Tag: Parenting

Strengthening the Bow

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

Shelley Pierce6 Comments
Strengthening the Bow

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

Sylvia Schroeder4 Comments
Strengthening the Bow

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

Leigh Ann Thomas7 Comments
Forging Arrows

Be on Your Guard: Parenting in a Changing Culture

We as parents and grandparents see the off-kilter flight of moral stability in our world. Our eyes may have drooped with indifference and weariness. A following generation will pay for those moments of sluggish non-awareness.

We are in a battle against disengagement’s thick wool of sleep. We must remain alert. We cannot underestimate as naïve children, the magnitude of the moment. 

What can we do to stay awake? Continue reading Be on Your Guard: Parenting in a Changing Culture

Sylvia Schroeder10 Comments