A few years ago I journeyed through Beth Moore's James: Mercy Triumphs study. So full and convicting as it shined light on areas of sin in my life which I had tried to ignore or hide. While focusing on the commandment "love your neighbor as yourself," Beth pulled in Matthew 5:19 which states, "Anyone who breaks one of the ...
Parenting
Let Your Children Be Disappointed
When I was young I remember a few kiddos crying after getting out in kickball or missing a question on a test. They were upset with themselves. But over the last few months, I see a trend of crying that concerns me much more than a child who fails to meet his or her own expectations. Let me explain. Twice a month I have the ...
Decisions. Are you Making the Right Ones?
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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
Help! My Child is Gifted
Periodically on the ABCJLM Facebook Group, a mom will comment that her child is gifted. Her 18-month-old knows his ABC's. Another will share that her 3-year-old is reading or her son is advanced and needs a harder curriculum or he will get bored. It is very exciting to be raising a child who excels in a specific area. Friends are amazed and ...
We Need Answers
Five years ago we were in the middle of a valley. Bubs (8) was failing the 2nd Grade, Little Man (4) was in a defiant rut, and ABCJLM was demanding focused attention. I felt alone, exhausted, and helpless. See if you can relate to this post I shared in 2013. I just finished writing a long note to Bubs' speech therapist. We are between a ...