Joanne Kraft Archives - Page 2 of 3

Motherhood — True Evolution

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 I believe in evolution. No, I’m not talking about the evolution of our galaxy and planet earth. I’m a creation girl all the way. To me, true, undefiled evolution is parenting at its finest. It’s incredible how my mom-skills have changed over the past twenty-two years. Today I barely resemble the mom I was my first day on the job in 1991. Whenever my college-girl comes home to visit, she wants to watch old home …

God Has Not Forgotten

After a speaking engagement, an adorable “mom” walked up to my book table and we began chatting. As the crowd dispersed we continued to gab. She was bright and articulate and I couldn’t help but feel a prodding to tell her something. What came to my mind seemed odd and I tried to smack it away like a buzzing insect. As she chatted, I silently argued with God. You want me to tell her that? Now? Yes. Tell her she is a speaker. Okay, that’s just strange, Lord. We’re talking about our kids right now. She’s going to …

WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

While flipping through the TV channels before leaving for church. I was sad to hear a pastor of a very large church begin his teaching about the gospel of Matthew, the very beginning of the New Testament. He told his congregation, “The first chapter of Matthew is pretty boring, all of those begots and all…Abraham begot Isaac, and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers, And Judah begot Pharez and Zarah of Tamar, and Pharez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Aram…” He went on to say, “If you can hang in there long enough you will get …

Our Thanksgiving Tablecloth – A Holiday Tradition

When I was a little girl, Thanksgiving dinners were spent at my grandparent’s house. My Grandpa was Italian. It was our family’s tradition to have pasta with our turkey dinner, Christmas dinner, birthday dinner, Fourth of July barbecues, and any other meal shared at their table. I can’t look at a bowl of mostaccioli’s without thinking of my Grandpa. Traditions don’t have to be big productions or make big dents in your bank account. Some of our personal favorites have begun without us trying. We decorate our Christmas tree while eating Rice Krispy treats and drinking hot cocoa. We annually …

Are You an Encourager?

And a voice from Heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 My husband is an attorney. From time to time, I tag along with him when he has to be in court. This week he was appointed to represent a mother who was trying to regain custody of her teenage son. After some poor parenting decisions by his mother, this child was now in the care of foster parents. His name was Maverick. Maverick sat down outside of the court room, dressed all in black. His body language screamed, “Leave …

Do You Stumble – Hinder – Or Launch Your Kids?

On a crisp fall afternoon, a nurse softly placed my very first pink squirming life into my arms and God pushed the start-button for motherhood. Fast-forward twenty years and my tiny bundle is a college graduate and driving back and forth in between two jobs and living in her own little apartment in Nashville. Independent, strong-willed, determined to succeed in a world I tried desperately to prepare her for, she sprints toward a future she’s only dreamed about. Today’s rainy weather put me in a reminiscent mood, wondering what part her father and I played in hurling her out of …

Hang in there Mom

Us mom’s can sometimes feel overlooked, underpaid, run down and run over. I am here to encourage all of you at home with little ones to hang in there. So many times I have failed as a mother and so many of my prayers have been, “Lord, please let them forget my mistakes.” I am here to encourage you, that no matter what, if your heart is to raise up godly children and do your best to be a godly wife and mother, your children will one day rise up and call you blessed. That’s a promise. Five years ago, I …

Kids & Chores – No Reason to Be Tired

Is your house a mess? Would you be mortified if a friend stopped by without calling first? Are your children at an age where they can go to the potty by themselves? Have they figured out how to use the TV remote DVD player, or your home computer? Then, there’s no reason your little darlings can’t help you around the house. Martha Stewart would not be impressed with my shower, nor would she praise me for my windows –still, my home is in good enough shape for company. I learned early on as a mom of four children, I had four …

Remind Your Kids Who They Are

Youth group summer camp begins tomorrow morning. Grace and Samuel’s bags are packed and sitting by the front door. They are so excited they can barely stand it. We have a family tradition whenever we say our goodbyes. Whether they’re going on a play date or staying overnight at their Papa and Nana’s house- after reminding them to behave, we whisper to them, “Remember who you are and Whose you are.” When you give your heart and life to God, you are on of His children. With that comes not only a new life but an abundance of promises He has made to …

Memorial Day Moments with Kids

As the proud daughter of a U.S. Marine, my love of our country is part of my genetic makeup. Yep, that’s me over there. Dad thought it made perfect sense to stuff my little self into his helmet. His patriotism rubbed off. Play the national anthem and I sing at the top of my lungs, see a mother with a “My son is a Marine/Soldier/Sailor ” bumper sticker on her car or a person out and about in uniform and I walk up and thank them. Yeah, I’m that lady. My husband is the same way. Just last week I …

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