How to Get More Patience (or not really)

I keep hearing about this thing called patience. But I don’t know what it is. I hear some women possess it—some freaks of human nature who never had a child stick a pretzel up her nose or unwrap a whole box of pantyliners to use for doll diapers. Apparently “patience” means you don’t shoot fire out of your eyeballs when these things happen. Ha, right? Totally must be an urban legend because I’ve never met a lady like that. So to write a devo on this patience thing, well, it’s just not in my wheelhouse. No can do. Except. I …

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Loving People

Loving People: How Moms can Make Life a Lesson in Loving

People don’t love people much anymore, and those known for loving people don’t get much press. Jackie Deshannon wrote “What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love” in 1965, and over forty years later, we still need it. Meanness is a magnet for the media. So, is it possible to teach our kiddos it’s worth the time and effort and investment to love others in a world that often doesn’t? Moms can make their own lives a lesson in loving people. Loving people who are… Near you First of all, lessons in love begin at home with those we …

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Let’s Say Grace: Skillet Salisbury Steak Meatballs

This is one of my favorite meatball recipes. The flavor is divine. Everyone likes them – even kids! The best part is that you can prepare them ahead of time and freeze for later use. Check out this downloadable recipe by beth-bergren.   SKILLET SALISBURY STEAK MEATBALLS INGREDIENTS • 8 oz. package egg noodles • 1-pound ground beef • 1/3 cup Italian style bread crumbs • 2 Tablespoons ketchup • 2 Tablespoons mustard • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • 2 large egg yolks • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter FOR THE …

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A Wise Mom

I have not forgotten the days of motherhood when my girls were young. Busy, busy, busy. Schedules to keep, activities to attend, errands to run, household duties that beckoned my attention and strength needed to finish the day well. How does one find the time to seek and develop WISDOM? Proverbs 4:6-7 New Living Translation (NLT) 6 Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.     Love her, and she will guard you. 7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!     And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. Sometimes I get discouraged when I witness what the …

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Trying Again: Exchanging Bad Communication Patterns for Good Ones

Parenting is tough. And I can easily fall into terribly patterns with my kids. Times when just the mention of a topic causes my blood to boil and I can barely speak a civil word because I am annoyed. Annoyed at poor attitudes. Frustrated that I cannot communicate clearly with them. Irritated that they don’t just take my word for it. And those sensitive topics like math can send both my child’s and my hearts pounding and blood boiling. So how do we try again? How can we remove the bad habit of frustration over difficult topics? “Everyone should be …

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How to Find Significant Purpose in Your Grandparenting by Lillian Penner

I received the special gift of grandparenting as I approached my midlife season. It was exciting to become a grandparent! However, I learned that along with this gift came a sacred trust to imprint another generation with the message of God’s faithfulness. Reflecting on my new responsibility, I realized my prayers were too general and vague and I became frustrated with how I was praying for my grandchildren. After I asked God for wisdom and read several books about prayer, my praying changed dramatically. I discovered God’s Word was a great resource to help me with my praying, not only …

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Lavish Grace Week 3: Acts of Love, Humility and Selflessness Create Graceful Relationships

Welcome to Week 3 of  The Mom Initiative’s Lavish Grace Bible Study! Today, we’re going to look at ways to lavish grace onto friends, family and even strangers. Do you need a fresh awareness of  God’s lavish grace? If so, you’re in the right place! This is the third week of our new Bible study based on Kathy Howard’s book, Lavish Grace. This study will help you recognize, rest in, and share the glorious grace of God.  We have built in four levels of involvement, so you can participate as much or as little as you are able. (See this previous post for a full explanation.) Here’s the …

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Because a Smile Can Make a Difference

Hi y’all, Did you know that this team of MOMs thinks and prays for you often? Did you know that you’re not alone as a mom, or a grandma, or a ministry leader, or a missionary, or all the above? We are here for you and we are passionate about reaching the moms of this generation and reaching the heart of the next generation. It’s why we exist. But we can’t do it without your help! With MOM Groups in 30 states and 10 countries, we encourage, equip, and train ministry leaders, missionaries, and mentors how to create a unique …

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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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Raising Sweet Smelling Boys (and Praying One Another Through)

 I was sniffing men’s deodorant when our eyes met. Her grocery cart was piled high with diapers and baby wipes, and the toddler in the front seat was pulling tissues from her purse and shredding them into tiny scraps of homemade confetti. But she was too busy staring at me to notice her little one’s antics.   I don’t blame her for gawking.  After all, it’s not every day that you spy a forty-year-old woman sniffing pit protection in aisle twelve. It’s crazy what a mom will do for her kids. I’m not sure what made me think of that awkward moment …

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