Living life together. That is what we are called to do. Is your front door open to those around you? Is it open to those in your church, in your neighborhood, in your kid’s schools? I know it can seem like “just one more thing” on your to-do list. You are a busy mom and you have a lot on your plate, but did you know that one of your callings is to live life with others? That’s what is called being a member of the body of Christ. At times I get overwhelmed with life and I ask God …
Every Christian Family is a Miracle
God has been opening my eyes and giving me a greater understanding of what it means to bring Him glory. I have been struck over and over by this one theme and how it should dominate every area of life: My first priority and highest calling is to bring glory to God. I should be pointing others to God and the gospel in all that I do. That is what I am here for! How is that done? I am continuing to learn what that means, but God enlightened me a little more as I was reading through a book …
The Details
“I have no desire to have children.” “I am unable to have children.” “I don’t get along with my parents.” “My husband is not a leader in our home.“ “I really don’t know what I want to do with my life.” “I’m worried about my children.” “I’m overwhelmed. Will I ever get used to have TWO children?” “My husband might lose his job.” These concerns have come from people who are burdened. These are the details of life that can seem so big. Even consuming at times. I love what Elisabeth Elliot says to do when we are overwhelmed with the details. …
Preparing For Unexpected Guests
Having lived on a college campus for the last 15 years, I have gotten used to having people drop in unannounced. Then when my children became teenagers, and now that they are in college, I have even more company! This has caused me to plan ahead and make sure I have quick and easy things on hand that I can serve. If you have high school or college students in your home, you know that they like to eat! I can’t think of a better way to serve my children than to be available to serve their friends and to …
I Have a Care Package for You
A few years ago a friend of ours was getting ready to undergo chemotherapy. I wanted to do something to serve him. Since there was really nothing I could do to “make it better”, I wanted to do something to help him in a practical way. Something that might help him through what he was about to face. I called another friend, who had just lost her mother after taking care of her through a long battle with cancer. She gave me ideas of things I could put in a package that would be helpful to the young man with …
Emotions, Hormones, and Sin
Ever since my children were small I’ve noticed that it can be easy to make excuses for sinful behavior. When they are two we call it “the terrible two’s“. Many behaviors are excused because it is said that they “are normal for that age“. When they turn 13 “their bodies are changing!”. When they are 16 “it’s hormonal” or “they are teenagers“. When they are college age “they are just immature…it’s ‘normal’ to act that way ‘at their age“! What I find interesting is that it doesn’t stop there. Women blame sinful behavior on hormones. When we’re pregnant, “it’s hormones“. …
A Letter to My Child
Dear child of mine who happens to be a teenager, I know that you and I can get on each other’s nerves. But I want you to know that I love you and that God is showing me so much about Himself, and about myself, just by you being here. I am a better person having known you and I want you to know I am so thankful that God has put you in my life. I know that sometimes It doesn’t seem as though I am thankful. But I am. Please forgive me for not expressing that often enough. …
How To Find A Mentor
Over the years I have received letters, and have heard young women express, that they have a hard time finding older women who will take the time to spend time/mentor them. I understand where these women are coming from. For years I was in that very situation. I longed for someone to take on that role and found that many older women were too busy or didn’t understand their role biblically. As I look back, I can see how God provided mentors for me in different ways. It wasn’t always in the way I would have liked, but I …
A Letter to Younger Women
BEFORE WE DIVE INTO TODAY’S POST, WE WANT TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER OF RENEWED BY LUCILLE ZIMMERMAN…. CONGRATULATIONS GOES TO LEANNE THORNTON! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Younger Women,I am so thankful that God has brought you into my life. I love our times together, and cherish each moment we have. As we walk this journey together, there are things you need to know. I’d like take a few minutes to share some things with you: Just because I am older, does not mean I have it all together. I am learning and growing too. Please don’t put me on a pedestal or …