Sometimes, Mama, you have to forgo the typical way of doing things and forge your own path. Maybe that’s doing schoolwork outside (or up a tree). Maybe it’s leaning on frozen food or paper plates instead of choosing between takeout and homemade. Maybe it’s napping on a Sunday afternoon—or sleeping late on a Saturday morning.Continue reading “Forge Your Own Path”
Category Archives: Values
Stop Watching & Start Living
Sometimes we spend so much time looking at what others are doing that we never get to the “living” ourselves. How’s your week going, Mama? Are you living the life you’re called to, or are you watching others live theirs while you scroll and wish things were different? Here’s a gentle nudge to start livingContinue reading “Stop Watching & Start Living”
Embracing the Less Than Perfect
Shout out to all the Mama’s embracing the less than perfect. To the ones whose backyards are far from Instagram worthy (hello, fellow city dwellers!), but get daily use, making mud pies and staining knees, patchy grass and all. To the ones who don’t have the dreamiest toys, but whose kids’ imaginations have the freedomContinue reading “Embracing the Less Than Perfect”
A Simple Family Easter Tradition
Hey Mama, it’s almost Easter weekend. How are you going to share the Good News with your children this weekend? In our family, we set a simple table for Easter morning breakfast that always points to Him and His story. Sometimes there’s candy. Sometimes not. There’s almost always a sign something like the one picturedContinue reading “A Simple Family Easter Tradition”
Kings Day Epiphany
Happy Kings Day. Feliz Día de Los Reyes. In our family, today is the final day of Christmas; and the day our kids give and receive their gifts. The star 🌟 is removed from the tree and hidden, and the children dress as the Magi or Wise Men, prepare a gift for Jesus, (often makingContinue reading “Kings Day Epiphany”
Today is a Fresh Start
Today is January 4th—how are you doing on those goals and resolutions, Mama? I relish the “fresh start” of a new year each January 1st; actually, I am thankful for all fresh starts! My kids often repeat to each other what I’ve said to them since they were babies, “tomorrow morning is a brand newContinue reading “Today is a Fresh Start”
Twenty Years Ago…
Twenty years ago today, he asked me to be his girl, and prayerfully walk towards marriage together. Twenty years later, 2 college degrees, 2 masters degrees, 6 kids (5 this side of Heaven), 2 ministry calls (in vastly different communities) in which we have loved & engaged deeply, and 17 & 1/2 years of marriageContinue reading “Twenty Years Ago…”
The Gift of Waiting
It’s Advent, Mama. The time of year when we wait in hopeful anticipation for the coming of the Redeemer, the One who will save the world. It certainly seems like this year, more than any other year that I can remember, that our broken world desperately needs a Savior. I’m not one for waiting. IfContinue reading “The Gift of Waiting”
Purchases and Your Values
Good Morning, Mama. It’s Cyber Monday, and we’re just past Black Friday. What are you investing in? We have been saving gift cards for awhile now, and just purchased some patio furniture and a gas fire table. In November. In New Jersey. What might seem like a waste of our precious little resources to someContinue reading “Purchases and Your Values”
Next Door Hope 