My husband and I just returned home from an amazing vacation where we took our children on a road trip through three states. Although we were exhausted from the busy activities, we're glad we made the sacrifice to go. Because time away from home is essential for families. But why? Does it really matter? Should it really be a priority to get away? When I was growing up, my family was poor. We didn’t have electricity or running water, and all wore hand-me-down clothes. Yet my mother always made sure we took little adventures such as tent camping or huckleberry picking. Although we never went more than a couple hours’ drive from home, I look back on my childhood with fondness rather than disappointment because of times like those. For a little while, I could forget about my troubles and just enjoy myself. In that moment, life was good! I’ve heard people make excuses about why they can never take a vacation. When I was first married I didn’t see why taking trips was a big deal, … [Read more...]
How Can a Busy Mom “Pray Without Ceasing?”
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - Ephesians 5: 16-18 God wants us to never stop praying - that part is easy to understand. But many women aren't exactly sure what that looks like. I remember hearing the term 'keep an attitude of prayer" and wondering what in the world that meant. It was during a study I did on prayer that I finally understood. God wants us to be mindful of Him, conscience that He's there. He wants us to talk with Him all day long. Not just about our problems, although He is there to help. He wants us to share our joys and gratitude, and to intercede for others. He is with us at all times; we just have to acknowledge Him there. For example, my husband and I recently purchased a new vehicle. For that first month after we drove it home, each time I climbed into that truck, I told God how awesome it was to drive a new vehicle, how much I loved seeing my husband's happiness, how … [Read more...]
How I Convinced My Kids To Stop Whining!
Very few childish behaviors are more annoying than whining. I don't know any mom who hasn't wanted to rip her hair out over this issue! Many of us don't have a clue how to stop it. But I found something that worked well in my family: I refused to acknowledge what they had to say if they whined. It's a simple matter of positive reinforcement. When they approached me in a respectful manner, I addressed their concern. When they whined, I refused to engage them in conversation. Whining comes naturally to children. We must teach them what is acceptable when they speak and what is not. By allowing a child to speak rudely and with a whiny tone of voice, by engaging them in conversation when they stomp their feet and shout at us, we show them this behavior is okay. But if we refuse to listen until they are calm and can speak kindly in a smooth tone, then they quickly learn that if they want their problem solved, they must approach us correctly. So what does that look like, … [Read more...]
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