The Heart of Mom Anger

Angry? Me, angry? I never thought so. In fact, if anyone was a “nice girl” it was yours truly. A people-pleasing, don’t rock the boat, smile-always-on-my-face nice girl. Everyone said so. I took pride in my desire to make everyone happy (even though I never achieved that.) And then I became a mother. As my oldest hit the toddler years, I transformed into someone I didn’t recognize. I was angry — most of the time. I didn’t often look angry. But there it was — my anger, thinly disguised behind a weak smile, ready to burst on the scene in …

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A Quick DIY Project: Open “Shelving”

We are preparing for lots of transition in the Guillebeaux house, including birthdays, the start of a new homeschool year, and my husband going back to work. Because my husband works in the local school system and is off for the summer, he takes over homeschooling while I get a chance to prepare for the the new “official” year. During this time, I like to deep clean the house and get projects done that will make my life easier and my home feel more “home-y.” It is always my goal to host more people in our house for the upcoming year, …

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H is for Habits

Habits….actions we routinely do. Some are good; some not so good. Here’s the good news: you can help your kids develop life long GOOD HABITS.  However, give in to their every, “Mom, I don’t want to….” and they’ll have you to thank for their poor work ethic, negativity, laziness, sarcasm, lack of self control, you name it.  SO HOW DOES IT WORK? Train a child to make their bed right when they get out of it, and that will be their default – their normal. Let them get in the habit of not making it and well, there you have …

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6 Tips for Setting Boundaries with Your Kids

“You don’t trust me!” At some point nearly every parent of a teenager will hear this accusation. And if you, parent, are like me your first reaction is probably a mixture of: “You are right! I don’t trust you!” “I don’t even trust myself.” “I trust you, I just don’t trust other people…” Setting boundaries as your child is rapidly approaching “adulthood” is difficult, but necessary. And while it is often “easier” to just “lay down the law” it doesn’t encourage a vibrant relationship with your pre-teen or teen. How should we set boundaries? Explain why the boundary is being …

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The Cutting Truth

Cutting has become a behavior kids use because it is easily accessed, quickly achieved, and not uncommon. In fact it has become almost acceptable in the tween and teen world. The directive,“Cut it out!” is being taken literally by some kids. Cutting seems to be catchy. Lots of tween and teen girls and even some boys are doing it. What is cutting? Cutting is a self-destructive behavior where a person cuts into her skin intentionally, many times or even one time. Razors, knives, scissors, pins, and the side of a can of soda-pop are the most common weapons used to …

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Can Your Joy Be Stolen?

My joy disappeared! Have you seen it? I can’t seem to find it. Hmmm…can our joy be stolen? I was thinking about this the other day. Numerous posts have been written about joy stealers. But, you know, after mulling this over, I’m not so sure anything can steal our joy. Stealing implies it can be taken from us. What does Scripture say? See what you think. * What did Jesus tell the disciples at the Last Supper? All the words He spoke that night were filled with encouragement. What He spoke to them, He also says to us, “These things …

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Internet Safety Every Parent Should Own

  One of my friends choked back tears as she poured out her broken heart. Her son, who she thought could not access pornography on the home computer, had done just that. Her tears came from knowing how hard she tried to manage the internet and her children’s safety, and yet the ugly pictures defeated her goals once again. My Friend Isn’t Alone Over the past ten years, I have also faced the challenge of our own internet safety in hopes of protecting my young men from the powerful tide of porn. Over the years I have tried just about …

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For Those Out-Side-the-Box Thinkers Who Want to Change the World

Psssst! You! The one whose every heartbeat rushes world-changing blood through your veins. The one who doesn’t just think outside the box but doesn’t even believe there is one!  You and I are a lot alike and I LOVE swirling ideas, plans, and projects around with you for the intentional and strategic purpose of reaching people for Christ. I love outside-the-box thinkers! Especially when it comes to evangelism! At The MOM Initiative, we don’t have a box either. Today, I want to share 14 ways you can think outside your own box and connect with The MOM Initiative to reach …

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Simply Messing

This is Enchanted Rock… The Rock is a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome, that rises 425 feet above ground, 1825 feet above sea level, and covers 640 acres. It is one of the largest batholiths (underground rock formation uncovered by erosion) in the United States.   When Chris and I were in college at Texas A&M, we liked to travel and camp. This was one of our favorite spots. We’d grab our tent and gear and go. I have a wonderful memory here of “simply messing.” I’ll describe what simply messing is below. But here’s the memory: Chris has gone …

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