{Today I am so excited to welcome back as a guest writer, my mentor, a dear friend, and a fellow mom who has raised four boys and now helps those of us in the "little" years, Leslie! This year we have so many families doing the Jesse Tree with teens and tweens. I get questions often about how to … Read More
10 Tips for an Awesome Jesse Tree Experience with Little Ones (FREE Printable)
On our first night to start the Jesse Tree eight years ago, our little Jesse Tree came crashing down to the floor after our daughter decided it would be fun to look closer at all the ornaments. After we swept up the broken balls, and hung back up the ornaments and decorations that could be saved, … Read More
Planning a Luke 2:52 Summer
[A special thank you to Terri Conlin, a sweet mentor, who shared this verse with me in regard to what she did with her children when they were little. You inspired words and direction for all the thoughts I was having!] Summer is upon us and I find myself both relieved and a bit anxious. I … Read More
Unlocking the Hearts of Your Children to Worship
I'll never forget the first time Richard and I went to church together when we were dating. I was super nervous. It was silly really, but I was wondering how each of us would respond during the music. Will he raise his hands? Will I? What if I get super emotional because of … Read More
Keeping a Christ Centered Perspective
The beginning of a new school year feels much like New Year's to me. A build up of anticipation of the season ahead, excitement of a fresh start, the setting of new goals, and a bucket full of hope to do things better this year. If you are anything like me, you have spent a good bit of time over … Read More
Trading Happiness for Contentment (Our Family’s Lenten Journey)
It seems like it was an accumulation of slow compromises that got us here. I never wanted to wake up one day and say, "I've got spoiled kids." Yet I find myself right in the middle of a war of entitlement in my home. My eyes have slowly been opening to this reality for several … Read More
Trusting in His Double-Portion, Not my Ability
"I am feeling that urge to run on the hamster wheel again," I confessed to my friend last week. I ran through the long list of things that needed to be done, anxiety even rising in my heart as I was going through the list with her on the phone. One of the greatest temptations I fight on a … Read More
The Art of “Getting Along” When You’re SO Different
The above picture perfectly depicts my day to day. One child is always anticipating, moving forward to the next thing. The other is content to just enjoy the moment, not thinking about what is to come but only aware of what is right in front of him. And then there's me somewhere in the … Read More