Two years ago today I lost my mom to cancer. It was quick and painful, and there was hardly time to process what was happening before she was gone. After she died, life picked up speed and the spaces of time that she filled in my life got filled in with other things and people. […]
Focus
How to Talk About Past Mistakes with Our Kids
Today, I welcome guest blogger Collene of Rest and Chaos to share how she handles uncomfortable conversations about her past with her kids. “That person is smoking,” my son announced, “and that’s bad.” “You used to smoke, too, didn’t you Mommy?” my daughter questioned. A wave of regret washed over my heart as I replied, […]
5 Times to Ditch Your Phone Each Day
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Matthew 7:12 We’ve all seen the statistics. Americans check their phones an average of 50-80 times each day, depending on their age, with 18-24 year olds in the lead. Although our phones are an amazing resource and catalyst for connection, they’ve […]
Three Steps to a Successful Apology
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 Getting kids to take responsibility for their actions and offer a sincere apology is one of our greatest challenges as parents. It’s not enough for a child to say, “I’m sorry,” especially when coerced to do so. More […]
Love What You Do Without Making Money
Am I now trying to win the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of God. Galatians 1:10 After publishing my devotional at Christmas, I felt exhilarated . . . and then disillusioned. For so […]
Three Unexpected Joys of Going to the Gym
It’s taken me the better part of the school year, but I have finally started making a habit of going to the gym right after I drop off my kids for school in the morning. Apart from the health benefits one gets from working out each day, which are well documented elsewhere, I have discovered […]
What Moms Do While the Kids Are In School
I used to be the mom who enviously asked other moms what they did while their kids were at school all day. As a homeschooling mom, the idea of that kind of freedom to pursue dreams, accomplish goals, think uninterrupted thoughts, and keep a clean house for seven straight hours sounded like heaven! This year, […]
How I Starved My Children
When I went into labor with my first child three weeks early, our plans for a home birth went out the window. We rushed to the hospital, where I gave birth to a boy who weighed 7 lbs, 9 oz and was having some respiratory difficulty. The NICU doctor whisked him away, and I found […]
Discover the Quiet Joy of January
Stark, solemn trees stand sentinel along our streets. The earth is barren, cold and hard beneath our feet. In January, winter settles into our bones like a bear into his cave. Gone is the joyous ringing of bells, shining lights, and shimmering splendor of the holidays. The explosion of fireworks ushering in the New Year […]
Resolving to Rest in the New Year
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 After the hustle and bustle of December, we are expected to charge into January, guns blazing, our lists of resolutions tucked firmly under our arms. We make grand plans for personal growth and wellness: exercise more, eat […]