‘Twas the Night of Jesus’s Birth

Moms, it’s so very important that we keep Christ before our children during the Christmas season.  There is no account so grand as our Savior’s birth. Angels flying from God’s throne room far surpasses tales of flying reindeer.  The star God placed in the heavens outshines a a red nose. And you want to talk about gifts? God gave us a priceless one. Let’s keep the focus on Christ. Read this poem with expression! When you get to “knock,” knock on something hard so they hear the sound of knocking. Flatten your palms to make the sound of “walking.” Let the …

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When More Is NOT Enough: How to Stop Giving Your Kids What They Want and Give Them What They Need

I have a confession to make, I knew I would like Amy Sullivan’s book before I read it. This is because God sent me half way around the world in March to build houses in the Philippines. Before I even knew about the missions trip, my heart was already being plowed for the seeds of servitude. Like you, I had my handsome, hardworking husband, a cute little house with a hefty mortgage, two decent cars, three awesome kids, and a career in news casting–and did I mention two cute, albeit naughty little dogs? Life was bliss–or so I thought. Something …

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Can I Play with Your I-Pad?

“Mimi, can I play with your I-Pad?” asked my precious 5 yr old grandson, Logan.  I paused. I hesitated.  I had heard his footsteps and risen from my early morning prayer time to  greet him.   “Well, do you know what I like to do when I first wake up, Logan?” Gazing into his big eyes, I continued. “I like to read my Bible and pray to God. Would you like to do KIDZ TIME? “YES!” he happily responded.”   Soon, the KIDZ TIME 2: PRAISING GOD A-Z DEVOTIONAL was open and scissors, crayons, and tape covered the kitchen table. We chose …

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Our Blessing Box

When we were young married’s and college students, my Chris and I began to do a Blessing Box. A blessing box represents a life of God taking care of His own.  And it reminds us that He has been faithful, is faithful and WILL BE FAITHFUL in the future.   Our children get to have a front row seat to what God is doing around us every single day. I have no idea where this idea originated (and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t my original idea), but we have made it our own over the past 23 years. I cannot find the …

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The One Thing You MUST Do This Summer

The One Thing You MUST Do This Summer

I love a good to-do list.  My husband can attest. Scratch that. Anyone who has seen my writing desk can attest to that. There are electronic lists on my computer and phone, as well as hand-written lists on notepads to prove it.   The only problem with a good to-do list is that sometimes…especially with Type A people like me who LOVE getting things done…the items on a list can take precedence over the people in my home.  Ugh, I’m cringing as I type. Nonetheless, it’s the truth, and my guess is, I’m not alone in this struggle. I’m guessing …

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31 Ways to Keep Your Kids Cool

The 4th of July is just around the corner, not only will your kiddos be turning on the heat to their favorite fireworks, but the heat will be tough to beat for the rest of the summer. Here is a quick and handy list to pin for 31 Ways to Keep Your Kids Cool!    1. Redneck Water Sprinkler:  Grab an old pop bottle, poke dozens of holes and thread onto hose. I’ve seen others attach it with duck tape. 2. Water Balloon Teamwork:  Divide children into two teams.  Have the children pair up within their team with a partner, back to …

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26 Fun Bible Crafts

 “What are you doing, Mommy?”  “Wait there until I finish getting everything ready!”  Eyes widen as your kids wonder why you are making a mess by placing flip flops, sandals, boots, and Crocks  in a squiggly line throughout the house. “Has mom lost her mind,” they wonder.  “Just one more minute,” you call as you place a the “Follow Me” printable (below), a favorite summer treat, their Bible, and crayons on the kitchen table. “Now you can come! Welcome to KIDZ TIME!” you greet them with a big smile and hug.  “Today, our Kidz Time Bible verse is: FOLLOW ME Matthew …

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How to Have Fun When They Don’t Feel Like It

I have a confession. Deep down I have a lazy side. I’d prefer to do only what I “feel like” doing, but still have success. You know I’d prefer to not work out or watch what I eat and lose weight. Or have a book deal fall into my lap and a book pour out of me that requires no editing. And the same is true of mothering. I want it to be easy. My kids to obey me, respect me, and on the rare occasion they disagree with me they respectfully state their opinion and don’t complain when I …

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Beach Safety & First Aid by Karen Ketchie

We’re blessed to hear from 2 registered nurses this weekend as they share about water safety! Yesterday, RN and M.O.M. mentor, Angela Mackey shared about how to recognize drowning and what to look for with what is called secondary drowning. Today, we are blessed to have another registered nurse, Karen Ketchie share about beach safety and first-aid! AND… At BETTER TOGETHER, Angela Mackey will be sharing some amazing workshops…one of those workshops is called, Sex, Sex, Sex…When and How to Talk to Your Kids About It. And Karen Ketchie will be sharing a workshop called, First-Aid for the Family. You …

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Mom the Enforcer or Mom the Evaluator by Lori Wildenberg

Do you sometimes feel like you are the Enforcer? Or the Parent Police? Okay instead be the EVALUATOR!  Summertime is filled with countless decisions because of the additional flex time. Evaluating every activity deciding, whether or not to give the go ahead nod  or deliver the dreaded no is exhausting. No matter the age of your kiddo, youngster to young adult, constantly  thinking  on your feet to determine if your answer is a  yea or nay is such a brain drain!  Constantly thinking on your feet to determine if your answer is a yea or nay is a brain drain! …

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