Joanne Kraft Archives - The Mom Initiative

The Best Most Amazing Fantastic Potpourri EVER. Amen.

Fall is here. Thank you, Jesus! There’s about three things I do very well, and the fall season is one of them. Maybe it’s because I’m a food-pusher and this time of year means baked goods and hot drinks are on the horizon. Or, it could be that cozy sweaters and crackling fires call my name because autumn is my color wheel. Whether you’re a fall-loving-girl like me or enjoy one of those lesser seasons…this is the time of year most of us run out to purchase hundreds of dollars worth of candles. While I love a yummy smelling …

Our Back to School Bible Verse

Back to school time is here. Like Every Home, USA the first day of school is hectic, exciting, and often a little emotional. I admit I started to cry when Grace and Samuel drove away in our Chevy Suburban. It was the first time Paul and I didn’t escort them ourselves. Having teenagers makes their mode of transportation different, but it doesn’t change a mother’s heart. I want them to succeed. How do I make that happen? God’s word is always the best way to start. When my four were much younger, I’d make a point every morning to say …

Two Questions I Daily Ask My Husband

So often, I voice my opinions and air every single solitary thought in my head—out loud. It reminded me of those two questions I try to ask Paul daily. Two simple things I believe will RADICALLY change your marriage. Heading up to his office, I brought him a steaming cup of tea and threw my arms around his neck. “What can I do for you today?” (Question One) “Nothing. I’m fine.” He smiled. Sacrificial Love When was the last time you asked your husband what you could do for him? I mean seriously asked him if there’s anything you …

The Million Dollar Question

If you’re a parent, it’s only a matter of time before you ask your husband or your girlfriend, or your mailman the million dollar question: Why do our kids fight so much? Why? This million dollar question often rears its ugly head after visiting a friend whose children love each other so much they finish each other’s sentences. Her children seem so happy together, like Prozac-happy and you just don’t get it. You begin to ask yourself, Why does (Insert friend’s name here.) kids like each other? Why do her children share toys and talk to each other sweetly …

WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

While flipping through the TV channels before leaving for church. I was sad to hear a pastor of a very large church begin his teaching about the gospel of Matthew, the very beginning of the New Testament. He told his congregation, “The first chapter of Matthew is pretty boring, all of those begots and all…Abraham begot Isaac, and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers, And Judah begot Pharez and Zarah of Tamar, and Pharez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Aram…” He went on to say, “If you can hang in there long enough you will get …

Married Mom Meet Single Mom

When was the last time you encouraged a mom whose family dynamics looked a little different? According to a recent article in the New York Times, “41 percent of births in the United States occur outside marriage, up sharply from 17 percent three decades ago.” Research further suggests, these moms experience higher rates of poverty and depression. That’s a staggering number of women with children, minus a husband, out there trying to make it on their own. Single moms impress me. They work twice as hard with half the kudos. It’s tough to be two parents rolled in one. Sadly, …

Are You an Encourager?

And a voice from Heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 My husband is an attorney. From time to time, I tag along with him when he has to be in court. This week he was appointed to represent a mother who was trying to regain custody of her teenage son. After some poor parenting decisions by his mother, this child was now in the care of foster parents. His name was Maverick. Maverick sat down outside of the court room, dressed all in black. His body language screamed, “Leave …

Kids & Chores – No Reason to Be Tired

Is your house a mess? Would you be mortified if a friend stopped by without calling first? Are your children at an age where they can go to the potty by themselves? Have they figured out how to use the TV remote DVD player, or your home computer? Then, there’s no reason your little darlings can’t help you around the house. Martha Stewart would not be impressed with my shower, nor would she praise me for my windows –still, my home is in good enough shape for company. I learned early on as a mom of four children, I had four …

Remind Your Kids Who They Are

Youth group summer camp begins tomorrow morning. Grace and Samuel’s bags are packed and sitting by the front door. They are so excited they can barely stand it. We have a family tradition whenever we say our goodbyes. Whether they’re going on a play date or staying overnight at their Papa and Nana’s house- after reminding them to behave, we whisper to them, “Remember who you are and Whose you are.” When you give your heart and life to God, you are on of His children. With that comes not only a new life but an abundance of promises He has made to …

Do You Laugh With Your Kids?

Samuel, my ten-year-old, came into the kitchen and held out his hand. “Look Mom, I’m double-jointed!” He went on to make motions and wave his fingers around my face in comical ways. I tried hard to keep a straight face, while visions of Spock and Captain Kirk danced in my head. “So, what exactly does that mean, son?” Looking up at me, he stared straight in my eyes and said in all seriousness. “It means that no one can ever break my fingers.” After he left the kitchen, I busted a gut. Now, there’s a difference between laughing at your …