Joy in the Heart

This week Mick and I saw ‘Little House on the Prairie’ DVDs advertised on sale. What I always loved about this show was the way Christian faith was lived out in daily lives in a simple and honest way. ‘Little House on the Prairie’ also brings back memories as it was a show we watched regularly with our family. Some time back we’d bought series 1 and 2 but not the rest. This week we could only buy series 3. The others were sold out. Obviously we’re not the only ones who like it. As we watched, I said to … Continue reading →

What Do You Do on Sunday Afternoons?

Sunday afternoons are one of my favorite times during the week. Do I go somewhere exciting? Do I enjoy my favorite hobbies or sports? Not really. Sunday afternoons are for rigorously structured laziness. Our family doesn’t make plans, we don’t take trips, we use them instead, for rest and relaxation. In a society that sees church attendance as less and less of a priority, Sundays have become simply another Saturday. People go to the malls, meet with friends, work on their houses, go to parties and stay out late. In our family, Sundays are a day in which we avoid … Continue reading →

Surviving the Holidays with Dysfunctional Family: Going Home with the Right Heart

Hopefully your visit with family brings new light to those who don’t yet know Jesus. I really sincerely pray your family is intrigued by what is “different” in you. This has always been my hope for my husband and me as well. I really feel if I hadn’t been a Christian, there would really be no in point visiting certain people. I know the Lord was encouraging us to press on and pray. He wanted us to trust He was with us. We never left families’ homes without something to pray for. There is a time to say enough is … Continue reading →

Surviving the Holidays with Dysfunctional Family: Tactless Comments and Rude Behavior

So you’ve prepared for the battle zone knowing you don’t go it alone, but with Christ in your heart. Fear and anxiety overcome you as your vehicle rolls up to your family’s home. You say a quick prayer, “Lord Jesus, go before me now; help me to speak only what You would have me speak. Help me to see these people through Your eyes.” You walk in the door and are greeted by smiles and a couple hugs. Seems everyone has made themselves at home chatting, eating their deviled eggs and veggie assortment; yes, everyone seems comfortable and content except … Continue reading →

Surviving the Holidays with Dysfunctional Family: Preparation

I’m creating a three part survival kit here. Perhaps you can relate to this family’s situation: The holiday time seemed to be more stress than enjoyment with one couple. Since decreasing contact with some of their extended family, and spending more time with the other, things have been a tad more peaceful. Prior to having children, a certain young couple was able to endure, hoping the current year would be better than the prior one. The wife watched her husband become moody every year around November due to the stress of the upcoming visits. After the gatherings (usually around Christmas … Continue reading →

6 Ways to Promote a Good Marriage Relationship

I know that I have not been married for too long (just under three years). However, I feel I have grown and learned a few things in my short time as a wife. Here are a few things I have discovered that positively affect my relationship with my husband. Notice the little things. Typically, when I think of “noticing the little things” I have an image of a man not noticing his wife’s dramatic hair cut, or a completely rearranged house. However, it is important to notice the little things, for instance, if your spouse does a chore you normally … Continue reading →

Top Ten Most Fun Parts Of Being A Mom

Being a mom is so much fun! In the midst of the daily grind, it’s easy to forget that. Not only is it fun, but an hour spent devoted to enjoying your children is an investment that will impact the future generations. When we take time to play with our kids, we win their hearts and we build memories that they will cherish forever. I made out this top 10 list for a friend a few years ago. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if I shared it with you all. This is just to put things in perspective and to … Continue reading →

Moms- The Importance of Sitting Still

I once heard somebody define being a grown up as coming to the place where you not only take care of yourself, but you take care of others as well. If this is the case, then just about all of my growing up has taken place over the past ten years. When I was single, I could barely take care of myself. I was notorious for missing appointments because I forgot about them. I couldn’t keep my room clean, I was overwhelmed by a week’s worth of laundry and a healthy meal was pizza with green peppers or mushrooms on … Continue reading →

Focusing on Family

I truly believe that one of the areas in which America is failing the most is with the family. Families are becoming less and less important in today’s society. American culture teaches that being out in the world is so much more important than being with one’s family. Life in America focuses on education, work, sports, television, music, movies, cars, and money, just to name a few things. While none of the things I just mentioned are bad or evil, they often grab one’s focus in life over more important things, such as family. Spending time together as a family … Continue reading →

Creation Crafts

I thought that in conjunction with my blog over the Biblical account of creation I’d share with you some crafting ideas. I must admit that I really don’t have many creative bones in my body (although I do try) so I adapted some of these ideas from things I found while browsing around on the internet. A Creation Book Have your children draw pictures for each of the days of creation on separate pieces of paper. You might even encourage older children to write in the description that corresponds with that particular day of creation. Bind the pages in any … Continue reading →