A couple of weeks ago my husband started a new job. Instead of seeing him off on his first day with a kiss and an encouraging word, I was asleep in bed. I felt awful when I woke up and realized I had slept through his departure! My 9-month-old daughter was going through a rough phase where she was waking about every two hours. Having … [Read more...] about Finding Peace with the Reality That You Can’t Do It All
spiritual growth
What Determines if Your Day Is Good or Bad?
If you’re anything like me and many people I know, you absentmindedly respond to questions about your day with words such as “fine” or “okay.” If you really take time to reflect on your day instead of automatically responding with one of these neutral words, what factors determine if your day is good or bad? I realized recently that I … [Read more...] about What Determines if Your Day Is Good or Bad?
Overcoming the Anxieties of Motherhood
It wasn’t until I saw a second line appear on a home pregnancy test that I began to understand just how much anxiety is associated with motherhood. At first it was concerns about the possibility of miscarriage, preterm labor, or stillbirth. These concerns soon gave way to fears about SIDS and apprehension about whether or not to sleep … [Read more...] about Overcoming the Anxieties of Motherhood
What’s Stealing Your Joy?
Sometimes in the midst of very joyful circumstances I find myself feeling disappointed, worried, or frustrated. It often seems like these joy-squelching emotions occur spontaneously. However, if I examine myself closely, I see that I have some habits that spur these feelings. Are these same habits diminishing your joy? Little habits … [Read more...] about What’s Stealing Your Joy?
Choosing What is Better: Finding Time to Spend With the Lord as a Busy Mom
Jesus, while in the home of Mary and Martha, commended Mary for listening at His feet and gently chided Martha for being distracted by all the preparations that had to be made (Luke 10:38-42). In years past it was easy for me to set aside time to read my Bible and pray each day, but now that I face the demands of marriage and motherhood … [Read more...] about Choosing What is Better: Finding Time to Spend With the Lord as a Busy Mom
The Miraculous in the Mundane
To the casual observer, the events that surrounded Jesus’ birth seemed pretty unremarkable—a man traveling with his betrothed, a full inn, and a babe lying in a manger. While I’m sure it was not routine for babies to be born in the stable of the inn every day, there was no impressive caravan or pageantry to accompany Jesus as He arrived. These … [Read more...] about The Miraculous in the Mundane
Be Grateful Throughout the Year
When I saw this meme on Facebook last November I was struck by its accuracy: I initially felt a little self-righteous as I read it. After all, I don’t complain on Facebook. In taking a good, honest look at myself, though, I see that my complaining occurs in person or via phone. What about you? Do you give thanks around the … [Read more...] about Be Grateful Throughout the Year
Scriptures to Calm Mom When Baby Won’t Stop Crying
It was just a short time ago that I shared a number of encouraging Bible verses for pregnancy. My pregnancy is now over so my ankles are no longer swollen, I can easily take a deep breath, and my hips no longer ache, but my need for encouragement is far from over. I’ve traded these challenges for new ones: crying, late night nursing … [Read more...] about Scriptures to Calm Mom When Baby Won’t Stop Crying
