PRINTABLE Love & Encouragement Notes
It’s back-to-school time again and I know there’s some kiddos (or adults!!) out there that need some words of affirmation and encouragement. I think of these words: “The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:21 & 24 ESV I made some simple printable cards you can use to share some sweet, life-giving words wtih your kiddos. This file is...
You know in those home improvement shows when the homeowners decide to move into the house during remodeling? It’s usually highly stressful and a big mess. God is a little like that in that when He adopted me as His daughter, He took on the project of lifetime. But He doesn’t wait to make His home in me until I’m cleaned up and complete. The Holy Spirit took up residence in me long ago when He made me His...
I was driving home from my favorite discount grocery store and heard the Casting Crowns song, “Thrive,” playing on the radio. This chorus ends with this: “We know we were made for so much more / Than ordinary lives / It’s time for us to more than just survive / We were made to thrive.” I like the song, but weary from another long week with the kiddos, I thought of how my days don’t look like thriving, and they...
My kiddos (mostly the four-year-old) have said some pretty funny things over the last few months. I jotted them down so I could share some of with you. . . . Anna (four years old): “Can I have some honey mustard for my apples?” . . . Anna: “My stomach hurts. It has a headache.” . . . Anna: “Mom, how do you say ‘I love you”? Me: “I . . . love . . . you . ....
It was a rough day in the world in the world of mommying. I like things nice and neat, but nothing about this day was nice and neat. I like things orderly, calm, sweet–a hearts and flowers kinda girl. You can probably guess that today was none of those things. You think you’re a calm, patient, reasonable person who has attained some level of maturity, and then God puts you in the role of training and raising up adorable little...
We sure need good news in our house. We’re experts at sinning and wanting our own way (especially me!). We need rescue. We need for Jesus to work in our hearts through His Spirit. We want to obey God, but we find we’re very resistant! I’ve been thinking about ways we can share the Good News with our kids–here at home and at church. With my kids, a combination of both art and music have been great tools for...
I impressed myself this morning. I was the mom I know I can be if I just pull it together. I didn’t yell ALL morning. I controlled my twitches of anger when one little miss took almost two hours to stuff a pile of clean clothes in her dresser. I used my best calm mommy voice. I let them paint. Post-nap I let myself down. I blame it on the new sprinkler, which was supposed to be highly entertaining....
My five-month is in a funny stage. He just learned to turn over and can’t stop now, even though he really doesn’t like to sleep that way yet. There’s been a lot of crying and training this last week. My four-year-old is in a stage too (oh my). She insists on “big sister rest time” now and wants to give up naps, but by five in the evening, she’s an emotional mess (and so am I). If she gets worn...