In the choice to homeschool, I chose a challenge that still makes me ask myself, What was I thinking? at least once a week. There are days I’d rather climb into bed with a coffee and a good book than figure out another lesson plan. There are even days I’d rather scrub the toilets or… [Continue Reading]
parenting
Motherhood has stretched me …
…and I’m not just talking about the marks that my polka-dot bathing suit fails to hide. (With each child’s birth my hips and thighs expanded along with my heart!) Although my physical body has changed since I’ve had children, my mental, emotional, and spiritual shape has been transformed even more. I think like a mom,… [Continue Reading]
What I Am Not
Becoming a mother is a complicated thing. Not only am I trying to negotiate a relationship with my child, I am trying to negotiate a relationship with myself as I attempt to determine how I mother, how I feel about mothering, how I want to mother and how I wish I was mothered. ~ Andrea… [Continue Reading]
Helpful Hearts
Nurturing Helpful Hearts in your children (from toddlers to teens)! 1. Read a story about people who have helped each other (try Mark 2:1-5). Point out to your kids how kind and loving behavior is appreciated. 2. Make one evening a week “Share-the-Load Night.” Tackle household projects together like washing the dishes, stacking wood or… [Continue Reading]
Love In Action (part 2)
Grab the Moment! (read part 1 here!) Don’t limit your service to home. Take your caring attitude wherever you go. Hold the door open for strangers, offer your seat on a crowded bus or help the church nursery teacher clean her room. Whenever possible, encourage your children to do these things as well. Point out… [Continue Reading]
Love In Action (part 1)
Show your children that even the smallest acts of kindness count! The chiming clock announced it was time to leave for church, and I was far from ready. Seeing my crazed preparations, my husband offered to iron my clothes for me. Our 3-year-old daughter, the connoisseur of conversation, approached him. “Are you ironing your shirt,… [Continue Reading]
Blue Like Play Dough on Break Point!
Yeah! Break Point (the worldview ministry of Prison Fellowship Ministries founded by Chuck Colson!) Featured Blue Like Play Dough! The Shape of Motherhood in the Grip of God By Tricia Goyer|Published Date: September 09, 2009 I never thought I could meet God here. In my home. In my mess. In the midst of my ordinary… [Continue Reading]
Who is the Spiritual leader?
I was checking my email this morning when I came across an interesting email from George Barna (www.barna.org). Here is a short excerpt:May 7, 2007(Ventura, CA) – Mothers inhabit many roles inside and outside the family. Within the household, they are often counted on to be the emotional compass, organizer, and multitasking manager of the… [Continue Reading]
Shaped Up: Inward Molding, Outward Joy part 2
Catch part 1 here. Relinquishment. It’s a word that wasn’t in my vocabulary before God started speaking to my heart. Up to this point in my life two things had happened. 1. During my teen years I had given myself over to fun and guys and partying and … sin. And that had led to… [Continue Reading]
Shaped Up: Inward Molding, Outward Joy part 1
In His hands … where it all starts There was a time in my life I was busy about many things. As a young wife and mom I wanted to get things right. I wanted to be right. I worked hard (very hard) to keep the house in tip-top shape. I did all the things… [Continue Reading]
How Much is Too Much?
Psalm 139:13-16 (The Message) Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God-you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration-what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body. You know exactly… [Continue Reading]