Raising kids. Keeping House. Choosing joy, every day.
It all started with a love of making homemade gifts for the holidays, something I’ve always done with my kids. Yesterday was the day, and the girls were excited. We pulled out the sewing machine and started cutting gorgeous cotton velour for Christmas gifts. I …
There’s been a lot of talk about the Holy Spirit lately on the internet in the aftermath of the Strange Fire conference, and I think that generally speaking, we are confused or vague about what the Holy Spirit does in our lives. In my experience, …
Ever get bogged down and completely overwhelmed at the monumental task of parenting? There are thousands of lessons to teach your little one, all lessons you hope will stick! Best scenario, all of your instruction will be internalized one day and become more than just …
Some favorite things around the web this week: The Dangerous Pit of Uniqueness. How easily our minds can spiral into self pity when we begin to think that nobody can understand our situation because it’s so complex and special. Actually, God’s word has promised us …
I am a firm believer in limiting a child’s screen time. Why? Because nature walks, exploring and reading an old fashioned book will never “out glamour” electronics to a child. How can you blame them, given the choice? Flashing, dancing lights or a leaf on …
My sweet daughter Emily is leaving for college this weekend and I’ve had these crazy “mother thoughts” about her leaving. (Will she eat balanced meals? Will the other kids treat her well? Will she recognize shady men and get away from them, because who wants …
Can you raise godly kids in this generation? The answer is yes and no. Yes, we can influence our kids towards godliness, but only the Holy Spirit in a child’s life can move them towards godliness. I know that I am helpless to “change” any of …
It was a Sunday morning, and we were getting ready to worship. Truthfully, I was just getting ready to go to church. I was in no frame of mind to worship. I was trying to get five kids ready for church alone (Peter was at …
When you’ve got young kids, you’re a magnet for unsolicited advice, plain and simple. Everywhere you go, old ladies ask whether your child is hot or cold. They want to make you aware that your kid is sucking on their shoe or eating the grocery …
Today is one of those days where I woke up feeling fully blessed. We had a wonderful weekend full of blessing and answered prayer, and received good news from our daughter in college about some upcoming opportunities the Lord has given her. But I don’t …