When you sacrifice for others out of fear, guilt, or an effort to please other people, you are going to feel bitter. You are going to feel unfulfilled. And you won’t see the beautiful growth you were hoping to see. BUT if you lay your life down in God’s love for you – and sacrifice for others because you are … Read More
Celebrate Mom! (Free Party-in-a-PDF!)
Think of a mom you love. She’s amazing, right? Maybe she’s just starting out on her motherhood journey. Maybe she’s been a mom for many years now. Maybe she’s facing an exciting or discouraging or intimidating change. You want the best for her. You want to support her. Sooo, I was thinking… what if you threw a party for her?? … Read More
Teach Your Child the Kindness of “going first” and “going last”
Imagine you’re at a campfire and you’ve just hollered the words, “S’mores Time!” You’re the one holding the bag of marshmallows. HERE. THEY. COME. Suddenly, you are surrounded by a bunch of awesome, smiling kiddos, hopping up and down, reaching their little hands toward you in hopes of receiving one or two perfectly poufy sugar pillows. You’re handing out the … Read More
Cheer Her On With a Gift
Do you know a woman who is giving everything she’s got to love a child? Perhaps she’s laying down her life to nurture a biological, foster, or adopted child? Perhaps she’s supporting an adult child, a grandchild, or a spiritual child? Let her know that you see her. Let her know that her work matters. Remind her of the truth… … Read More
You Were on My Mind When I Said This
My friend Janet and I sat down and talked about Crocs, long-eared rabbits, and egg sandwiches. We talked about suffering, motherhood, and what we’ll write in our journals when we’re 70 years old. We laughed. I cried. It was one of those conversations. But the conversation wasn’t just between the two of us. With every answer, I thought of you. … Read More
Splish Splash! Two fun episodes about swimming (and so much more).
The way we respond to our children in their moments of distress could impact them for eternity. Just think: our help could teach them to expect God’s help. Our comfort could warm their hearts to receive God’s comfort. Our smiles could open their eyes to look for God’s smile. Even though we’re only human and we mess up aplenty (I … Read More
Tired of serving? I sure am. Here’s what to do next. (New podcast episode!)
My friend didn’t ask much. And yet, when my kids and I returned home from serving her, we were wiped out… for DAYS. I couldn’t help but wonder, why am I so weak? And why can’t I bounce back faster? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, I invite you to listen to this episode of my Expect Something Beautiful … Read More
How involved should a parent be??
If you’ve ever hovered over your child too much, you’re not alone. 🙂 It’s easy to be a Helicopter Parent. We just love our kids so much and want them to do well in life. But when we’re too over-protective, we quickly discover the negative side-effects of our well-intentioned hovering. Suddenly, we want to steer our propellers up, up, and … Read More
Five Ways to Build Relationship With Your Tween Daughter
Every time I hear Nichole Nordeman’s song “Slow Down,” I cry ugly mommy tears. Nordeman sings “slow down” to her child who, like all children, seems to be growing up too quickly. It’s beautiful, nostalgic, and heartbreaking. (Have you seen the music video? Get the tissues ready!) The chorus is: Slow down Won’t you stay here a minute more I know … Read More
How to Stay Home With Your Kids Without Losing Your Mind
Abby asked, “Help! I’m not used to being home with my kids all day, every day. How I can be a good mom even though my kids are driving me crazy??” Hi, Abby. I hear you. It’s not easy, that’s for sure! Even after 14 years of being home with my kids “all day, every day,” I feel like the … Read More
