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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What Makes Mom Proud?

One of my favorite television shows is “Chopped.” It’s a live competition where 4 contestants are given baskets of mystery ingredients to put together “an unforgettable meal” as each course is critiqued by 3 judges. Each round someone is chopped from moving on to make the next plate of food. Almost every single episode, at least one of the chefs mentions (often with a break in their voice & a tear in their eye) that one of the reasons they are competing is to make their mom or dad proud. The chef’s win would somehow validate their choices and prove …

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When Mom Needs New Vision

I remember several years ago when my daughter rushed down the stairs to the beat of her fear. She simply could not sleep with the “thunder booming and lightning bolts.” Though it was almost time for her to get up and get ready for Vacation Bible School, I hadn’t finished my prayer time yet. It was interrupted by a barrage of questions from her little mind instead. “Mom, what if lighting struck our whole house? Where would we live?” “Well, Sweetie, we would go to a hotel or a friend’s house until it was fixed.” “What if it caught the …

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The Unbusy Be of Christmas

It has taken me many years, but I can honestly say that I’ve been set free from being overly stressed at Christmas. Well, as far as the busyness of Christmas is concerned anyway. Certain stresses in life go on no matter what the season. I was asked awhile back what traditions I can’t live without at Christmas and what insights I’d learned each holiday along the way. Don’t cringe like she did when I tell you that I’m not a big traditions person. It’s a long story, I’m just not. But I do enjoy dwelling on the reason for the …

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When You Want What They Have

“Mom, I wish we lived in that house.” Perched inside her playset lookout tower, my daughter cast wistful glances toward the neighbor’s yard a few houses north. “Why? I thought you liked our house.” “Well, they have a pool and a picnic table.” Ah. I see. “But they don’t have a sandbox. Or swings. Or all of your favorite toys inside,” I reasoned. “Just because they have a pool doesn’t mean that house is better. We belong here, in our house.” Wise counsel, O Super Mom. Maybe you should take it yourself. How many times have I wished for someone …

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Shaping The Heart

Raising strong-willed children is like having an army of toddlers in your home. These iron-willed babes will test every boundary and challenge any directive given. Please tell me you know what I’m talking about, do you have a stubborn kiddo that you love so much but he/she makes you want to pull your hair out?  I’m hoping y’all can relate to the limit testing sessions my youngest has been devising since she entered the terrible three’s (Twos were a breeze mamas; it’s the threes we need to prepare for!) She has decided that pottying everywhere other than the bathroom is way …

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