I think we can all agree that motherhood is hard and life can bring out the worst in us. But culture would attest that if we have the right systems in place, we can always be the best version of ourselves. During an exercise program I recently worked out to, the trainer yelled, “Give me 30 minutes of your day, andI promise you’ll be a better person, wife, husband, or parent!” We’re told we’re in the driver’s seat. If we try a little harder, we’ll finally gain control over our circumstances, and ... [keep reading]
Seasons of growth: What gardening teaches us about time
I live a garden life. It began in my mid-20s with a few tomato plants set out in a Chicago community garden each May, and in my late 40s has grown into acres of green Pennsylvania ground where May planting is followed by summer color and autumn bounty and winter rest. I have always loved beauty and wanted more of it in my life. Living a garden life has allowed me to immerse myself in the beauty I crave, but it has also given me solid ground beneath my feet. No matter the season, my garden tells ... [keep reading]
Craft a love-filled charcuterie board for a sweet Valentine’s Day surprise
Cheese, chocolates, and juicy strawberries are symbols of true love, at least at the Grace-Filled Homestead. This board is filled with all the favorites for your loved ones. Board Ingredients: 1 Strawberry Brie Puff Pastry (recipe follows) 12 white chocolate–covered strawberries 2 cups puppy chow snack mix* 1 cup strawberry chocolate-covered pretzels 6 strawberry jam cookies Crackers or crusty bread *This is a premade coated-cereal snack also known as Muddy ... [keep reading]
How the Bible reframes our understanding of hard
All suffering is hard. But not all hard things are suffering. The Oxford English Dictionary says that to suffer is to “experience or be subjected to (something bad or unpleasant).” Conversely, a challenge is a “task or situation that tests someone’s abilities.” That’s a crucial distinction to make, especially when I’m seeking, first and foremost, to tackle the question of how to find the good in those testing circumstances rather than to solve the conundrum of why some of us suffer more than ... [keep reading]
3 ways to put kindness into action as a family
Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23, and it should be evident in our lives as Christian parents. Sin and our own weaknesses can make this a challenge, but that’s why we always need the same gospel we preach to our kids! The farmer’s experience is one that every family may struggle with from time to time, because it’s in our human nature to focus on self, self, and more self. Selfishness and pride are the antitheses of kindness, begging us to think, “What ... [keep reading]
Living unchained: Overcoming mom guilt and embracing God’s freedom
I have had days when I wake up early, teach my weight-training class, come home, feed my kids a nutritious breakfast, and then proceed to churn my way through homeschooling, emails, making food, nursing babies, reading to toddlers, housecleaning, giving my husband attention, and even texting my friends back in a somewhat timely manner, only to berate myself for having “failed” when I fall into bed, exhausted, at 11:00 p.m. with five things left undone on “my list.” That’s unwarranted mom ... [keep reading]
How God calls us beyond the trap of comparison
Our oldest son, Ethan, runs cross-country for his high school. He is fast, trains hard, and is eager to improve. One evening, Ryan, Audrey (our youngest), and I went together to watch Ethan race. It was a twilight run, starting at eight under the lights of an old high school field. Music blared and runners stretched and did warm-up laps around the track. The bleachers were peppered with parents in their down-filled puffer coats, holding umbrellas in case the clouds opened up. We caught up ... [keep reading]
Trusting God’s promises in life’s transitions
Lamentations in modern mom culture encourage us to find beauty in the mess. Influencers tell us we’ll gain endurance when we verbalize the good around us with gratitude: “Just be positive. You might be having a hard time getting back on your feet and finding joy after baby, but try to enjoy it anyway— you’ll cherish these years someday.” We’re tempted to look forward to what’s next, fixing our eyes on the prize—the end of the transition. We tell ourselves “This pregnancy is hard, but it will ... [keep reading]
Cozy up this winter with this roasted butternut squash soup recipe
When winter's chill sets in, nothing beats a bowl of rich, hearty soup. This roasted butternut squash soup, delivered with love by author Kathi Lipp, is the perfect choice for holiday gatherings or a cozy meal at home. Bring the comfort and flavor of the season to your table with this simple dish! Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 75 minutes Yield: 4 bowls or 8 cups Ingredients: 1 large butternut squash (3 lbs.) 2 T. olive oil, plus more for ... [keep reading]
Start your year right with these powerful one-minute prayers
Ready to set the tone for 2025? These three prayers, taken from One-Minute Prayers for a Woman’s Year by Hope Lyda, will help you start the year with purpose and peace. Abundance and Provision "Refreshment" You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor. Psalm 68:9-10 I grow weary on my journey sometimes. You have carried me often, Lord. I have felt used and useless when going ... [keep reading]
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