One of the last things our son wanted to do as a family, before leaving for bootcamp, was watch Master and Commander. I’m not generally a fan of Russell Crowe, but that movie is phenomenal. Many times over, it’s clear: it’s not human cunning, nor the battle plan, but providence, that guides one’s path along…
Author: Jess Connell
The Constancy of Change in Motherhood
“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” — Heraclitus of Ephesus Year by year, changes come. And not merely in fashion, home decor, vehicle design, or celebrity culture. The very common fact of change touches the most simple and central things…
I’m Currently “Writing” By Vlogging
Readers, I want to invite you to come check out my YouTube channel. Right now, I’m releasing 4 episodes a week. Here’s today’s video, ONE DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LARGE FAMILY MOM (from start to finish): And last week, a vlog about a decision our oldest son is making: These videos chronicle life…
FIVE VLOG Episodes: Check ‘Em Out!
So, if you haven’t heard yet, I’ve started a new vlog. We got kunekune piglets, and then had baby chicks, and we’ve got toddlers-preteens-roosters-chores-birthdays-almostadultkids… and more. And I want to get better at video editing, so I decided to dive right into this whole vlogging thing. Here are the first FIVE episodes: EPISODE ONE: An…
I Started VLOGGING!! // Quick Update
Hey everyone, Life has been crazy. We moved into a different house here on the camp where my husband works, AND we have two hens that went broody & one of them has hatched eggs, AND we bought 4 kunekune (small, grass-eating, friendly) pigs. But amidst the crazy-wonderful-craziness, I realized that I have this…
Build Now or Regret it Later: A Letter to Mothers of Young Children
“The mother who takes pains to endow her children with good habits secures for herself smooth and easy days; while she who lets their habits take care of themselves has a weary life of endless friction with the children.” ~Charlotte Mason Dear Mom of young children, Do you realize the incredible power you have…
KNOW YOUR BIBLE: 12 Ways to Improve Your Swordsmanship, part 2
Too often, I wait to FEEL like reading the Bible, rather than doing it wholeheartedly & seeking to grow in my understanding and dependency on God’s Word. In part 1, I shared 6 ways I’ve grown in “using my sword” (God’s Word). Here’s part 2, with 6 MORE practical ideas for you. #7- Hand-copy the…
KNOW YOUR BIBLE: 12 Ways to Improve Your Swordsmanship, part 1
Let me something painful but honest. The truth is: there are many days when I just don’t desire to read God’s Word. In fact, over the past few years, there have been weeks at a time where I have had almost no desire to read or study my Bible. It’s embarrassing. But maybe you can…
Weak, Cracked Pots.
Weak. It’s not what we want to be. It’s far more glamorous to be strong. Able. Buff. Ripped. Cut. Well-off. Certain. Capable. Adept. Fierce. No one enjoys being the needy one. The one asking for things. The one with nothing to contribute. There’s ease in being the one with enough margin, enough wisdom, enough financial…
What Many Parents Get Wrong About “Strong-Willed” Children
There’s a common response I receive from younger moms, after they hear/read my no-nonsense advice about tantrums, attitudes, and arguing. “I bet you haven’t actually had a strong-willed child.” “I don’t think this will work; maybe my kids are more strong-willed than yours.” “You have a lot of kids, but have any of them been…