Sixteen years ago, I wrote a blog post during a season when my oldest child —affectionately called Bubs—was struggling with safely releasing anger and frustration. Reading it again now, I’m reminded of how much growth can happen when an adult slows down, listens, and chooses to train instead of simply telling a child to stop a behavior. Why ...
Trusting God in a New Year
Happy New Year! Do those words bring peace…or anxiety? I used to love the start of a new year. A clean calendar. A fresh planner. Excitement about what might be ahead. That changed. When the New Year Brings Anxiety While I still enjoy a brand-new Be Intentional planner, I've stepped into this new year with an anxious heart. Honestly, ...
Turning Ordinary Moments into Faith Lessons
Several years ago, I caught Peanut (5) singing a silly childhood song about trick-or-treating, smelly feet, and underpants. (Go ahead…you know the one.) While it tiptoes the line of being inappropriate, it’s a song kids have sung for generations because of its catchy tune and simple, sing-song lyrics. Peanut was clearly proud of his new ...
Who I Truly Am
A few years ago, my daughter came to me with a statement that stopped me in my tracks. Sweet Pea, who was 13 at the time, looked at me and confidently said she was a follower, not a leader. When I asked how she knew that, she shrugged and said, “Because my friends told me I am.” I remember taking a long, slow breath. Those simple words revealed ...
The Blessing of Jesus
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Beyond the food we enjoy and the special moments with family, the greatest blessing of all is Jesus. Today, I’m sharing a heartfelt poem written by a woman who deeply impacted my life. THANKSGIVING PRAYER Lord, teach us we prayto love ...
Helping a Child Understand Purpose (Even at a Young Age)
What's your purpose in life? It’s a question that feels big—definitely too big for little hearts still learning to tie shoes and hold crayons. But the answer, in some ways, is beautifully simple: we were made to glorify God. Why Purpose Matters How does knowing one's purpose help? According to Faithward.org, understanding what the Bible ...
Finding Joy When Gratitude Feels Hard
November is often called the month of gratitude, but I’ll be honest—there have been years when I didn’t feel thankful at all. Whether it was health challenges, parenting struggles, marriage stress, or financial worries, the weight of life can make November feel more annoying than inspiring. Grumpiness can sneak in so easily. When we’re tired, ...
Gratitude that Lasts Beyond November
I don’t know about you, but it’s easy for my family - and me - to slip into complaining instead of thanking. Meals, messes, overflowing laundry, busy schedules — sometimes the negative flows out so easily. Psychologists have found that children who practice gratitude are more positive, more satisfied, and experience fewer negative feelings. ...
8 Teachable Moments Hidden in Halloween Candy
Opening the pantry, I was welcomed by the delicious aroma of candy my kiddos collected at our church’s Fall Festival. While I love the yummy smells, enough candy and sugar greet me to start a small candy store. The do-not-waste-anything mentality inside of me won’t let me throw it away. But I don’t want my kids eating all of it. Heaven knows ...
Two Simple Holiday Traditions That Teach the Gospel
There are two holiday traditions I’m especially thankful we started when my children were young. I truly believe they were key in helping them understand the Gospel and Jesus’ deep love for them. Holidays are filled with excitement, decorations, and gifts—but when faith is woven into those moments, they become powerful teaching tools. These two ...