The Hourngs in Cambodia!

Twelve years ago, God gifted us with a beautiful baby boy David. Last Saturday (June 7th), he’s officially 12.  Almost a teenager. It feels surreal. I still remember cradling him in my arms, marveling at the miracle we had waited and prayed for. His sweet smile, chubby cheeks, and joyful eyes gave us warmth even during our most uncertain days. He was and still is our ray of sunshine. Coming home from work each day to his big hugs and excited squeals has always been the highlight of our day. Whether I had a long day at the university or Vandy, my husband, had just returned from a week in the provinces doing mission work, seeing David run toward us always made everything worthwhile. But something in me shifted this year. He’s growing up. Yes, he still needs us, but differently. He now prepares his own school uniforms, picks out the color of sets he wants to wear, and tells us his food preferences. He has opinions. He voices them. He has feelings and thoughts he wants to express. And ...

Our verse today in Psalm 42:11 reminds me of our compassionate God. He deals with and meets us even when we are downcast, upset, and angry.  When David was growing up, there were many times I would explode out of my anger due to frustrations. I thank God that He has met me when I needed Him the most.  By God’s grace, I’m still growing in the area of self-control. God is still in the process of building my character in the fruit of the Spirit . There are many times I would be caught off guard at the way I respond unlovingly toward my husband and son. Vandy would always remind me to consider people around us since my sister-in-law and her teenage son are now living with us. They are definitely seeing our lives daily. It's a challenge to respond with grace, practicing and putting into action the faith that is in us. How to reflect the goodness of God more practically? That even my son would emulate and copy. I praise God because, though we could still sin, He is faithful and...

Last night, my son David broke down in tears. He confessed that he had chased down a classmate at school, demanding an apology for making fun of him. My heart ached as he shared how he’s been bullied—how his classmates single him out, call him "no fun," and mock him. David doesn’t fully understand yet that he has mild autism. His dad and I have been hesitant to tell him because, in the past, he’s reacted negatively to the word. But now, his peers are using it as a weapon against him. As a mom, it’s crushing to see your child hurt, especially when they’re trying so hard to fit in. We’ve talked to his teachers, but the pain lingers. And as Christians, we wrestle with this truth: People will let us down. Friends will hurt us. The world can be cruel. But one thing remains unshaken— Jesus loves him. And so do we. Bible Verses: "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." – 1 John 4:11 "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome ...

In today’s digital age, managing screen time and gadget use is one of the biggest challenges parents face. Raising David, our 11-year-old son who is on the autism spectrum, has taught us the importance of setting clear boundaries, modeling discipline, and integrating biblical principles into his daily routines. While technology has many benefits, we have been intentional about managing its impact on his development, emotions, and faith journey. Delayed Gratification: Teaching Contentment and Patience One of the key lessons we have taught David is delayed gratification. Many children today expect to have their own gadgets at a young age, but we have established early on that he will only get his own phone when he reaches 16 or 18. This is not just a rule—it’s a principle that teaches responsibility, self-control, and the value of earning something rather than receiving it instantly. In Hebrews 12:11, we are reminded: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on,...

Learning from a Sunday Meltdown Parenting is a journey of faith, patience, and continuous learning. As a mother of an 11-year-old son on the autism spectrum, I have realized that discipline is not just about setting rules but about understanding, guiding, and most importantly, reflecting Christ’s love. This became very clear to me last Sunday when I caused my son David’s meltdown at church while my husband was preaching. It was a difficult moment, one that reminded me how much I still need to grow in grace and self-control. As I reflect on what happened, I am reminded of biblical truths that guide me in raising and disciplining my son in Cambodia. These truths have helped me navigate the challenges of motherhood while keeping faith and love at the center of our home.  5 Biblical Truths on Discipline and Parenting Discipline Must Be Rooted in Love “The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” – Proverbs 3:12 Discipline is not punishment but a way to ...

Story time... (Part 1) Last Sunday was a tough day—one of those moments that humbles you as a parent. It started off well enough. On the way to church, I reminded David about our agreement: he would stay seated with me during worship and preaching. Now that he's 11, we wanted him to transition from bringing toys or books to stay quiet, to actively participating in the service. He seemed to understand, and I was hopeful. But as soon as we arrived at PPC, everything changed. The church dog was there, and I had completely forgotten about that! David loves animals, but we always remind him not to touch them because of his allergies. Yet, in that moment, nothing else mattered to him. He started chasing the dog around, weaving through the congregation, completely immersed in the thrill of the moment. I called his name several times, but he ignored me. Then, he started grabbing napkins and rolling them into balls to shoot into paper cups from the refreshment table. It was becoming chaotic...