One of my favorite Christmas memories growing up was the candlelight service at my church. Each year the lights would dim, and the glow of candles created a magical scene while we sang “Silent Night.” No instruments played in the background, and no words flashed on the screen. It was a simple moment that reminded us of the quiet, unassuming night when a world-changing Savior was born. Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright. I wish all Christmas memories could be that ... [keep reading]
Spend a Silent Night Celebrating Jesus This Christmas
In our house Christmas starts the day after Halloween. No, we’re not those people—you know, the kind of people who put up a giant lit-up Santa in the front yard weeks before Thanksgiving (wink). Rather, my husband and I have a conversation in early November about the upcoming holiday season, and we make a plan. My husband is a pastor, which makes the Christmas season extra, extra busy. Not only do we have the regular family holiday activities—decorating, dinner planning, gift buying, and ... [keep reading]
The Case for Charity and How to Give It
Leviticus 25:35-38 reads, “If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.” *** Four years ago my husband lost his job. I was a stay-at-home ... [keep reading]
How to Adopt a Heart of Thanksgiving All Year Long
Whenever anyone would ask me as a kid what my favorite holiday was, I always answered with an eager exclamation “THANKSGIVING!” I literally could not contain my excitement as I said my answer with confidence. I knew they expected what most kids might say—Christmas—but even as a young child, there was something I held dear about Thanksgiving. It was a special time for our entire family and distant relatives to come together and share a special meal around the table. Just the mere thought of it ... [keep reading]
Where Does Thankfulness Start?
Have you ever noticed that your attitude sets the tone for your whole house? There are many days when I wish that wasn’t the case. Days when I’m worn out and tempted to grumble about it. Days when traffic makes me want to vent. Days when I don’t feel like doing laundry or dishes or mothering. If only I could wear a sign on my forehead that says, “Mom’s positive attitude is taking the day off. Check back tomorrow.” But the reality is being an example to my kids is a task that never ... [keep reading]
Leading Your Kids Through Connection
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) I used to think that this Scripture meant that if I raised my children “right,” they would never get in trouble, never suffer, never make poor choices, never be unkind, never part from the Lord, and never question their faith. I misunderstood. I have eight children. Two of them are grown adults, three are teens, and three are preteens. I have done everything in my power to “raise ... [keep reading]
What Would Your Best Thanksgiving Look Like?
It’s the typical Thanksgiving dinner scene: A family gathered around a table digesting turkey, mashed potatoes, pecan pie, and all the other things that come with holiday get-togethers. You know what I’m talking about—the family dynamics. Thanksgiving is an awesome holiday, but let’s face it, some of us just don’t want to go there. It can be anything but a time of celebration. For many it can invoke painful memories, disappointment, or feeling like you “have to” sit through somber family ... [keep reading]
Teach Your Kids the Right Way to Restore Relationships
“I hate you!” I couldn’t believe my ears as I heard my nine-year-old son scream this for the first time ever at his younger sister. To give you some context, dare I say she probably deserved it? And before you think I’m a terrible mom, let me explain why. My son is probably the most sensitive, easy-going boy you will find. He loves to snuggle and is very compassionate. So, to hear him loose his temper and yell at his sister meant there was likely a good explanation. As I headed toward the ... [keep reading]
Enter Our Crock-Pot Giveaway + Get This Delicious Fall Recipe to Try
To celebrate the release of Shay Shull's latest cookbook, Mix-and-Match Mama Meal Planner, here's a scrumptious slow cooker recipe that's perfect for a fall day. And even better, you can enter to win a Crock-Pot. It's easy. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for instructions on how to enter. Take it away, Shay! BBQ Apple Chicken Sandwiches I just adore a slow-cooker meal that is super simple and waiting when I'm ready to eat. Apples, onions, and slow cookers are staples at our house in ... [keep reading]
Rediscover the Beauty of the Bible
Most mornings when I wake up, the first thing I do is reach for my phone. I mindlessly thumb through messages and news feeds, eventually (maybe) opening the daily devotion app tucked away on the front screen. The problem is, when I’m attached to technology, I find that my connection to God weakens. A while back I sat next to a dear woman at church named Sue. She’s in her golden years, twice widowed, and knows the Bible front to back. As we listened to the sermon, she filled the margins of her ... [keep reading]
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