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May 1, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 12 Comments

6 Ways to Find Joy in Your Day {Printable!}

6 Ways to Find Joy in Your Day {Printable!}

As a homeschooling mom, I’ve had kids at home for 32 years. This means noisy days, busy days, and these kids-are-giving-me-a-headache days.

I’ve been homeschooling for 28 years and still have another seven years to go! Does that seem overwhelming? It would have been if I hadn’t discovered something amazing: JOY!

Over the last year, God has spoken to my heart and encouraged me to find joy in everyday living.

Joy, even though the laundry is piled high.

Joy, even though the kids are cranky.

Joy when work deadlines are pressed.

Joy when I have a headache when my feet hurt, and when I just want a nap. (Which happens often!)

But how do you find joy in your day?

Here are 6 ways … and a Scripture verse for each!

1. Thank God for each new morning.

A thankful heart goes a long way. Daily when I wake God, instead of looking at everything I have to do, I thank him for who I am and what I have.

Thank you, God, that I’m your daughter, and I have a place in your eternal home.

Thank you, God, that I’m a wife and mother.

Thank you, God, for the pile of laundry and all the clothes you’ve provided for us.

Thank you, God, for the dishes still in the sink from last night. We went to bed with full bellies.

2. Turn on worship music.

I love listening to worship music as I read my Bible and journal in the morning. I put on popular Christian songs as we homeschool. I also listen to Christian music as I write. I love using apps like Spotify or Amazon Prime Music to help me find great music. I also sing along! Singing songs of joy helps sorrows (and frustrations) to disappear!

3. Ask God to remind me what His kingdom is all about.

In life, I want to be comfortable. I want my house to be Pinterest-worthy. I want my kids to shine. But when I think about God’s kingdom, He helps me understand Kingdom Work. Opening my door to neighbors. Sharing God’s truth with young moms. Calling a friend who’s going through a hard time. Playing a board game with my kids instead of putting away the laundry. The Kingdom is about people and hearts–not tasks!

4. Seek the Holy Spirit.

When did I ever start thinking that I have to handle life alone? God has given us His Holy Spirit to fill, work through, and give us peace. Stopping to pray and ask for God’s Holy Spirit to help me makes a huge difference. The Holy Spirit gives me joy when I have none.

The Holy Spirit gives me joy when I have none. @TriciaGoyer

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5. Join the kids in praising God.

The best thing about having three little kids is that they LOVE to praise God. We have “Jesus dance parties” often. We put on kids praise song, clap our hands and dance and sing. They love it, and seeing their joy makes me more joyful.

6. Thank God for troubles.

The honest truth is that without troubles, I wouldn’t need God. If everything went smoothly in life I wouldn’t pray or praise as often. When I thank God for troubles, I remind myself that He has everything in control. As the Scriptures say, troubles are an opportunity for joy!

I hope you print and use these Scriptures in your day. I’ve found them very helpful.

Download here.

How about you? What do you do to find joy in your day? What’s your favorite Scripture about joy?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, today I pray for my friend. I pray that she may find joy in you. I pray that Your Word will draw her heart to you. I thank you for your Holy Spirit that can plant joy deep in our hearts, even when there are struggles all around.

More Resources

14 Ways to Create a Joyful Family
How to Joyfully Share a Life
3 Ways to Lose Guilt and Find Joy
Heart Happy by Tricia Goyer
When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy by John Piper
A Faith That Will Not Fail by Dan Lord

October 3, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 5 Comments

A New Family Favorite (& Giveaway!)

A New Family Favorite

We have no less than a dozen Bible story books and our kids love to read them. Bella, Casey and Alyssa were excited when the Treasury of Bible Stories arrived. And they were even more excited when I started to read.

Rhyming books are always fun. We love Dr. Suess and we love rhymes. What a joy to find a Bible Story book with fun rhymes that catch a child’s interest!

There are twenty stories in the book, and when I asked my children which we should read first my four-year-old choose Jesus’ birth and Jesus baptism. This brought up wonderful conversation and the charming illustrations captured their attention too. There are Bible references to go with each story, which is perfect for families to read together–especially for older children who are enjoying the book with younger siblings.

The stories are told in a whimsical way, which is a wonderful first introduction to the Bible for younger children. The meter changes between the stories (and sometimes within the story). It’s no Dr. Suess, but my children still enjoyed it all the same!

My kids LOVED this book. You will too. @TriciaGoyer

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I recommend Treasury of Bible Stories so much, I want to gift one of my readers a copy!

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September 29, 2014 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Don’t Miss Your Kids in All Your “God Projects”

I’m a project person. I like lists to check off and gold stars (even if they are imagined) placed on my jobs that are well done. As an author I like to type “The End”at the completion of my novels. As a Teen MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) leader, I like getting into my car after a meeting and letting out a contented sigh, knowing the speaker’s message touched a great need.

The problem is that kids don’t like to be projects. And even if I’ve created the perfect “moment”as a mom, they’ll do something crazy like cut their American Girl doll’s hair off with no warning. (Just like two of my daughters did just last night!)

As a project person, I tend to gravitate toward things I can fix or manage. If faced with cleaning out the refrigerator or coloring with my three young kids, my natural tendency is to let the fridge win. After all, the fridge looks so shiny when it’s done … and the kids’ papers? Not so much, especially when they don’t color in the lines!

Even worse is when a “God Project” is involved. You know what I’m talking about. Doing a good thing for God, like planning a Sunday school lesson or writing an inspiring blog post (ahem). Those things draw me even more than the fridge, mostly because I don’t have to deal with moldy food, but also because I’m doing something for God. Didn’t He say to go into all the world and preach the gospel?

[Read the rest of this post on MomLifeToday.com]

Prayer

God, thank you for my children and the desire I have to serve you. Please open my eyes to see the moments I am missing with my children. Allow me to let go of whatever projects I’m doing that don’t serve my family in the long-run.

I’m a project person. Problem: kids don’t like projects. @TriciaGoyer

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More Resources

Whit’s End Mealtime Devotions: 90 Faith-Building Ideas Your Kids Will Eat Up! by Chrystal Bowman and Tricia Goyer

Lead Your Family Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges & Tricia Goyer

Women Living Well by Courtney Joseph

Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God & My Soul by Jennie Allen

To celebrate launch of The Lulu Tree Boutique, I’m doing a giveaway!

Ten winners will receive a copy of my book“Life Interrupted.” One grand prize winner will receive “Life Interrupted” and a Lulu Doll! Only those in the U.S. are eligible to win. Winners will receive an email and be announced next week! a Rafflecopter giveaway

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September 22, 2014 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Family Volunteering: Tips & Tricks

Give back. Together.

You know the old saying, “It is better to give than receive.” For many families the best gifts they can give is the gift of themselves … through volunteering.

Family volunteering has been an interest to homeschooling advocates for years. Raymond and Dorothy Moore recommend an hour a day of home or community service. Can you imagine how your family (homeschooling or not) could impact the community by volunteering an hour a day? Even an hour a week would add up in the long run! Here’s how to start:

Fit the Activity to the Child

Expose your children to various volunteering opportunities then ask them, ‘What would you like to do?’ Give them resources, then empower them to do it. If your daughter has a lot of energy, or your son enjoys cooking, suggest an activity to match like mowing a neighbors lawn or making cookies for the family next door.

Work as a Team

“Through volunteer work, families spend quality time together, help others, have fun, communicate and develop family self-esteem,” says Lori Goudreau, manager of the Family Service Program. “Parents can reinforce family values, and kids can share their time and talents, and even acquire new skills.” A lot of what your kids can learn to do will take instruction time from you. All of that is time well spent together.

“Kids are more likely to stick with an avenue of service if they volunteer beside a parent or grandparent,” my friend Jan Johnson reminded me. Volunteering within the context of their family gives kids the security they need to reach out to others.

Be Prepared

When preparing for a volunteer activity it’s important to know what to expect.

Here are some questions to ask:

Where do we need to go?
When do we need to be there?
Who will we report to?
What are we expected to bring?
and … Why is our role important?

Knowing what to expect ahead of time will help children approach their tasks with confidence.

Having expectations will help children approach their tasks with confidence. @TriciaGoyer

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Give Feedback

Kids love to know when they’ve done a good job. After volunteering, talk to your child about the experience. Let her know how it makes you feel to see her acting in such a mature and giving nature. It will be just the thing that will make your child want to do it again.

Value the Lessons They Learn

I have discovered with my own kids that volunteering helped them establish their identity. When my daughter Leslie was 10-years-old, she used to baby-sit at our local crisis pregnancy center. In return, she discovered that her caring attitude and helping heart was valuable to many young moms in need. It’s a discovery that has impacted her as she’s grown into a young adult.

“Beyond citizenship, kids can learn so many other life-lessons from charity,” adds Kathy Saulitis, director of Kids Care, a national volunteer organization designed specifically for children. “They learn cooperation, tolerance, problem-solving, communication, self-awareness, confidence, respect for life and loyalty.”

And what mom doesn’t want that for her kids?

The same spirit that inspired President Kennedy to create the Peace Corps on a national level can be a very real part of the lives of you and your children. Your family can be a blessing to those in your community, and you’ll benefit as well!

Prayer

God, thank you for my family. Give us opportunities to give back to our community together. Give us a common love for the people and place nearby. Help us to value the lessons we learn as a team.

More Resources

Doing Good Together was founded in 2004 on the belief that when parents engage with their children in community service, they pass along the spirit of giving and goodness to their sons and daughters, strengthen their families, and create a new generation of volunteers, philanthropists, and kind, caring adults.

The Intentional Family: Simple Rituals to Strengthen Family Ties by Willian J. Doherty

The Busy Family’s Guide to Volunteering: Do Good, Have Fun, Make a Difference as a Family! by Jenny Friedman

Wide-Open World: How Volunteering Around the Globe Changed One Family’s Lives Forever by John Marshall

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September 9, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 9 Comments

In the World, Not of It: The Christian Bubble

When we moved to Little Rock in 2010, I knew it would be easy to slip into the Bible Belt bubble. My husband’s job was with a Christian organization (FamilyLife), so surrounding ourselves with like-minded friends would be easy. Big, beautiful churches are within a few miles of our home, and I knew we could make great friends at church, too.

But is that all life is about—to be surrounding with fellow Christians and enjoy life? Deep inside I felt it wasn’t. How could I raise my child to believe the concept of “giving to the least of these” when I wasn’t making the effort to cross town and reach out?

Bubble-Breaking Church

We started by attending an inner-city church (mosaicchurch.net). We were surrounded by people who weren’t like us in many ways. I also began a support group for teenage mothers, and my town teens helped with it. My son Nathan was our door monitor, letting the young moms in. (Because of the area, we cannot leave the church doors unlocked). My daughter Leslie volunteered to babysit every week, and my toddler daughter, Alyssa, made quick friends with the other kids. Coming from Montana (and a church where most of the people were like us), we felt we were breaking out of the bubble big time . . . but was that enough?

Bubble-Breaking Neighborhood

When we go to church or the grocery store, we see homeless people and lower-income people on a daily basis. As we built relationships within the inner city, we realized it’s not about “us helping them”—we realized we’re all the same and Jesus loves us all. Making a point to spend time in the inner city has increased our compassion as we build friendships and discover that we can find amazing people no matter where we live.

Show children they can be the hands and feet of Jesus as you give, love, and serve together. @TriciaGoyer

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But isn’t Our Job as Parents to Help Our Kids Stay Innocent?

Right now our kids at home are twenty, seven, four, and almost four-years-old, but two are out of the nest and living amazing lives. My older kids have been volunteering to help with teenage moms since they were elementary-school age. I remember when my daughter first started helping to babysit; she was only eight years old and heard all types of things come out of the mouths of the teen moms, like who was sleeping with whom, who had what disease, etc. At first I was horrified . . . my poor, innocent girl! Yet her questions about what she heard opened up amazing conversations about sexual purity, life choices, the way people are raised, economic poverty, etc.

Because of those conversations, my daughter became passionate about purity—after all she saw the consequences of sex outside of marriage. Just today I was talking via Skype to Leslie, who is on a two-month mission trip to the Czech Republic, and she told me she was asked to speak to a church youth group about sexual purity. You’ll never know how God will use your kids and how He’ll prepare them.

That being said, I have three young kids and I do my best to protect them. We do need to protect those little ears at times, especially during the ages when we can’t sit and have a long conversation about what they just heard.

But the Thought of Exposing My Kids Makes Me Nervous

Yes, anxiety comes when we expose our children to the hard things of life. As a parent, we want to protect our children. We want to keep them as innocent as we can, as long as possible. Yet we also must “go yet into the world.” (Isn’t that what Jesus commanded?) Needy, hurting people who need Christ are everywhere. The greatest example we can give our children of obeying Jesus is to show them people (who sometimes make bad choices and live hard lives) are different than us but that those people need to know about Jesus, too. It’s our job to tell them about Him!

As Christian parents, we don’t need to show our kids smut for smut’s sake. Instead, we need to point out people in need and show them that Jesus can transform anyone. Show them we can be the hands and feet of Jesus as we give, love, and serve.

Prayer

Thank you for placing me in a world that needs your love. Bring me opportunities to break out of my normal pattern of living in order to show your love to the people that need it.

More Resources

In, But Not Of: A Guide to Christian Ambition and the Desire to Influence the World by Hugh Hewitt
Blue Like Play Dough: The Shape of Motherhood in the Grip of God by Tricia Goyer
Generation NeXt Parenting: A Savvy Parent’s Guide to Getting it Right by Tricia Goyer
3 Questions About Giving Every Parent Should Ask
I’m Passionate About Teaching My Children Service to Others

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June 14, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 5 Comments

10 Ways to Ruin Your Kids Forever

There are all types of lists for parents. If you want a list to ruin your kids forever, here’s a list for you.

1. Give your kid everything he wants. Don’t deny what will truly make him happy. Overvalue money and things in his eyes.

2. Dress your child in designer clothes, no matter the cost. Show her that her outward appearance matters most of all.

3. Place your child’s needs over that of your spouse’s. If he cries, run to him immediately. If he interrupts, give him your full attention.

4. Entertain your child throughout the day. If she wants to play tea then put your plans aside. If she wants to watch her favorite movie for the 100th time then forget your idea for going for a walk and getting some sunshine.

5. Plan your menu around your child’s desires. No child should have to eat something he doesn’t like. If, by chance, you want to make something other than macaroni and cheese or peanut butter and jelly, feel free to cook your own meal, just as long as you have time to fix what your child likes.

6. Sign your child up for as many extracurricular activities as she desires, even if it means giving up your evening plans on a regular basis. Don’t worry about trying to gather around the dinner table. He can only be in the Junior Soccer League for so long and you don’t want him to miss out.

7. Don’t discipline your child when she acts up. Everyone should learn to express herself in her own way. If she demands something, then applaud her efforts. At least you know that she will not be a pushover or a doormat in this world.

8. Don’t worry when your child fights with neighbor kids or even when he is a bully. Life is not fair and someone always has to be the underdog. At least your child is learning to elbow his way to the top at a young age.

9. When your child has a disagreement with her teacher, always choose your child’s side. Don’t show up when the teacher wants to discuss your child’s problems. The teacher will want to take a course of disciplinary action and that’ll hurt your child’s feelings.

10. Don’t share your faith with your child. After all, you don’t want to offend. Give your child the option if she wants to hear Bible stories and don’t pressure her to memorize Scripture verses. She might get disheartened if she doesn’t get it right the first time and you’ll ruin her self-esteem. More than that, you don’t want her to know there’s a God who runs the universe, makes the rules, and determines eternity. The thought is too hard and your child might not understand.
More than that, she won’t be self-dependent and strive to be a good person.

Do you see your parenting shine in any of these areas?

Yes? Then congratulations! You’re on your way to succeeding at your goal of ruining you kid forever. Keep up the good work… and then just take a moment to consider what type of an adult your child will grow up to be–one that will stand out about the crowd, without a doubt!

Take a moment to consider what type of an adult your child will grow up to be… @TriciaGoyer

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Daily Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the beautiful opportunity to invest in the adults my children will one day become. As I parent them, help me see the areas I can improve. I look to You for guidance and strength.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

On sale for a limited time! Pick up a copy of Moms’ Night Out ebook for just $4.99 for Kindle, Nook, and iBook.

I have a few books on sale right now! Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

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January 3, 2014 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Exciting News from the Odyssey Adventure Club

I loved writing Whit’s End Mealtime Devotions last year for Focus on the Family and getting to know the Adventures in Odyssey folks. If you and your kids are faithful fans, here’s an amazing opportunity from the Odyssey Adventure Club!

If you start your new membership during the month of January, you’ll receive some extra charter member benefits:

Special Code for DEEPER DISCOUNTS on resources
Autographed OAC poster signed by your favorite Odyssey Adventure Club actors
Numbered Charter Member Certificate
Charter Member Bumper Sticker
Free e-book from Focus on the Family every month (must maintain an active account)

Do your kids need something #positive to do #online? @AIO_Tweets @TriciaGoyer

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Sign up today at OAClub.org!

Send in a paper airplane with your first name and state on it. We’ll fly all of the planes from a roof top on January 31, 2014 in celebration of our launching month for Odyssey Adventure Club. Find out more at whitsendblog.org/fun/!

The adventure awaits at the Odyssey Adventure Club!

Did you hear the good news? My new book Balanced is available now via Amazon and Barnes & Noble for only $2.99 (digital only)! A Christmas Gift for Rose is only $2.99 (digital), now through January 6! Get the ebook HERE! AND The Memory Jar is only $1.99 (digital), now through January 5! Get the ebook HERE!

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December 21, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 43 Comments

My Christmas Wish List | 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 9

When I was in high school, I had two friends from church who told me they got everything on their Christmas list. EVERYTHING. What did a “cool” Christmas list look like in 1986? I don’t remember their whole list, but here are a few things I remember:

a waterbed (they were cool back then)
new Jordache jeans (all the rage)
a VCR (yes, the old tape kind)
the soundtrack for Pretty in Pink (on cassette)

I also laugh at the things we thought were cool back then. Fads come and go, which makes me think of my own Christmas wish list.

How is your Christmas list different from when you were a kid? @TriciaGoyer

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During the Christmas season, it’s easy to be more focused on what we want, rather than what we have. And while it’s OK to be eager to see what gifts await you under the tree, our greatest gifts aren’t wrapped with bows.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

Want to feel really thankful? Take a moment to think about what would happen if God took these “gifts from above” away. Frightening isn’t it?

What would happen if God took these “gifts from above” away? @TriciaGoyer

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Considering this gives me a whole new outlook. It also makes me more eager to create a new type of list.

One of the things I’ve been doing lately is thinking of ten things I’m thankful for as soon as I wake up in the morning. It’s amazing what this does for the outlook of my day.

My thankfulness list doesn’t include my bed, jeans, DVD player, or iPod, although it could. Mostly I’ve been thanking God for my health, for money to pay the bills, for good friends, for a husband and children who love me, and for my salvation. These are things that mean the most—true gifts from God.

What’s on your list? I’d love to hear. There will always be little things we’d like to have, but remember to take time to thank God for the large gifts in your life you don’t want to live without.

12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 9

I’m celebrating Christmas with my favorite blog readers by giving away a different book pack each day! Today’s book pack is the Teen Girl Pack, which includes: My Life, Unscripted, Life Interrupted, and Praying for Your Future Husband. Winners will be announced on my blog on Christmas day!

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December 21, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 43 Comments

My Christmas Wish List | 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 9

a waterbed (they were cool back then)
new Jordache jeans (all the rage)
a VCR (yes, the old tape kind)
the soundtrack for Pretty in Pink (on cassette)

I remember being jealous when the day after Christmas these two girls confirmed their parents had fulfilled their wishes. I also felt a little sad for them. I mean what’s the fun of opening Christmas presents if you already know what’s inside?
I also laugh at the things we thought were cool back then. Fads come and go, which makes me think of my own Christmas wish list.

How is your Christmas list different from when you were a kid? @TriciaGoyer

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This year I have a few things on my wish list that I’d like. They include some WWII non-fiction books and a few fun bath items because soaking and reading is one of my favorite past times. My own list isn’t as large as it used to be, mostly because I’ve been practicing being more thankful—even before Thanksgiving.
During the Christmas season, it’s easy to be more focused on what we want, rather than what we have. And while it’s OK to be eager to see what gifts await you under the tree, our greatest gifts aren’t wrapped with bows.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

Want to feel really thankful? Take a moment to think about what would happen if God took these “gifts from above” away. Frightening isn’t it?

What would happen if God took these “gifts from above” away? @TriciaGoyer

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Considering this gives me a whole new outlook. It also makes me more eager to create a new type of list.
One of the things I’ve been doing lately is thinking of ten things I’m thankful for as soon as I wake up in the morning. It’s amazing what this does for the outlook of my day.
My thankfulness list doesn’t include my bed, jeans, DVD player, or iPod, although it could. Mostly I’ve been thanking God for my health, for money to pay the bills, for good friends, for a husband and children who love me, and for my salvation. These are things that mean the most—true gifts from God.
What’s on your list? I’d love to hear. There will always be little things we’d like to have, but remember to take time to thank God for the large gifts in your life you don’t want to live without.

12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 9

August 31, 2013 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Young Mom, It’s Time to Create Happy Memories

A Memory in the Making

You don’t have to be a perfect parent to have a perfectly great time. You can create happy memories without stressing out!

STOP. REWIND. Let’s try this one again, I thought, only wishing it were possible. My idea to create happy memories that day wasn’t turning out as planned. The fun cookie-bake I had imagined was ending with dough-covered children and a goo-smeared dining room carpet. “Just go clean up, and I’ll finish the rest,” I told the kids, frustrated with the mess.

“But . . .” the chorus of three responded. “This is fun!”

Fun? Bickering over cookie cutters and dough territory is fun?

My mind flashed to a haloed image of happy children singing Scripture songs as they cut and sprinkled cookies. My kids weren’t following my ideal, but a memory was in the making all the same. I was left with only one alternative: making the most of the sticky situation. I had to lick the dough off my fingers and put my best (flour-sprinkled) foot forward. Here are five strategies that worked for me to create happy memories:

Check Your Attitude

Though usually not a parent’s first response to a family fiasco, gratitude is essential. Once I stopped long enough to find something good about my situation, I didn’t feel quite as sorry for myself. After all, I was spending time with my kids. And they did look kind of cute covered in cookie dough.

We can show our children we are thankful for the opportunity to be with them—even if things aren’t going according to plan. Brainstorm with your children and discover ways to make the event more enjoyable for everyone.

After talking with my kids, we decided we just needed to get organized. The children divided the remaining cookie dough into three sections then took turns rolling and cutting out the cookies. They each had one-on-one time with me (which made them happy), and the dining room survived intact (which made me happy).

Create the Atmosphere

When gauging the atmosphere of your time together, look at it through your children’s eyes. Ask yourself, “Is this the memory I want to give them?” If it isn’t, change it.

I decided I wanted to be remembered as a fun mom, not a grouch. Since the kids were already having fun, I was the one in need of an attitude adjustment. Amazingly, the atmosphere immediately took a turn for the better after that.

Bend Over Backwards

I’ve heard it said, “Rigid people are brittle and break easily.” It’s a catchy phrase, but being flexible takes a lot more bending than most parents, including me, enjoy. The first exercise in flexibility is turning that frown into a smile, or better yet, turning that sigh into laughter. In his classic book, Hugs for Moms, John William Smith says, “Who can remedy a deplorable situation? What weaponry will you use to stop this rushing wall of tension that threatens all of mankind? Laughter. You find the humor in the moment, and you laugh.”

The second exercise in flexibility is stepping out of your comfort zone. I often have to remind myself that life doesn’t fall apart if things don’t turn out the way we’ve planned. By throwing away the agenda, parents are free to go with the flow and even follow their children’s lead. As a result, I’ve discovered even odd-shaped cookies taste great.

Adapt Your Expectations

Sometimes the only problem with memory-making is the parent’s expectations. Make sure your expectations are realistic and then focus on what your children are doing right. I found rolling up my sleeves and getting busy offering help and encouragement was exactly what was needed. My hands were covered with dough, but the situation was much less sticky from then on.

My unfulfilled expectations weren’t nearly as disheartening when I took time to focus on my children’s delight. No amount of perfectly baked cookies could ever replace that.

Shape Future Smiles

Author Kathy Peels once said, “Memories. We talk about them as though we have a choice of whether or not to make them. We act as if circumstances of life are like disappearing ink—only there for a moment. We forget our children’s minds are like computer disks—constantly recording information. Who’s to know which memories will be erased and which will be indelibly etched in their minds?”

Our days are filled with events that will be forever remembered. The question is, will they also be forever cherished? I hope to look back someday at all the family flops with a smile or even a laugh—recalling those moments when fiascoes were turned into fun memories. I wonder what type of memories will cling to my children? Hopefully, one memory will be of their mother’s dough-covered, flour-splattered smile.

Remember When . . .

To get an idea of what things mean the most to your children, think about some of your own favorite memories.

1. What was your favorite pastime as a child?

2. Think about one special memory about each of your siblings.

3. What was your favorite meal?

4. What were some of the most memorable books you read?

5. Think of one particularly memorable event.

6. What scent or sound immediately takes you back to childhood?

7. What meaningful advice did you receive from an adult?

8. Think about someone who influenced your life profoundly.

9. Think about your proudest moment.

Now share these memories with your child. Then ask him to do the same. Your memory exchange will be unforgettable and you will realize that you did create happy memories!

August 6, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 5 Comments

Love Your Work, Love Your Kids

As I wrote this, I was heading to Idaho to hang out with ten other novelists for three days to plot and pray. I was looking forward to three full days to connect with friends. And (I will admit) three full days without having to change diapers, do time-outs, or pick up piles of toys.

I love being a mom of six—don’t get me wrong—but it’s exhausting work! There are days when I wish I had the house to myself to sleep in, take a long bath, read, and write. Of course, then I think . . . what would I have to write about???

Kids have changed me. They’ve shown me my truest self. They make my work matter. http://us148.siteground.us/~triciag6/love-kids-more/

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Kids have changed me. They’ve shown me my truest self, for both the positive and the negative. They make my work matter. They’ve deepened me. They’ve shown me how to love deeper and give more.

I’ve also learned how to be patient, watch my tongue, and not become overwhelmed by emotions on days I just want to hide away with a half-gallon of ice cream and have a good cry.

They’re a lot of work, but now that my oldest is twenty-four, I realize how quickly the time goes.

“How do I set my priorities when all things seem equally important and/or urgent? While our children were living at home, their needs came first,” says author Elizabeth Lowell. “After all, they didn’t ask to be born. We asked for them. For me, that meant writing part-time around the kids’ schedules.”

While our children were living at home, their needs came first. Elizabeth Lowell http://us148.siteground.us/~triciag6/love-kids-more/

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Your priority may not be writing, but I’m sure there are those things in you life that make you think, “I wish I could have more time to do this, that, and the other thing. “

Hopefully, I’ll be writing for the next forty years. And over that time period you’ll have time for some of your work and interests, too.

So enjoy that important time you spend doing the work you love . . . but enjoy your kids more.

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