Lessons Learned from My Stillborn Son

The sharp cold air chipped away at my numb frame as my feet cut through the deep fallen leaves. My stillborn son’s funeral finished just hours before and left painful silence in its wake.  Nagging emptiness grew into an urgent unexplainable need to return to the dark cemetery. So here I sat, ankle deep in decaying leaves rubbing his tiny fresh grave-the only thing left of him to touch. No one warned me how much the death of my baby would hurt. The depth and weight of physical pain it brought was frightening. The priceless lessons learned, though, have deepened my love and knowledge of the Lord. “I have learned to …

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Understanding the Gospel

“Mom, what does it mean to be saved?” asked Peter as his family left the crowded church building. His mom gazed back into his questioning eyes with her own uncertainty. All at once she realized how unprepared she was to answer this seemingly simple question about the gospel.  What does it mean to be saved from our own sin?  How can we understand our need for a Savior and the wonderful news of the gospel in order to teach our children and grandchildren? “One cannot become a Christian without understanding and embracing the basic message of the gospel.” –Dr. Mike Fabarez Today …

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When Mom is Sick: 10 Brilliant Survival Tactics

When mom gets sick her magic of juggling a gazillion tasks comes to a screeching halt. But, we all know these responsibilities are never allowed a sick day. How can mom and her busy household survive when fever, aches and chills knock her off her feet? Use these ten brilliant survival tactics this flu season: Click To Tweet Hunker down with your kiddos in a safe, small space in the house. Bring your little ones in the bedroom with you and lock your door, or make your bed on the couch near their play area. Staying close will help you …

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Top Qualities of a Successful Wife

Tension fills the room each time Mary and her husband Andy come around. Mary’s non-stop disdain of her husband makes everyone uncomfortable. Inwardly, all around silently cringe with embarrassment and sadness for him.  Even when away from his wife he isn’t protected. Mary’s mouth drips cutting remarks which harm her husband as well as his reputation to anyone who will listen. Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good. She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of …

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Internet Safety Every Parent Should Own

  One of my friends choked back tears as she poured out her broken heart. Her son, who she thought could not access pornography on the home computer, had done just that. Her tears came from knowing how hard she tried to manage the internet and her children’s safety, and yet the ugly pictures defeated her goals once again. My Friend Isn’t Alone Over the past ten years, I have also faced the challenge of our own internet safety in hopes of protecting my young men from the powerful tide of porn. Over the years I have tried just about …

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Easy French Dip

While you’re outside enjoying the sunshine and the long days of summer, don’t forget about dinner! Easily whip up this delicious meal in a snap!  These summer sandwiches are made with three easy ingredients, and I promise your whole family will beg for seconds!     Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.  Colossians 1:10 ESV Can you share your own easy summer recipe? In Christ, Tara Dovenbarger

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DIY Chocolate Mint Lip Balm

This is a fun, super easy project to do along side your kiddos! Perfectly glossy as well as soothing, your lips will absolutely love these! The mint warms your lips while the chocolate adds a yummy taste and slight tint.  Most of these ingredients you will already find in your kitchen. The rest can be purchased through Amazon.com. I use transparent clear lip balm containers found here. Your mouth will love the all-natural, skin loving ingredients. Remember these have no preservatives, so enjoy them within six months! (This won’t be a problem-trust me!)     Do you have any DIY …

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Parenting the Hard to Love Child

“Sammy was tough from day one. Instead of bonding with me like my others, he seems to reject me. Constantly. I want to be close to him, but he just won’t let me. He allows his dad to hold him and rock him, but if I try my attempts are literally shoved away. I’m tired of trying.” “I try to love Janice. I really do. But people don’t see or experience what she is really like behind closed doors. It’s as if she lives to undo me emotionally. I may sound crazy, but I think she stays up at night …

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DIY Skin Softening Sugar Scrub

Momma’s winter-worn skin deserves this all natural, DIY skin scrub! Click To Tweet Enjoy silky smooth skin as you experience the benefits of your favorite essential oil coupled with coconut oil.  Double this easy recipe and give away as gifts!   Use the scrub after bathing by applying a small amount with circular motions on wet skin. Rinse well, pat dry. Be super careful not to get any scrub on your feet and slip! “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people …

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When Your Husband is Snared by Sexual Sin

When our husbands are snared in sexual sin, where do we go for answers? Click To Tweet Cassie’s life reflected peaceful perfection. Three beautiful young kids, a stylish new home, all topped off with her handsome husband she adored. They met and fell head-over-heels in love at the young age of eighteen, and now ten years later were joyfully living out the American dream.  Until, that is, venomous pictures popped up without warning early one morning. Images spilling from the screen, forgotten to be deleted from the computer’s history, reached out tearing into this sheltered young mother’s soul. Her tranquil, in-control …

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