The Way in Which We Walk
The shoe tray inside my back door is more than a corral for shoes. It’s become a testimony to the life stories of those who dwell here, those who stop by, and those I no longer see. Continue reading The Way in Which We Walk
Category: Strengthening the Bow
Strength, Dignity, and What Not to Wear
In the late 1970s, a popular singer-songwriter crooned a top-twenty tune with his definition of womanhood. According to this artist, the woman on his pedestal was amazing. Her smile could kill, and her gaze could slice. She was quick with a lie, focused on her own agenda, and could cast shadows with the best of them.
This lady was a force and if you didn’t appreciate her attributes, well, get out of the way. To this woman of questionable accomplishments, the words, “She is clothed with strength and dignity,” would have sounded like a garbled, unknown language. Continue reading Strength, Dignity, and What Not to Wear
Choosing to Walk in His Joy
The Holy Spirit watches over us and whispers (sometimes loudly) when our heart begins to overlook sin. Our first responsibility as parents is to be sure our relationship with Christ is one that is personal and vibrant.
We are also called to be a beacon of truth to our children. He has given us the responsibility of flashing the caution light when our little humans behave as humans do.
Is your preschooler demanding his way? Pride makes our little human believe he deserves what he wants when he wants it. Teach him to see other people in the room as more important than himself. “What? You mean I’m not the center of the universe?”
Acknowledge. Repent. Walk in His joy. Continue reading Choosing to Walk in His Joy
Welcomed by God
The lock turned and I held my breath. Slowly, slowly the front door creaked open and my daughter-in-law’s smiling face peeked into the gap.
“Look,” I whispered to my grandson. He faced me with his little back turned away from the entrance. His blue eyes raised to mine, puzzled. “Mommy’s home.” I pointed toward the door.
A red car which had traveled in his little hands from my shoe, up my leg, and had been heading toward my tummy, dropped to the floor. He pivoted. Little eyes lit up with pure delight.
“Mommy!” He shouted with absolute pleasure. He ran into his mother’s arms. My daughter-in-law’s eyes sparkled. She scooped him up and hugged him tightly.
After a long day of work, the sight of her little son brought such welcome delight, my grandson could not help but be assured of her love and his place in her heart. Their response to each other gifted them both with something we all desire.
We need to know we are welcome. Continue reading Welcomed by God
Sacred Community
I never found it challenging to be alone—it was feeling alone that got to me.
Here’s a truth about introverts (like me). We’re not necessarily anti-social, we just need to be alone to recharge and refresh. Not so long ago I experienced something I never thought possible for my hermit-shaped heart.
I craved community.
Working remotely during the pandemic was a breath of fresh air for this loner, for the first few weeks. However, when gathering with colleagues, family, and friends fell away, the borders of my world closed in. When grief and prolonged illness moved in, I felt alone—as though forgotten. Continue reading Sacred Community
When Your Soul is Downcast: 5 Ways to Restore Joy
In the lovely, upside-down world of motherhood, there are countless moments with our littles (and not-so-littles) that ignite fear or worry. In my own mom-journey, ongoing anxiety has often led to a downcast soul.
As women with endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, sad, or simply heavy. This melancholy can range in severity—from feeling, “blue,” and being unable to pinpoint the exact cause, to feeling the crushing weight of difficult life events, including sickness, job loss, strained relationships, loss of a loved one, and more.
Thankfully, scripture reminds us that God is aware of our burdens—that He knows, and He cares. Continue reading When Your Soul is Downcast: 5 Ways to Restore Joy
Handing Over the Keys
There are events in life that parents contemplate as their children grow. Some are anticipated because they are announced before arrival—such as the many attempts by baby to roll over that lead to success, or the cranky baby before the first tooth pops up. Then there are the experiences we think are far into the future and there’s plenty of time to be prepared: Driver’s licenses, high school, college, and marriage. Sons and daughters, ready to take on the world, unaware of exactly what that means.
Blink your eyes and you’ll find your baby boy standing there, uncontrollable grin on his face, holding his brand new license, asking the question we dread. “Can I have the keys?” Continue reading Handing Over the Keys
The Truth about Mom-Guilt
The best way to experience freedom from the burden of mom-guilt is to recognize that God is in control.
Continue reading The Truth about Mom-Guilt
Heart & Soul {by J.D. Wininger • Guest Post}
Becoming a part of a genuine family taught me what a loving, nurturing, faith-driven family looks like. Continue reading Heart & Soul {by J.D. Wininger • Guest Post}
Remove the Sandals from Your Feet
Our most important responsibility as parents is to grow our personal faith in such a way that our children know we are always prepared to remove the sandals from our feet. As a result, the Holy Spirit will supply what we need to lead our children in much the same way Joshua led the people. Continue reading Remove the Sandals from Your Feet
in the Quiver 