Friends will complete your joy because the mind of Christ is being formed in them as well as in you. When you are a believer and so are your friends, it will bring a commonality that will enrich you and overflow your joy whenever you think of them. How is that? Sometimes my friend aggravates me! Take a look at these two verses from the first chapter of Philippians. They are part of a prayer that Paul is praying over his friends in Philippi. (Philippians 1:1-11) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right … [Read more...]
4 Steps to Getting Up Earlier
Whether you enjoy getting up earlier than your family or just need to get back into the habit, there are benefits to becoming an early riser. It is hard to stay disciplined and be intentionally consistent. When the alarm goes off in the winter, I want to snuggle down deeper under the covers. In the summer, my routine changes and yet it's still easy to sleep a little longer. I need to become an early riser again and I thought maybe you'd like to join me! As long as I am still in bed, I forget the urgency of anything I need to do that day. It is all about procrastination. Your kids don't … [Read more...]
How to Manage Your Time Each Day
Do you need a better way to control time on a daily basis? My morning just got away from me and I didn't get everything done. For me, that is always a good recipe for stress! I know the same thing can happen to your morning! You have a similar need to control time as I do. Life is short and I want to use my time for the glory of God. Being stressed was a major weakness of mine and I am not sure that I ever totally got control of that area. I had so many responsibilities and so many children to direct. I had a system in maintaining our home, so things would have been much crazier without … [Read more...]
4 Powerful Ways a Servant is Defined by Humility
Humility and servanthood go against our culture of pride and arrogance, without it there is no servant. If you would like to be more like Jesus, this is for you! I don't know of another character trait that is lacking in Christian women more than humility. Instead, we are filled with pride that is so great that we are totally blinded by its existence in our hearts and lives. We can be clothed in a false humility that deceives us and those in our church. We can wear just the right clothes, serve in just the right way at church, and say all the right things that show how 'humble' we … [Read more...]
5 Things to Accomplish Before Your Kids Wake Up
It's hard to accomplish things before your kids wake up, right? It's easy to waste time and get distracted, then end up frustrated! Have you read those motivational posts about getting 5 things done before 8am? Seriously? That person must not have been a mom! It sounds too good to be true. In fact, it is impossible! One Reason Moms Struggle But I have a way that you can accomplish 5 things before 9 (before 8 is crazy) that will help you start your day feeling great! BUT . . . You NEED to breathe! Do you start scrolling through Facebook while you are still laying in … [Read more...]
5 Reasons to Be Serious About Your Health
Are you serious about your health but have no idea where to begin? What I am sharing today is my opinion as a woman, mom, and grandma. Nothing more. I am NOT a health professional but desire to get healthier to feel my best as I serve Jesus Christ. Going forward in the years ahead, there is no way to effectively serve the Lord in poor health. I hope this encourages and equips you to hop on with me and join my health journey. At the bottom of this article, I am sharing a link to Faithful Fitness Lines that I am totally excited about. I would love you to join me in getting healthier. I do … [Read more...]
Bible Journaling: Finding Joy in Jesus through Philippians
Finding joy in Jesus should be the goal for all Believers but what may surprise you is how you can experience your Savior at a deeper level when you Bible journal. Do you desperately desire a deeper level in your relationship with God? I am thrilled to give you four reasons how Bible journaling through Philippians will help you in finding joy in Jesus! You have probably seen creative Bible journaling art all over the internet. You'll find it on Pinterest and in Facebook groups like this one. Have you ever seen or participated in a Bible journaling challenge that took you through a … [Read more...]
10 Ways for Moms to De-Stress and Unwind
When you are a mom, it becomes so important to de-stress so you can show grace to your kids and enjoy the moment. I know. I have 7 kids! My biggest struggle as a mother was that I was too often short on grace. I wish I had someone who came alongside me with a bucket-full of encouragement. That is what I hope to do for you through what I have been sharing with you recently. Stress Creates the Need to De-Stress! Stress can happen at breakfast time or while you are trying to get supper on the table for your family! You spend the entire day answering the same identical questions as the … [Read more...]
Life is Like Canoeing Over Rapids
Life lessons can be found in many things that we do, especially when things go wrong! The day my husband and I went down the river in a canoe was the day that had life lessons in store for us! It was Labor Day a couple years ago when my husband and I did something that has been on my summer bucket list for years. We took a ride down the Delaware River in our canoe! Life is like canoeing down a river! Life is like a river flowing and flowing in one direction. Life starts where you are born just like a river starts at the top of the mountain and starts to flow and flow until it gets to … [Read more...]
3 Tips for Adventurous Summer Things to Do with Kids
If you are looking for some adventurous summer things to do with your kids, this is for you! The sweltering hot weather is here and your enthusiasm for warmth has dissipated like the ice in your tall glass of sweet tea. "Adventure, You say?!" Getting alone in the privacy of your air-conditioned bedroom is calling your name! The irony is that your children (who might not be acting so sweet on these hot summer days) are definitely up for an adventure!! So, what's a mother to do?! “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians … [Read more...]
How to Make a Summer Bucket List for Kids
Now that the hot weather is here, a summer bucket list is just the thing as you will be looking for fun outdoor things for the kids in your life to do! Being an influence in the lives of young children by giving them grace-filled days with you present in the moment will last for an eternity! But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 9:14 Your children are only with you for a few short years (ask me how I know) and will be on their own before you know it. You want each moment to count and what better way … [Read more...]
Things You Need to Keep Kids Busy this Summer
Keeping kids busy in the summer can be a more than a challenge and rob you of the grace you need in caring for them while they are off from school! Summer definitely can break routines!! It can certainly be exhausting for a young mom or grandma to have kids around with her all summer needing direction and supervision. If your kids are saying that they are bored after just one week (like mine) you will want to follow me over to Paradise Praises where I am guest posting! I have been given the honor of sharing the rest of this post over at Paradise Praises where Katie Hornor inspires you … [Read more...]
Super Fun Summer Activities for Kids
Activities for your kids will be super fun this summer and help give you grace-filled moments instead of the stress that endless hours with children can bring. Grace-Filled Moments for Eternity I know that along with the wonderful long days of summer can come stress as mothers (and grandmothers) sacrificingly give long hours to their kids. Housework is never-ending and yet it is worth it to stop and take time in activities with your kids. The house can wait! Our influence with the kids in our life is just for a moment of time. Not only have I raised my seven children but I have … [Read more...]
Why Moms Should have a Summer Bucket List for Kids
Moms, have you ever thought of making a summer bucket list of things to do with your children? Do you have restless children out-of-school and looking for an adventurous fun-filled summer? Yes? You've come to the right place for ideas! Just four years ago, two of my children still lived at home and we also had two of the sweetest identical twin-girls toddling around our home. You're not so sure you need to take the time to make a Summer Bucket List? 1. Be Intentional and Make a Bucket List No, really. Make a Summer Bucket List this summer. Your children will LOVE you for … [Read more...]
6 Ways for a Summer Road Trip to Be Grace-Filled
When you pull out of your driveway on a summer road trip, tension and anticipation can be high as you face hours together in the car. If you are traveling with kids, life can get complicated fast since they haven't matured to the point where they can control themselves when hunger or exhaustion sets in. Whether you are going on a road trip with kids or just your hubby, there are some fantastic ways that being together in a tight space can become an adventure. Since we are looking forward to several summer road trips, ideas are fresh on my mind to share with you. There is … [Read more...]
