I wrote this blog post in February 2009. One of the first thoughts when my head hits the pillow is "Did I handle the day's parenting challenges wisely?". Did I discipline the best way? Did I give grace or mercy at the right time? Did I use each teachable moment that occurred? Friends joined us today for a playdate. ...
Mommyhood
Managing the Home is Overwhelming Me! What Do I Do?
I received this sweet note from a mommy of young kiddos. How do you find the time between laundry, dishes, cooking, and surviving to accomplish everything? I feel overwhelmed at the idea of being organized enough to accomplish it all. Any suggestions on how you make it work? As moms we all get overwhelmed with all the ...
Is First-Time Obedience Important?
It was hot. She was tired from playing hard on the swing set and I understood why she wanted a drink. But her mom was calling her name and instead of stopping, Sarah kept walking toward the refreshing water. Call #1 - "Sarah." Call #2 - "Sarah."Sarah was on a mission and nothing was going to come between her and the ...
From Need to Ministry {giveaway}
Eleven years ago our family had a need. To my great surprise, God took this need and turned it into a world-wide ministry. But I realize that many of you don't know the background of this "need" or the many levels of support our ministry provides. Today I share in hopes that you will utilize all that we offer and join us in praying for the ...
Stop the Lying!
A reader asked... Any good ideas for dealing with lying? That's a tough one. Lying is a common issue with most preschoolers. Some even believe it is an important part of their development. Here are several reasons why preschoolers lie according to this source at BabyCenter: • Forgetfulness. • Wishful thinking. • An active ...
When God is Teaching You To Trust Him
Life is throwing me some mean curve balls. Despite my attempt to control all that happens around me with hard work, research, and wise counsel, everything I touch is crumbling like sand between my fingers. It is humbling, confusing, and defeating. I am at a loss and don't know what to do. Twice a month I have the opportunity to teach ...
The Parenting Lie: Are You Believing It? {Giveaway}
I went to bed with a heavy heart. Sleep didn't ease the burden. My heart hurts because society has fed us a big lie which we are biting, chewing, and swallowing. Friends…if your child over the age of 2 is hitting, yelling, disrespectful, demanding, and disobedient it is NOT okay. This is NOT age-appropriate. You deserve better. Your ...
The Perfect Amount of Time to Spend with Your Child Each Day
How much quality time should I spend with my kids each day? I remember asking this question to a more experienced mom. Being a high school math teacher, she immediately gave me a mathematical formula. She explained, "Take the child's age and divide it by the number of children that you have. Add to that the ...
Let It Go…
My friend Cyndi shared this quote from Louie Giglio on Facebook. Every day we hold on to something with a clenched fist is a day we miss the possibility of God putting something amazing in our hands. When you let go, you don't lose out. I've tried to control everything from my marriage, my children, to each speck of dirt in my home. Desperate to ...
Do You Ever Wake Up Cranky?
A while back I woke up cranky. Bite-your-head-off cranky. Looking for a fight, I was mad at the world. And for no reason. I slept well. No one did anything to tick me off. I. Just. Woke. Up. Cranky. Please tell me that I am not alone in this.... Knowing exactly where I needed to go to turn this around, I was led to Zephaniah ...