As important as it is to start the day with prayer and Scripture, I do my best to avoid calling such time “devotions.” Maybe it’s just a weird personal tick, but to me, “devotions” sounds like achieving an atmosphere and aesthetic more than doing the needful. Devotions conjures pictures of quiet reading spaces with candles…
Moms are leaders of their children, giving vitality to the nervous system of the family. I remember over a decade ago, I had joined a 24-hour fitness club so that I would feel obligated to exercise. One early morning I was dutifully on the treadmill and some news commentary show was on all the big…
My oldest son is getting married this summer and my second son just moved out. The family inside my home, the ones I feed and instruct are contracting, not expanding. At least, that’s the way it looks and feels when I plan dinners and school schedules. Once, before our youngest was born, my husband reminded…
“Make your bed.” “Did you brush your teeth?” “You washed your hands? Did you use soap?” “Stop. No whining.” Do you find yourself repeating yourself daily? Do your admonitions seem never to sink in or make a difference? Have you become the frustrated, nagging mom that you never wanted to be? I don’t have any…
Nothing humbles us quite like motherhood, I think. You don’t know just how sinful you are until you actually have to serve and love others 24/7. You don’t realize just how ugly your sins are until you see them unvarnished in your toddler – or teen. When you live alone or with one likeminded adult,…
It happens so often. We’ve been doing school for weeks on end, and we’re tired. We all – mother and children – are desperately looking forward to the upcoming break, whether it’s a midyear break, holiday break, or summer break. The first day of break is glorious. Then, it starts: “Mom, I’m bored!” Teaching our…