Practice makes perfect. We know this is true for first steps, basketball shots, and multiplication tables. Practice means starting where we are with plans to improve. And when my large family decided to take on the challenge of going a year without grumbling (yes, really!), I knew it would take a lot of patience, a… [Continue Reading]
Children
Sight and Sound Theater and Canyon Retreat … the best of Branson for families!
Sight and Sound Theater and Canyon Retreat … the best of Branson for families! Are you a large family looking for the perfect getaway retreat? Our favorite place to vacation in is Branson, Missouri. Why we love Branson: Family-friendly atmosphere. Lots to do! We love Silver Dollar City, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Amazing Acrobats of… [Continue Reading]
Three Steps to Turn Grumbles Into Gratitude
Three Steps to Turn Grumbles Into Gratitude Did you know you can find deep contentment without spending a dollar or changing one thing about your day, your family or your life? In addition to this inner peace, you’ll have more joy, more gratitude and be a better example for your family and friends. How? By stopping… [Continue Reading]
What Miriam in the Bible Can Teach Us About Positivity
What Miriam in the Bible Can Teach Us About Positivity A few weeks ago I was talking with my friend, Joanna, sharing about some of my recent struggles, especially with my attitude. “I’ve always known you to be a positive person,” Joanna told me. I chuckled, “That’s because most of the time we spent together was before… [Continue Reading]
I Am Grateful For You
I Am Grateful For You Hi Friend, There are so many things I could share right now. 1. Why our large family took on the challenge of going grumble-free for a year. (We were pretty tired of all the grumbling in our home.) 2. How I drove by myself with five kids for six hours… [Continue Reading]
What Does God Ask of Us?
What Does God Ask of Us? So many times we want God to reveal Himself to us. We question if He is real. And if we do believe in Him, we expect Him to really put Himself on display in big ways. What I’ve discovered the 27 years since I’ve become a Christian is that… [Continue Reading]
6 Ways to Effectively Lead Young Children
6 Ways to Effectively Lead Young Children What does it mean for a parent to effectively lead a family with young children? The answer to that question has come to me through years of trial and error (mostly error). As a young mom, I didn’t give leadership much thought — I was just trying to… [Continue Reading]
Be The Change
Be The Change Lately, I’ve been thinking there’s a lot of things I’d like to change. 1) I’ve actively started exercising and using a food journal to lose weight and get in shape. 2) I’ve been trying to curb my spending. 3) And I’ve been learning to be more thankful. All of those things aren’t… [Continue Reading]
How to Pray for Your Child Each Day
How to Pray for Your Child Each Day So many times I find myself praying for the same things for my children. That they are healthy. That they are safe. That they are obedient. The other day I was reading the Bible, and I came upon Philippians 1:9-11: I pray that your love will overflow… [Continue Reading]
The ABCs of Safety & Manners
The ABCs of Safety & Manners One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made as a mom was to expect what I haven’t taught. I’d take my kids out and expect them to know not to ask the lady sitting next to us at the park for part of her lunch. Or expect them to know… [Continue Reading]
How to Stop Your Child’s Angry Cycle
How to Stop Your Child’s Angry Cycle The flash of anger in my tween daughter’s eyes surprised me. We’d been camping, and Maddie’s 6-year-old sister, Aly, had just burned her finger on hot ash. As I treated the wound, Maddie strode up. “I hurt myself, too,” she said, with attitude. “Last night when we were… [Continue Reading]