In the last year my husband, John, and I have adopted four girls, ages 11–16, from foster care. When they first started doing weekend visits we learned a lot about them—their likes and dislikes, their hopes and their fears. How? Often something in our home would trigger a memory, and they would launch into a… [Continue Reading]
parenting tips
Teaching Teens To Be Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
As a mom of ten kids I’ve been though every stage (a few times!), and I have to say that the hardest, most confusing time for girls is the pre-teen and teen years. Between ages 12-16 girls’ bodies are changing, their emotions are charged, and on a scale from 1-10 their desire for peer approval… [Continue Reading]
5 Ways to Show Your Children Grace by Gina Smith {Plus a Giveaway!}
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…” One of the most important lessons God has taught me in my 25 years of parenting, is the importance of being a living, example of grace to my children. As God has taught me about His grace, He has impressed on me… [Continue Reading]
Meaningful Motherhood
At this moment I have children spread all over the world. My daughter is a missionary in Europe. My son, daughter-in-law, and grandkids are recent transplants to Hawaii. I have four children at home, and we’ll be adding four more through adoption in the next month. As a mom I want nothing more than to… [Continue Reading]
5 Super Simple Habits that Will Transform Your Parenting (Plus a Free Printable)
You can transform your parenting. There are tons of books and blogs that teach us how to be good parents, but it’s really very simple. Being a good parent can start by changing a few habits. Don’t believe me? Take the test. Try one of these simple habits every day throughout the next five days,… [Continue Reading]
44 Mom Blogs You Don’t Want to Miss (Plus a Giveaway!)
44 Mom Blogs You Don’t Want to Miss There is a new type of world changers these days. They are women who serve God, serve their families, and use their words to impact the world for Jesus Christ. Having been a blogger for eight years, I’ve built amazing friendships with other mommy bloggers. Below is a list… [Continue Reading]
3 Things Teens Wish Their Parents Remembered
3 Things Teens Wish Their Parents Remembered Remember what it was like to be a kid? Take a few minutes and think back. It may help your parenting in ways you never expected. One of my favorite childhood memories is from Christmas when I was 12. I don’t remember many elaborate gifts. In fact… [Continue Reading]
What Makes a Man? Dirt!
What Makes a Man? Dirt! Little boys who play in dirt grow up to be big men who play in dirt . . . and I’m thankful for that! I’m a mom of three boys and three girls. I’m also the mom of a grandson and a granddaughter. We believe in being even-Steven around here…. [Continue Reading]
Overcoming Performance-Based Love
Overcoming Performance-Based Love I have three sons ages twenty-four, twenty, and three. The thing I love about boys is they adore their mom. My approval of them matters and I forget sometimes that my disapproval hits the heart of a boy. I’ve been reminded of this after raising another young boy after having big guys… [Continue Reading]
How to Raise Boys: Hard Truth for Fluffy Moms
God must have had a sense of humor when he gave me boys. To be truthful, I’m as “fluffy” as they come. I enjoy snuggling up with a good book, bubble baths, and mochas (with extra chocolate). I’m gentle and soft-spoken, and my idea of outdoor recreation is taking my dog for a walk on… [Continue Reading]