As I picked up the salad dressing and began to shake it up, I was reminded of how blended families are much like salad dressing. Strange analogy, I know, but some blended families are much like oil and vinegar. They only begin to blend together after a lot of shaking up and a lot of work, and then after things settle down, they begin to separate and their differences become very clear again. Others are like Creamy Italian dressing. Once they have been poured into the same jar and stirred around a bit, they remain blended well…and instead of two …
Of Fig Leaves, Christmas Cards, & The Shaw Mafia
It happens every year—the dreaded Christmas family photo and letter. This is when my perfectionist tendencies rage and my family becomes afraid as does their guardian angels and the mailman. And if you check out this family photo, we look like the Shaw Mafia. No—really, there are comments flying all over Facebook, text messages and phone calls. This is me and my cousins, aunts and uncles. While most family photos are full of vibrant colors, clean shaven men in church clothes –not so with my family. We tend to have an everyday look so to speak… But you and I don’t want …
Married Mom Meet Single Mom
When was the last time you encouraged a mom whose family dynamics looked a little different? According to a recent article in the New York Times, “41 percent of births in the United States occur outside marriage, up sharply from 17 percent three decades ago.” Research further suggests, these moms experience higher rates of poverty and depression. That’s a staggering number of women with children, minus a husband, out there trying to make it on their own. Single moms impress me. They work twice as hard with half the kudos. It’s tough to be two parents rolled in one. Sadly, …
What your mission trip is missing & The Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle ($640 Value for $29.97)
This time of year many women prepare for short term missions trips. They get shots, plan testimonies, pray together, pack suitcases, and learn about culture. But one of the greatest potential impacts of a missions team experience often gets overlooked: mentoring on mission. In addition to trying unfamiliar food and bathroom facilities, members of cross-cultural teams are stretched physically and spiritually. Whether it happens on village paths or city pavement, mission trips are good ground for growth. Last year I led a team of four women and four teenage girls to Northern Thailand for a ministry trip. Preparing the team …
How In the World?
Whenever I meet someone new and they discover I have seven children, often there is a gasp and “How in the world do you do that?” And then when they further discover, if time permits, that one of my children has a life-threatening illness, the question comes: “How do you cope with that?” I suppose I should first make the disclaimer that this was, and is, a growing process for me. (Oh, and the photo above was on a very busy day serving at church. 😉 ) I didn’t have seven children all at once (Whew! Go septuplet Moms!) My …
Blended Families & Day 7 Giveaways
Today’s Great Giveaways! #1 – THE SENSATIONAL SCENT OF PRAYER By: Rachel Wojnarowski One year of Bible study. One summer of Bible teaching. One ebook: “The Sensational Scent of Prayer.” #2 – ECCLESIASTES: UNDERSTANDING WHAT MATTERS MOST By: Stephanie Shott It’s time to stop just thinking about eternity and begin living for it. Sit at Solomon’s feet for 6 weeks and learn how to live for eternity even when the pile of laundry seems to be blocking your view. Understanding What Matters Most-Making here and now count for then and there. #3 – Magical Mouse Schoolhouse: Learn While You Play at Disney World Resort By: Jodi …
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