For something to take root and have influence, you have to surrender to it and permit it to take authority. I have to remind myself of this often because I love to shift blame and pretend I have no choice — I’m helpless to the power of something. Sounds stupid, right? I’m starting to realize that this […]
Over the years, my husband and I have established a few traditions with our family. Some were cultivated from our favorite childhood traditions and some have been established through new routines with our children. Things like opening one gift on Christmas Eve, Friday night family nights with games, movies, popcorn, and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies […]
He who kneels before God can stand before anyone. If you haven’t read the book of Esther, I encourage you to do so. First, because it’s in the Bible and reading the Bible is highly encouraged. Second, because there are some cool twists that come into play that make this story super interesting. I don’t […]
The number of children entering foster care each year is astounding. “On any given day, there are nearly 438,000 children in foster care in the United States.” (childrensrights). In the small state of WV alone (my state), there are 6,600 children in foster care as of August 2018 (WVKVC). And, as much as each child […]
As a mom and former children’s ministry director, I know the joy of seeing kids excited about Jesus. I’ve also been at it long enough to know the heartbreak of seeing former students walk away entirely as they got older. Mark Batterson, a mega church pastor in DC, said this in his book, All In, […]
The most difficult and frustrating parenting task for my husband and I was figuring out the best way to discipline. Well, it wasn’t until child number two that we had questions. Child one was low key and compliant. All we had to do was talk to him and all was right with the world. Child […]
I love rocks. Always have. When I was eightish, a neighbor friend and I gathered a bunch of rocks, painted them, and sold them door to door for a quarter. We did surprisingly well. Well enough to buy some candy from Pauley’s Grocery Store. Definitely a better outcome than when I would bring my earthen beauties […]
