My toddler grew extremely frustrated while we were grocery shopping a couple of weeks ago. About halfway through our trip she grew tired of walking, so I lifted her into the seat portion of the cart and she proceeded to buckle the safety belt. As she was doing this, I realized that the snap-fit buckle on the belt was damaged. Though it … [Read more...] about If You’d Just Let Me Help
Growing Spiritually
It’s Easy to Win When You’re the Only One Running the Race
My two-year-old sort of understands the idea of a race. She’ll zoom down the hall and around the living room before extending her hands and happily declaring, “I won!” She understands that one is supposed to run as quickly as he or she can, but she clearly doesn’t understand the concept of competition. She doesn’t understand that it is … [Read more...] about It’s Easy to Win When You’re the Only One Running the Race
Why It’s Important to Read About the Crucifixion
I’ve never been particularly fond of the Crucifixion accounts in the Gospels. I feel sad when I read them. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable when I read them. Why couldn’t the apostles have focused a bit more on the Resurrection and a bit less on Jesus’ suffering-filled death? As Easter approaches, I’ve been thinking about why it’s … [Read more...] about Why It’s Important to Read About the Crucifixion
How to Have a Hospitality-Ready Heart
Last week we looked at some ways to have hospitality-ready homes. I mentioned several practical strategies, but one strategy—preparing to welcome guests with genuine enthusiasm—is not practical. Instead, it relates to the state of our hearts. In trying to prepare my heart for hospitality, I’ve found it useful to consider some things … [Read more...] about How to Have a Hospitality-Ready Heart
Christ-Focused Easter Traditions
For many individuals, the term “Easter” conjures up images of candy-filled eggs, gift baskets, and an anthropomorphic bunny. These cultural traditions often overshadow the fact that Easter is a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. There is a lot of debate about the origins of these Easter traditions. Some historians cite evidence … [Read more...] about Christ-Focused Easter Traditions
6 Tips for Getting to Church On Time
There are a lot of families with young children in my church. These families are generally easy to identify because we’re the ones straggling in after service has begun! Being prompt is important to me, so I decided to take action when I realized we were falling into a pattern of arriving late for church. If your family struggles to … [Read more...] about 6 Tips for Getting to Church On Time
He’ll Catch You If You Fall
Do you ever hold back when pursuing the things you feel called to because you’re afraid you’ll stumble or fall? I sometimes do. I’ll become paralyzed by the doubts and concerns that swirl in my mind. What will happen if I fail? Will God be disappointed in me? Will my family and friends be disappointed in me? Perhaps I’m not really called to … [Read more...] about He’ll Catch You If You Fall
Thriving Amid the Messes of Motherhood
Being a mother means facing one mess after another. There are poopy diapers, floors covered in toys, appliances covered in greasy handprints, backseats strewn with snack crumbs, and bedsheets soiled with vomit. When I work to get one of these messes cleaned up, you can be certain my kids are busy making the others! Literal messes are … [Read more...] about Thriving Amid the Messes of Motherhood
