Laughter Heals Things

Her smile. I did it to see her smile and it worked. We laughed together and ran – inside the house. And the broken parts mended a bit. Sometimes life raising kids feels heavy. It is a huge responsibility. I am so serious about the principles I want them to learn and the tasks they need to accomplish that I can forget something important. Laughter and joy are just as important to teach as a good work ethic. Let me say that again. Kids need to learn the art of enjoying life, of laughing, of the joy of the Lord …

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A Conference for Moms, Mentors, & Ministry Leaders & 5 Days to Register for $20 off the Price

We are excited to kick off the BETTER TOGETHER Conference registration by offering a SPECIAL GROUP RATE for the next 5 days! All you have to do is get together 5 girlfriends or more and register within the next 5 days and you will receive the special group rate of ONLY $29! We have been covering this conference in prayer since March and YOU have been the object of our prayers! BETTER TOGETHER is a conference for women of ALL ages and in ALL seasons! It’s a conference for you…and for those you minister to! Being a mama isn’t easy and kids don’t come …

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When Mom Has Breast Cancer

Shocking statistic: 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer. So chances are you either know, or are, a mom with breast cancer. I am a three-time survivor, a mom, and a grandma, and I know how a diagnosis of any kind of illness impacts the entire family. Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to focus on how we can help the moms we know with breast cancer, and to those of you who are those moms, how to graciously receive the help you so desperately need. Don’t Just Offer to Help—Do Something Tangible Most of …

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5 Things One Teacher Hopes Your Child Will Learn This Year

My first quarter grades are due on Wednesday. It’s hard to believe that the school year is already 25% over! As I grade final tests and essays, I’m evaluating how well my students are mastering the reading and writing skills we’ve been practicing in class. But I’m also hoping that they’re learning some less tangible — but far more important — life skills. 1. I hope they learn the value of “down time.” Four years ago, when I asked my seniors how much “quiet time” they have each day — no noise, no motion — they unanimously said, “None!” Life …

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Spray Paint, Vandals and Mercy, oh My!

The reigning champ of getting my two year old daughter to stay down for her nap, I was savoring the taste of sweet victory as I plunked myself down on my comfy leather couch. I inhaled a deep sigh of relief, ready to enjoy a much anticipated respite. My sigh of relief; however, was quickly interrupted by an eerie silence that seemed to suddenly settle into our home. Careful to not wake up my daughter, I quietly called out to my boys.  Jordan? Jake? There was no answer.   I made my way through the house, checking every room and their known …

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Things our kids should (and shouldn’t) hear us say…

Words are powerful.   Especially our words as moms. They can lift our kids up, or they can tear them down. They can give them the courage to make mistakes (or admit mistakes), or they can fill them with fear and uncertainty. They can help our kids believe in themselves, or they can cause them to doubt the very person they were created to be. I’m sure we all remember things our own mom said to us when we were younger that encouraged us in some way and made a big difference. Or things that still sting when we recall them. And I’m sure we’ve all said something to our own …

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Just Try to Push Me Away by Lynn Cowell

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.“ Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) When our children were little, our discipline had a pattern. When they disobeyed, we disciplined them correct the behavior. Then when the punishment was over, we would take them in our arms, reassure them we loved them and life would get back to normal. But what happens as they get older? Sometimes even stronger or bigger than us? We stop. We still discipline. But those moments of loving kindness after the discipline …

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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, …

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What Will You Be Known For

A great friend of mine  posted an Instagram picture with the quote,  “At Mom’s, I found a stack of soft flannel for sewing baby blankets. One of the many gifts she was known for. #missmom”   I started thinking about my own Momma and her living legacy and what she’s known for.   She is such a giver; creatively with her specialty of crocheted blankets, and with her words of encouraging in her special way.   She is a minister of the Word and imparts wisdom to those that will hear.   I’m so blessed to call her my Momma and …

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How to Start an Advice Sharing, But Not Preaching, Conversation

There is a painful reoccurring story; you’ve probably heard it too. Good girl falls for bad guy. I can’t tell you how many times I have received prayer requests from moms, broken-hearted over their daughter’s new boyfriend. The type of guy she had always taught her girl not to go for. And her daughter agreed…for a long time; or at least it seemed like a long time to the girl. Then the waiting for the godly type of guy got too long…and she went for what was going for her. With two daughters now 18 and 16, not to mention a son who is …

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