connections are associated with a high likelihood of flourishing in life. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/how-to-have-a-screen-free-summer 6855af2db0d259460315f6f5 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:35:00 -0500 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10 ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/fear-not 6859891c7eaaa9329a7a3104 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 07:05:00 -0500 “Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.  So, the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/the-power-of-our-scars 6851861582fc9669dc27a472 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 07:05:00 -0500 Buckner International hosted a thought-provoking and informative panel discussion surrounding the findings of a new report on the current human trafficking risks and indicators in North Texas. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/report-recommends-community-collaboration-as-a-critical-key-to-prevent-human-trafficking 6852d48893e96e53b16bcff9 Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:53:00 -0500 Many years ago, I ran my first and only marathon. As a participant in a year-long research protocol for science, I received a full year of professionally supervised training and nutritional guidance, while cardiologists and physiologists added to the body of knowledge on exercise and environmental... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/trusting-gods-strength-in-all-circumstances 6846f85f52e3ed39f467b882 Mon, 16 Jun 2025 07:02:00 -0500 What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Father’s Day? If you had visions of grilled meats and goofy ties, you’re not alone. Father’s Day sometimes seems more about getting a good deal on a new lawn mower than showing appreciation, but we are looking to change that. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/the-redefinition-of-fatherhood 6843134d4849960ce405d1a6 Sun, 15 Jun 2025 07:25:00 -0500 On Wednesday, May 7, Buckner International cohosted a powerful U.S. Senate Reception focused on combating child trafficking and exploitation. Held in the Russell Senate Office Building, the event brought together policymakers, diplomats, and collaborators to raise awareness and inspire action. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/combating-child-trafficking 684877dcf033e047887b6e0b Fri, 13 Jun 2025 07:32:00 -0500 As children, we dream big — astronauts, teachers, doctors, superheroes. We imagine ourselves doing things that matter, making a difference. But as we grow older, those dreams often fade, overtaken by responsibilities, detours and even doubt. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/what-i-want-to-be-when-i-grow-up 683e118e7c29922a04793355 Mon, 09 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0500 Failure. It’s a heavy word and one we all avoid. Living with a fear of failure means we tiptoe around uncertainty. It creates hesitations in making bold declarations or taking strong steps forward. Every day, failure looms over us like the ever-changing forecast of Texas weather in the spring.... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/surrendering-a-fear-of-failure 683731cae7c64366887a68ea Mon, 02 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0500 In the last few weeks, it seems that almost everyone I love has experienced something life-altering, and in the shift, has been left in confusion. Some of my closest loved ones have received devastating diagnoses, while others have been given opportunities that are grand and amazing. But in both... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/seeking-god-in-the-midst-of-confusion 682def9c31107828a8588ff5 Mon, 26 May 2025 07:05:00 -0500 “It’s too hard” is not a valid reason for not fostering. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/the-importance-of-providing-safe-loving-homes-for-all-foster-children 682be9d80602210859276472 Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Have you ever felt God calling you into something you weren’t quite ready for? If you’ve followed Jesus for any length of time, I’m betting you are nodding your head and picturing a season (or two) where you just had to trust and jump without letting your flesh think too much. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/4-ways-to-walk-into-a-new-season 68262d7c95629c45951234c4 Mon, 19 May 2025 07:07:00 -0500 The grand opening of Buckner’s new office in Southeast Texas was commemorated on May 7 with a ribbon cutting and tour of the space. Located in Beaumont, the new office space houses Buckner programs that support vulnerable children and families who call Southeast Texas home, including foster care... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/buckner-southeast-texas-celebrates-ribbon-cutting-to-open-new-office 681deab3261fc640fc74b62d Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500 There’s nothing better than April baseball before the Texas summer heat wave sets in. Nearly 100 children and families, plus staff from Buckner Amarillo, enjoyed Buckner Night at Hodgetown Stadium together. It was a Scooby Doo-themed jersey night, as the Sod Poodles took on the San Antonio... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/buckner-amarillo-children-and-families-enjoy-double-header-wins-with-the-sod-poodles 6814dd81e0928e20173ed089 Wed, 07 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500 If you’ve been in or around the church long enough, you have probably heard it said that adoption is a biblical practice modeled after how God adopted us. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/a-christian-look-into-foster-care 680d29129e8c413c14658725 Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500 I can’t be the only Christian who thinks they’re terrible at praying. Not in the frequency, when you’re the father of teens with driver’s licenses, God is always on speed dial, but in quality. My prayers are not pretty. I’m very direct. My church’s Monday night prayer meeting lasts an... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/taking-action-through-prayer 680f9bac3545c825d820f64e Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Since 1879, Buckner International and its various ministries have worked to shine hope throughout Texas and across the world. Each year, we continue to connect and serve children, families and seniors in intentional ways. In 2024, we were able to protect hundreds of children, strengthen many... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/celebrating-the-lives-impacted-in-2024 68099392adece00d4e08da42 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4 ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/what-does-it-mean-to-rejoice 680a854471da6f4efb72d51d Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:36:00 -0500 April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month, a dedicated period for raising awareness and promoting proactive measures to prevent child abuse and neglect. Established in 1983, this observance encourages communities nationwide to support families and ensure the well-being of children. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/the-connection-between-child-abuse-prevention-and-foster-care 67ebc08245cd3d3e780c07a5 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Uncertainty is uncomfortable, but in the midst of uncertainty, God calls us to a place of confidence. ... ]]> https://www.buckner.org/blog/uncertainty-as-a-hidden-gift 680284412e247c255522eec4 Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0500