As we neared the end of our usual bed time routine of tucking kids in, reading stories, tucking kids back in, getting drinks, and finally tucking kids back into bed again–it was time to pray. As I asked my youngest what she wanted to pray for, Tori Grace responded in her 5 year-old wisdom, “It doesn’t matter mama, you can pray for me.” Shocked, I said a simple prayer and tucked her in (fingers crossed she would stay in bed) before letting my imagination get away from me. No sane mom could have let this unexpected grenade comment go. Pictures …
Making Time For Mom Even When Life Is Busy
The New Year brings in new opportunities to start things over. Most people start thinking about starting an exercise routine, eating healthier, and maybe even reading their Bible more. There’s nothing wrong with any of these, of course, but what if this new year we, as moms, also made it a priority to start making time for us. Did you just shake your head and giggle a little? I think you did. You might be thinking, “How on earth can I stop and make time for me, don’t you know how many things there are to do right now?” You …
Having A Happy Birthday Jesus Party: In Your House And In Your Community
I love December. There’s so much to celebrate as well as so much to do, but one of the most fun things we’ve done over the years is to have a Happy Birthday Jesus Party. What, you’ve never heard of that? That’s ok. It’s actually something we started doing in our Kids Ministry at church and over the years we have expanded it from what we do on Sunday mornings at church to the homes and neighborhoods of the families we serve. I would love to take a few minutes to tell you about having a Happy Birthday Jesus Party: …
A Mother’s Song of Praise
I’ve always loved the prayer Mary prayed after she visited her cousin Elizabeth and revealed the secret that would change the world, she was carrying in her womb the Son of God, the Messiah, the one who would save us from our sins. When I read Luke 1:46-56 I imagine Mary in such a humbled state yet not able to contain her excitement and fear for her future as the mother of the promised one. I can see her dancing as she sings, kneeling as she prays and lifting her hands towards Heaven in worship. I just cannot imagine …
The Unbusy Be of Christmas
It has taken me many years, but I can honestly say that I’ve been set free from being overly stressed at Christmas. Well, as far as the busyness of Christmas is concerned anyway. Certain stresses in life go on no matter what the season. I was asked awhile back what traditions I can’t live without at Christmas and what insights I’d learned each holiday along the way. Don’t cringe like she did when I tell you that I’m not a big traditions person. It’s a long story, I’m just not. But I do enjoy dwelling on the reason for the …
Thankful to be a Mom
Lord, Today I am thankful for my life as a mom. It isn’t the life I planned. Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” You brought me a godly husband I don’t deserve. Psalm 1:1, Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked; nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.” You set aside my prayers for success & fame and gave me a houseful of children. Psalm 128:3, Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; …
Covering Your Kids in Prayer ~ Whether They’re Toddlers, Teens, or Adults
Have you seen the CapriSun commercial featuring the “overprotective mom?” As the commercial says, “If Paula Ebert had her way she would help her child … with everything…” I laugh everytime I see this commercial, because while it’s an exaggeration of motherhood, it reveals the secret truth of moms everywhere. Take a look. If you’re anything like me, you want to spare your child any semblence of pain. My oldest son, Jordan still holds the record from when he was five years old, for the most gory injury at his school. He and his buddies were playing tag on …
31 prayers that will change lives (includes printables)
The chaos, the biting comments, the bill pile and another child getting out of bed…again. When will this week end? If this statement applies to you, it’s time to take back your home and fight for you family. As women–we are the heart of the home. Each day, we have the oppterunity to create comfort, attend to needs, and make way for change and it all begins on our knees. I was feeling as crabby as my kids, until I saw a word picture on Facebook that said, “If you’re too busy to pray or read your Bible, then you …
5 B’s to a Great Day…buzzz
Have you heard the buzz? There are 5 Bees that can help you bee the mom you want to be! BEE STILL (are you kidding?) Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Psalm 4:4 Bee still! That’s a B that we often miss. We’re so busy we’re never still. And if we are, it’s when we fall into bed at night and drop off to sleep. However, every word in the Bible has a point and if we miss it, it hurts us. In this B, we’re told to be still and think …
How Are You Celebrating National Grandparents Day?
Did you even know there’s a National Grandparents Day? I’ve been a Grammie for almost fifteen years and we’ve never acknowledged this special day in our family. When I told my daughter it was on September 8th this year, she laughed. I said: No, seriously there is a Grandparents Day. Her response: You aren’t expecting a gift are you? LOL! Have you been planning a celebration for your grandparents or your children’s grandparents? Admittedly, Grandparents Day certainly doesn’t get the recognition of Mothers Day or Fathers Day, but for those of us who are grandparents, we know what a blessing it …