My budget shows red, and my energy is overdrawn. As the spring recedes and gives way to summer, I feel like I’m running low on all of my resources.
This passage from the gospel of Mark reminded me of a woman who gave out of her poverty not abundance, and I wonder if it might have a word for us as we seek to keep giving despite our lack.
Read MoreOur calendar consistently needs more margin, especially this time of year. As spring activities and school events dominate, it’s easy to feel like a participant in a mad dash toward the finish line.
Solitude? Quiet? Prayer? We know we need them, but finding space for them remains pretty challenging. Yet it matters not only for the health of our souls but also for the health of our families. So, here are three ways for busy moms to consistently flourish in their faith, creating space for the seemingly impossible yet spiritually essential.
Read MoreThere were seasons when those feelings dominated my days, and regardless of what else was going on, I felt constrained, restricted, stuck.
This reminder about God is a profound truth that I needed to meditate on back then and quite honestly, today as well.
Read MoreIf you’ve ever wondered: Why here, Lord? Why not there? Why now? I get it.
Whether through your geography, relationships, or resources, allow these reminders to help you identify the blessings of boundaries God has placed in your life for this season.
Read MoreRather than clear goals that lead to my striving, I’m praying this year is marked by abiding. So, how do we navigate the tension between work and rest? When does our work shift into unhealthy patterns of trying to control the outcome?
Read MoreAt the end of every year, expectations run high as to what the new year holds. We want to work out more, eat less, and finally focus on that dream we keep putting off. Before we know it, the calendar fills with plans and expectations, yet sometimes, we don’t stop to ask God what He desires for us. So, as we approach the new year, let us position our hearts with these five prayers, seek to hold plans loosely, and create space for God to move.
Read MoreReady or not, another year is upon us. The usual goals for health and wellness occupy our thoughts, yet we may neglect the foundational areas of our time and money. That’s why we created this guide to help you put first things first. Read and grab your free New Year’s guide now.
Read MoreIf you’re looking at the holidays ahead and wondering where the time and energy is to put into fun memories with your family, I got you. This time of year is full of year end activities and anticipation, but as moms it can be challenging to keep the fun.
So, let me help with this FREE download.
Read MoreAfter reading The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, I knew it was the perfect time to visit our local Holocaust Museum. I attempted to prepare my eighth grade students for the breadth and depth of tragedy they would encounter. In hindsight, I’m not sure that’s possible.
However, what I didn’t expect was how much a simple story of potato soup would teach me about gratitude.
Read MoreThe parenting journey parallels the popular children’s book We’re Going On a Bear Hunt. Some seasons find us slowly trudging through thick mud, stuck in weight and worry, while others swish past in the blink of an eye. No matter what—we can’t go over it, we can’t go under it, we must find the courage to go through it. So, how can we maintain an eternal perspective along the way? Read the full featured article at www.familychristian.com and download your family mission statement here.
Read MoreWhether a new month, a new school year, or a new opportunity—there are always “what if’s” circling through my mind.
Here are three prayers ushering my heart into the unknown, as new opportunities present themselves this coming month. Perhaps they are helpful to settle your anxious thoughts as well and draw your eyes upward toward your loving Father.
Read MoreDespite the uncertainty, be encouraged that some plans can be made independent of what happens outside of your door. Start here and enjoy some free resources as you pray and plan for the upcoming school year.
Read MoreMy husband and daughter recently returned from a trip to Guatemala with our church for a week long mission trip. To hear them recount stories, full of inspiring God-glorifying conversations and scenery alike, produced in me a longing to serve on mission as well. At times, in fact, it most assuredly sounds better to visit another continent altogether to serve short-term, rather than continue in daily acts of service. Doesn’t it?
Yet God continually calls us to steward our service first within the walls of our homes. So, how can we press on with confidence and endurance? Read here.
Read MoreSurely our family is not the only one to experience an unexpected sickness, a discouraging diagnosis, or a disappointing change of plans during summer. Right? As much as we love summertime for making memories, finding rest, and seeking adventure, we equally feel the sting of disappointment when things don't go as planned.
So, I recorded my own thoughts to share with you in hopes that they bring you joy amidst your own disappointments this summer and always.
Read MoreSummer is here, so what now?
Grab these ten simple strategies to make the most of your summertime, and not let it slip away.
Read MoreWe recently celebrated my daughter turning 11 with a mother-daughter pottery lesson. Remarkably, I couldn’t ignore the spiritual significance of each step and their profound implications on my life.
If you are feeling like the pressures of life are causing you to spin out of control, read the latest post and be encouraged.
Read More“What do you need to surrender?” Her question echoed through the microphone and searched my heart.
I sat while my mind invited the Spirit to search my heart. Before getting on a plane and entering back into real life, what was God asking me to surrender to increase my agility and joy along this faithful race?
While several areas came to mind, one clearly stood out.
Read MoreThere is no better time to begin shaping your child’s heart for generosity than now. The holiday season ushers us into the spirit of giving like none other, yet it’s threatened by our desires to get. We all feel the tension.
So, as parents, how can we model generosity as a family at this time of year and beyond? Here are three helpful ways I’ve found to do just that, along with some resources to get you started.
Read MoreIn my prayers, I began presenting God my platters of good deeds, sacrifices, and accomplishments, and expected Him to return my offering with earthly blessing, favor, and gain. As time passed, life grew arduous. Soon I discovered the only variable increasing in my life was bitterness.
Did God even see all that I was doing? Did He even care?
Read MoreThis sweet conversation between my husband and seven year old gifted clarity for me this week, and reminded me that where I place my greatest affections in this life will not only determine the path I follow, but determine the size of my God.
Are you feeling weary at the start of another month, a new season, or another day? Read this, remember who your God is, and find strength and joy again for your next step.
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