Why, Lord, why? I love these dear people on my prayer lists! I care about them. I cry over them. Yet, within three days, I'm bored to tears. Three days! That's my staying power when it comes to maintaining a prayer list routine...
Encouragement for Writers from the #WritingCommunity
The Twitter #WritingCommunity's notes of encouragement aren't just for me. They're for every writer. Read them and be encouraged!
Covid-19 Restrictions and Christianity
Are you offended when you see individuals in the grocery store who aren't wearing masks? Or are you offended by having to wear a mask at all? Do you occasionally make exceptions to the restrictions by visiting family and friends? Or do you fume against those who dare to visit loved ones during a lockdown? Whatever your convictions, keep reading to find hope...
“Disappointment With God” About Beginnings and Endings
A wise woman told me that through these challenges, we are growing stronger. I don't like it, but I believe her. Although I feel disappointment with God, I'm trying to remember that there's more to what we're all going through than meets the eye...
Operation Love Bomb: A True Christmas Story About Kindness
"We were like secret agents under a starless winter sky. Our mission? Operation love bomb." Inspire faith this holiday season by reading "Operation Love Bomb", a true Christmas story about kindness.
The Great Christmas Tree Debate: A True Christmas Story About Obedience
"Even though our family had purchased a real pine tree every Christmas for as long as I could remember, I was determined not to give up the fight until they agreed..." Inspire faith this holiday season by reading "The Great Christmas Tree Debate", a true Christmas story about obedience.
Are You Letting Your Will Get in the Way of God’s Perfect Plan?
I keep stubbornly fighting this battle between my own will and God's plan for my life. And by the grace of God, I keep losing....
Don’t Miss Out on the Biggest Blessing of Being a Mom
Before I had kids, I thought the adage "children are a blessing" referred to all the joys I would experience as a mother. I didn't understand that the proverb held a double meaning, a double blessing...
My Struggle With Addiction and the Freedom I Found in Surrender
At its peak, my addiction took over my entire day. First thing in the morning, I'd slink out of my bedroom to start the day with a little indulgence before the kids got up...
The #1 Reason Why You Feel Like You Don’t Belong
God, why won't you rid me of my flaws? I'm too expressive, too passionate, too talky, too LOUD! (Click here to be encouraged through a quick story about why God doesn't just "snap his fingers".) Have you ever caught yourself crying a similar prayer? Have you ever wondered why you feel like you don't fit?... Continue Reading →
Do You Feel a Lack of Spiritual Connection?
Are you feeling a lack of spiritual connection? Remember: God knows you perfectly. He will meet you in a way that is right for you. Don't lose heart: He's everywhere!
Self-Care: Are You an Extrovert, Introvert, or Ambivert?
You may not be what you think you are. Find out why I've experienced all three "-verts" - extrovert, introvert, and ambivert - and how I've come to embrace who I am today (and you can, too!)
Women, Living Free (Embrace Your Whole Self!)
Whatever your day job is, does that title encompass all that you are? Or, are you more than that? What if you lived your life becoming and embracing the WHOLE you?
Lord, I Need Refreshing
I'm hiding in my room with the door closed. My family is invaluable, enthusiastic, entertaining, loving, and caring; but today, I just want them to go away.
How to Explain the Importance of Handwashing to Your Child: COVID-19 Health
Whether you're mildly worried, or whether you're in full panic mode, COVID-19 is a common concern for every mother in the world today. So, how should you explain the importance of handwashing to your child?
Stevie the Shop Cat: An Adoption Love Story
"I’m praying we get to keep Stevie..." For a parent who dislikes animals, these are dangerous words to hear. Find out how our family came to love Stevie, the shop cat.
Feeling Honored: Sunshine Blogger Award
I'll admit it: The Sunshine Blogger Award DOES feel a bit like the blogger world's version of a childhood chain letter. BUT, today I opened my e-mail and was pleasantly surprised to read these words...
How To Accept More Grace (and Less Condemnation) in the 2020 New Year
How More Grace (and Less Condemnation) Can Be Found in 2020 Keep reading to discover why it may be healthier for you to live out a New Year's Hope, rather than make a New Year's Resolution. Christmas is over. And if I’m quite honest, that tree standing over there in the corner of my living... Continue Reading →
Why You’ll Never Regret Obeying God
“Is that you, God?” How do you know whether a random thought that pops into your head is from God? What do you do when that random thought is so absurd that you seriously doubt it could be God? Obeying God Isn’t a Science. It seems to me that: Recognizing God's voice and obeying God... Continue Reading →
A Childhood School Story: How I Forgave Miss Winter
(Names and details herein have been changed to protect identities.) I knew my cheeks were glowing as red as my teacher’s cherry-painted fingernails. Salty tears rolled over my lips and down my chin. While I cried, Miss Winter towered over me, lecturing and wagging a polished forefinger at my burning face. I wasn’t a troublemaker.... Continue Reading →
Are You Tired and Stressed? Read This and Have a Good Laugh
I get it. It seems there are a million-and-one things screaming for our attention every day. We get tired. We're overwhelmed, and we're stressed-out. When we've reached the end of our unraveling rope, (and even then, I believe God works in our weaknesses) it's encouraging to hear stories - especially funny ones - about other... Continue Reading →
How to Find Balance: My Story of Sugar Vs. Community
Can Someone Tell Me How to Find Balance? I used to be a no-sugar Mom. Have you ever fed your kids sugar and then watched (with horror) as your sweet angels morphed into sugar-crazed Tasmanian devils? I have. "So, what?" you may say. "Kids run around in hyper-drive for an hour and then they crash. We've all been... Continue Reading →
Do You Believe in Miracles? I Do. Here’s Why.
At first, I wasn’t pregnant; then, I was. Simple. At least, that’s how it seemed when I first found out I was pregnant with my oldest child. Beliefs Change As my pregnancy progressed, however, I began reading books on how my baby was growing. I learned more about the workings of each delicate part that... Continue Reading →
Mid-Month Moment: Why I Wrote A Simple Thank-You Poem to God
Is it summer, yet? Calendar-wise, it's not summer until June 21st: weather-wise, though, summer has arrived! Today, despite the fact that it's sunny and 33 degrees Celsius, I'm still thinking about spring. I love spring. What do I love about spring? First, let me tell you what I don't love: how dirt and melted snow have... Continue Reading →
How to Pick the Right Book and Avoid Wasting Time
We’re busy women - moms who love their jobs. We chauffeur, make supper, go to work, make time to exercise, nurture, do laundry, help with homework, weed the garden, comfort sick kids, clean, act as household secretary, change diapers, etc. We have very little spare time. So, when I need a break from life, I like... Continue Reading →
Mid-Month Moment: Thanking for Joy
It was mid-morning on a Sunday, and the stink in our house was unbearable. I lay on my living room couch: eyes closed, neck supported on an armrest, breathing slowly through my mouth – in and out, in and out – fighting the urge to spew. On my right, two little boys (ages four and... Continue Reading →
A Tank of Grace for the Morning Sloth
What’s your morning personality? Systematic Riser or Morning Sloth? If you lean toward the latter, I can identify. I confess I don’t have a morning routine. Not in the slightest. I am a wayward morning sloth. My husband, on the other hand, observes a daily morning ritual that baffles me: Every day upon waking, Justin... Continue Reading →
Every year, I plan an Easter Egg Hunt for my three children. I love to try out new ideas and change things up from previous years. This year, I found this Easter Egg Fitness Treasure Hunt from http://www.superhealthykids.com. With a few tweaks to customize Natalie's fantastic idea to suit our family, we're ready for Easter... Continue Reading →
Mid-Month Moment: Inspiration for Your Easter Egg Hunt
Beloved: A Sheep-ly Story of Sanctification
I once found a sheep stumbling around my living room. She scrambled onto the linen loveseat and, like a dog performing a rounding ritual before its nap, turned circles with her muddy hooves. After pounding a soiled ring into one of the cushions, she dropped down to the floor. She wandered aimlessly around the room... Continue Reading →
How to Play Easter Trivia Egg Hunt (Another Ad-Lent Family Activity)
Our family is back with another Ad-Lent family activity! If you’re unfamiliar with Ad-Lent (which is our family’s take on anticipating Easter), click here to find out more. Easter is approaching, and there’s no better time than the season of Lent to teach your children about Christ’s sacrifice for them and his victory over death.... Continue Reading →