Buckets, Lists and Filling Summer
There’s a lot of talk about buckets lately. Top 10 and even top 200 itemized lists of fun-filled activities and freeing ways to spend meaningful time together with our child(ren) are popping up in an effort to generate laughter, a sense of wonder, adventure and best of all, memories in the unstructured season of summer under its sunny, iconic umbrella. When I read though the lists of ideas they sound tranquil. Breezy. So Zip-a-dee-doo-dah. Oh summer, please come so we can wear flip flops 24/7, pick blueberries and stay up late without a school schedule hovering overhead. I have my list, of course. We all do, … Read More...
When I Don’t Want to Forgive
It's tough. It's hard. Or, it can be smooth and easy as 1-2-3. The choice is ours. To forgive another. A forgiven sinner forgives others, right mom? A struggle, yet it's what God calls those who have received and accepted Christ's forgiveness to do. To experience freedom and model Christ-centered behavior as moms and as women, we have to try and give out what we have received from the One who gave us forgiveness by dying for our sins and mistakes. Why should we do this? So we can live and benefit from the affects of forgiveness and be released from anger, bitterness and resentment and the toll anger … Read More...
Seeking a Straight Path
Who doesn't like a smooth, straight path? Who doesn't want the very best road for themselves and for their children? We can be prideful. Unwilling to let go of control. But let's try. Let's let God, who knows the perfect way and the BEST way, be in control of where we are heading...with everything! Our goals, our children, our instruction, our energy....all of it. Let's trust in His perfect will for our lives and the lives of our children. It doesn't mean our paths will be bump-free but they will be what they are suppose to be. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all all … Read More...
Handling Nellie Olesons
Those of you might remember Nellie Oleson, the sassy, outspoken classmate of Laura Ingalls in the book and television series, Little House on the Prairie. She was ruthless, heartless, self righteous, lacked compassion and never hesitated to put down another. We’ve all had face to face tine with Nellies. Talked with them. Been in relationship with them. Hurt by them. Their names may not be Nellie, they may not have blonde hair nor the snootiness that went along with an ungrateful upper-class lifestyle, but their spirit, demeanor and attributes might bear a close resemblance. It’s one thing to deal with … Read More...
Focus High
Have-tos. Unresolved matters. The to-do list. Our children's cares. Unfinished work. Interruptions. Lots going on that can feel like a brick has been put upon our spirits. When your heart is heavy, keep plugging away at your prayer lives, moms. Keep talking to God, keep focused on Him, all the way. When disappointment and frustration come on the scene, it is so easy for our eyes to stare at what's before us and remain fixated on the problem...and as moms, we have a lot of concerns, questions, decisions, pulls and tugs---fix your eyes up above, pray and know that God will see you through the situation even better … Read More...
A “Quick to Listen” Call Out
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (James 1:19) What a great truth to start off our days embracing…God, may each mom reading be quick to listen to the people in her life, especially her children, slow to speak and slow to anger today. We know that you tell us, 'in your anger, do not sin.' Help us not to hurt, over-react agitate nor bring about discouragement in another, particularly our kids. Help us to have patience, self control and to not be led by our feelings but by your truths. Let your principles dictate our behavior and the … Read More...
Monday Start Up
It's Monday Moms…again. How did it get here so fast?! Okay, we talked about the morning launch off….how we are sending our kids off into their day (homeschool moms, this is you, too!) Here you are again. New day. New week. New opportunities. New moments to approach in a different way. Let's try again, even if you are rushed, to read just one verse and pray for our day. If you don't know what to read, head to the Psalms, a great place to pour out your heart. "Father God, help every mom reading to smile at her children this morning and to be calm, encouraging, affectionate and present. Help us not make them crazy with … Read More...
Need a Crossing Guard?
Going somewhere, mom? Need some assistance crossing a dangerous intersection or slippery slope? "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deut. 31:8) What encouraging words to hear from Moses as he addresses the Jewish nation prior to his death and just before they are going to head to the Promised Land God has prepared for them. But Moses knows the people are fearful, anxious and worried. Sound familiar? As moms, we know these feelings fully. Moses tells the Jewish nation that they will not cross the Jordan … Read More...
Your Soldier’s Story
During the military battles that King David was engaged in, much dependence was placed on the strength and speed of the chariots and horses that helped secure or weaken a soldier's mobility during war. Ultimately, it was the strength of God and His resources that could be fully trusted and counted on as well as God's plans for Israel. King David knew the size of a soldier and number of enemies didn't equal destruction. He knew that it was the size of His God that would weigh om favorably. (And just a footnote, God's plans for Israel always prevailed.) That didn't mean that being prepared and suiting up for battle … Read More...
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