When Your Daughter Thinks You’ve Moved to Mars

At one time we lived on planet earth, according to my eleven-year-old daughter, Ainsleigh. Then I got married in June of 2014, and she said that we had moved to Mars. On earth, Ainsleigh could mostly eat what she wanted, stay up as late as she wanted and pretty much do what she wanted…all of the time. For the first ten years of Ainsleigh’s life, I was a single mother who worked full time as a high school English teacher. And what they say about teachers is true. We are way under paid and always over-worked. So, Ainsleigh got to …

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Four Tips to Teach Kids Good Stewardship

My kids own enough toys to fill a Costco aisle. Their clothes closet…jam packed. Take a quick look around our house and you might think we’re one of those excessive American families with no sense of money’s value. But come a little closer. You’ll discover most of the clothes my children own were handed down from their cousins—or bought on super clearance because Momma loves a bargain. And those toys? Gifts, mostly, or else acquired through our semi-annual Christmas and birthday splurge. We appreciate our material things. But we know they’re not everything. I want to teach my kids to …

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The 3R’s of Making Memories as a Family

When you reach the place where your littles are bigs, you’re grateful for every memory. The good and the bad become part of your cherished family lore. Your one-of-a-kind memories are added to the story you share with generations who passed on your nose, eyebrows, height, and bunions. Bless their hearts. Now that my kiddos are grown up, I realize we were adding stories to our shared history without even knowing it. Making Memories as a family is easier than you might think. Whatever stage you’re in as a mom, being intentional about memory making will enrich the lives of …

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6 Reasons Being a Grandmother is Better Than Being a Mom

I am a mother of three and grandmother of four. In fact, my second daughter gave birth to baby Josiah just two weeks ago. I’ve had the awesome blessing of being here with my daughter and her family for the last 14 days, hip deep in both mothering and “grandmothering!” Which is better? Being a mother or a #grandmother? Click To Tweet Since I’ve had plenty of experience with both roles, I’ve been doing some comparison recently. Which is better, being a mother or a grandmother? I’ve decided that although being a mom is awesome, being a grandmother is even …

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Do You Know God’s Purpose for You as a Grandparent? by Lillian Penner

 Just as David was chosen for his generation God has positioned us, as grandparents for our generation with our personality and gifts for our families. We read in Acts 16:36 “ David served God’s purpose in his generation.” According to Deuteronomy 4:9, God’s purpose for us, as grandparents is to teach God’s commands to our children and our children’s children. If Timothy’s grandmother Lois had not been faithful in passing on her faith to her daughter Eunice and grandson Timothy, we would not have the books, I and II Timothy in the Bible today. This is a good generational example …

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Through Deep Waters and Shallows

Fair warning, dear moms: Any story that begins, “So the guy at the bait shop said…” is going to be a doozy. Here goes… So the guy at the bait shop said that if we started out kayaking at the mouth of the river, it would be only 4 miles to the next docking station/place where my husband and two other children could go fishing and meet us. My cell phone was dead, but no biggie. It’s only 4 miles. What could go wrong? My teenage daughter and I set off on our merry way, drinking in the sights and …

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The Example of a Nursing Mother

1 Thessalonians 2:7 “But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.” There are not many experiences that are sweeter than cradling a tiny baby in your arms and nursing her. This was one of my precious joys of motherhood, and a memory I will always keep. The bond that forms between mother and child while nursing every few hours throughout the day and late night becomes so strong you believe you would do anything to provide for and protect that child. Though not every mother has this opportunity of being …

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Reunions

Hello Moms! Happy 4th of July! Here’s a short tidbit of truth to ponder this Independence Day. Weddings, picnics, class or family reunions abound during the months of June, July and August. EARTHLY REUNION The word “reunion” is defined as a gathering of relatives, friends or associates at regular intervals or after separation. It can be a time of fun, help us reflect on our past (heritage) and a time appreciating our family ties. A reunion is something to “look forward” to! Visiting with people we haven’t seen in a while, reconnecting and sharing moments in time. It can also …

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An Invitation to Join Us…Can’t Wait to See You There!

Hi all! Stephanie here and I thought you’d like to know how often each of your are on the hearts of the MOM Team, here at The MOM Initiative. You’re the object of our prayers and we would LOVE to put faces to those prayers!  You’re the object of our prayers and we would LOVE to put faces to those prayers! Click To Tweet That’s why I wanted to be sure to invite you to join the speaking team as we are speaking at conferences and retreats across the country. We want to put faces to our prayers. We want …

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