Walking by the table where my nativity was displayed, I paused. My grandson, Logan, was quietly playing with the wise men, camels, sheep, and donkey; as I had told him he could. He had moved the hay from the “barn” and back into the “barn” with his green John Deere tractor several times. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that at first. The mess and all. But then I realized…what else would a three year old think you were supposed to do with hay. However, then I noticed baby Jesus wasn’t in His manger. Before I could say, “Where is …
Mommy Meltdown Prevention
When was the last time you threw something in anger? How about a bloody foreskin? Yes, that’s right. While writing The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World, Moses’ wife, Zipporah jumped off the pages of the Bible as the poster mom for my chapter on “Angry and Confused or Of a Sound Mind.” WHAT drove this otherwise apparently sane woman to grab a knife, circumcise her son, and throw the foreskin at Moses? Well, it helps if you read the whole story. You can find it in Exodus 4. Bottom line, she apparently wasn’t on board with …
5 B’s for Being the “Bad Guy” Moms Sometimes Need to Be
A few weeks ago I posted 5 B’s to a Better Day. Today? 5 B’s for the “Being the Bad Guy” moms need to BE! BE the ONE TO SAY “NO” to UNWHOLESOME TV I remember well when at a gathering, all the kids were going to watch a movie. However, when my husband and I found out the movie that had been turned on, we told our kids, NO. Their same aged friends stayed “tuned in.” We were the “bad guys.” Some adults thought we were silly. We’ve never been sorry for being the “bad guy” and saying NO to …
The Danger of Not Seeing the Cucumber for the Leaves
Gently lifting the green leaves, I searched among the vines for a cucumber. Again I was disappointed. My gardening attempts had begun in the spring after enjoying a salad from my sister-in-law’s garden. I had known Loes gardened, but the idea of weeding and watering weren’t my thing. That is, until I ate from her garden and my attitude changed. The Secret Gardener The following day, I decided to try gardening. I didn’t tell Keith. I didn’t tell Loes. I quietly went to the nursery and checked out the plants. Who knew there were so many varieties of tomatoes …
3 Smart Moves to Start Your Day
Smart Move 1: Get on Your Knees with Your Bible Open Before You. Not only will this smart move keep you limber, it will also open your mind to an outside help and source: God. Bow before Him. Acknowledge to your Heavenly Father, “I love You and want to live for You today.” Pray, “Fill me with Your Spirit and mind.” Place your little one on the floor beside you. It will teach them the smart move of starting their day in prayer before God. Smart Move 2: Turn on Christian Music. You’re making a wise choice when you …
KIDZ TIME
Lord, what is the greatest gift I can give my children? I prayed that prayer 27 years ago. GOD ANSWERED MY PRAYER FOR MY CHILDREN. How did God reply to my prayer? He softly spoke to my heart, “The discipline to run to ME first thing every morning. That way I can always take care of them.” As I continued praying, I asked, “Lord, how can I get my 3 and 5 year old want to read their …
What Are You Shaping with Your Lips?
Lips. Mouth. Tongue. Have you ever considered the power of your lips, mouth, and tongue? The Bible addresses all three and tells us to use them wisely. Why is it important for moms to consider what our lips, tongue, and mouth are doing? The words we shape with our lips often shape our lives and our children’s lives. *Shape, “Maybe we never should have gotten married,” and the shape of your life may be vastly different from what you intended. *Shape with your lips, “I need You, LORD,” and you’ll find heavenly help on the way. Yes, what we shape …
You Might Have a Strong Willed Child IF…
Do you have a strong willed child? When I was writing, The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World, I asked moms to share some of their experiences with their “strong willed” children. Can you “feel their pain”? You Might Have A Strong Willed Child IF: It’s not your child but you who’s crying when your husband comes home from work. You threaten to throw away all his toys, and he tells you he doesn’t want them anyway. Your child insists on having the last word, even after being warned not to say another word. She weighs the consequences …
You’re a Good Mom
You’re a good mom. You need to hear those words. So many times we play discouraging tapes in our heads such as: “I’ve messed up so bad.” “Why can’t I be as “together” as other moms?” “I’m a horrible mother.” “I should have taken my child to the doctor sooner.” “I should have had a teacher conference sooner.” “I should have noticed my child was behind.” “I should have….” The self condemnation can seem endless. But do yourself a favor today. Sit back. Take a load off. Look at what you are doing RIGHT! Did you wake up and greet …
Preparing Your Child’s Heart for Christmas
by Debbie Taylor Williams I will never forget when I was a child and my Sunday School teacher challenged my class to memorize the Christmas story found in Luke 2:1-14. What seemed a daunting task became manageable as my mother helped me memorize one small section at a time. “And it came to pass” “in those days” “there went …