The Best Most Amazing Fantastic Potpourri EVER. Amen.

  Fall is here. Thank you, Jesus! There’s about three things I do very well, and the fall season is one of them. Maybe it’s because I’m a food-pusher and this time of year means baked goods and hot drinks are on the horizon. Or, it could be that cozy sweaters and crackling fires call my name because autumn is my color wheel. Whether you’re a fall-loving-girl like me or enjoy one of those lesser seasons…this is the time of year most of us run out to purchase hundreds of dollars worth of candles. While I love a yummy smelling …

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How Grateful Are You?

How grateful are you? People who exercise gratitude are 25 percent happier according to a study conducted at the University of California at Davis. Raising my kids to be grateful is important to me. I don’t want to raise selfish, entitled adults. When I’m around my children I point out what others have done for them–a lot. I remind them to say thank you and express gratitude in their words and actions.  I share stories with them about people who act selflessly, who work hard and who live humbly. I point out where I’m grateful to them. And, if someone …

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Our Back to School Bible Verse

Back to school time is here.  Like Every Home, USA the first day of school is hectic, exciting, and often a little emotional. I admit I started to cry when Grace and Samuel drove away in our Chevy Suburban. It was the first time Paul and I didn’t escort them ourselves. Having teenagers makes their mode of transportation different, but it doesn’t change a mother’s heart. I want them to succeed. How do I make that happen? God’s word is always the best way to start. When my four were much younger, I’d make a point every morning to say …

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Two Questions I Daily Ask My Husband

   So often, I voice my opinions and air every single solitary thought in my head—out loud. It reminded me of those two questions I try to ask Paul daily. Two simple things I believe will RADICALLY change your marriage. Heading up to his office, I brought him a steaming cup of tea and threw my arms around his neck. “What can I do for you today?” (Question One) “Nothing. I’m fine.” He smiled. Sacrificial Love  When was the last time you asked your husband what you could do for him? I mean seriously asked him if there’s anything you …

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The Million Dollar Question

  If you’re a parent, it’s only a matter of time before you ask your husband or your girlfriend, or your mailman the million dollar question: Why do our kids fight so much? Why? This million dollar question often rears its ugly head after visiting a friend whose children love each other so much they finish each other’s sentences. Her children seem so happy together, like Prozac-happy and you just don’t get it. You begin to ask yourself, Why does (Insert friend’s name here.)  kids like each other? Why do her children share toys and talk to each other sweetly …

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Do you ponder?

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.  Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which …

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Teach Kids to Welcome Dad Home

How do you greet your husband when he comes home from work?            When he walks through the front door is it just business as usual? Or, do you celebrate his return with a hug or a kiss? Better yet, how do your children treat him?                 My dad worked long hours as a truck driver. When he came home at night my sisters and brother and me made a beeline to the front door to greet him with arms open wide. As much as I’d love to tell you we were just an incredibly loving …

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Why You Should Let Them Cry

My teenage son walked down the stairs with a frown on his face. College classes have gotten the best of him. My pep talk with him yesterday apparently wasn’t as good as I thought it was. My future as a motivational speaker went down in flames.             When I brought my first child home from the hospital cries were immediately met with a soothing rub and my full attention until the whimpers quieted. From baby tears to teenage sulking, I want to make my child happy. I’ve exhausted myself trying to make this happen. I’ve finally realized I can’t make …

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Mommy are you thirsty?

Mommy, are you thirsty? Spiritually dry. It’s an awful place to be. Hell for those who have been satisfied by cool, refreshing Living Waters. Are you there? We’ve all been there. A mom is notorious for pouring out every drop she has for her family. It’s no surprise when you want to crawl into bed and throw the covers over your head…or fight the urge to never get out of bed in the first place. I’ve struggled with feeling spiritually dry this summer. Being so exhausted, enjoying much company and travelling quite a bit. Taking small moments here and there …

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The Greatest Lesson of All

 If you were to ask me, “What’s one of the most important lessons I can teach my children?” I’d have to answer: Choices have consequences. While visiting Washington D.C. last week I was reminded of many choices our founding fathers made hundreds of years ago–including the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Each decision they made had consequences we as a nation still feel reverberating today. I’d probably receive little debate from a parent who understands this lesson well. But, as a mom, we are nurturers at heart. We are known for wanting our child to experience only joy and …

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