One of the realities of my life right now is that there is a dividing line that happens in almost every first/intro conversation I have with people (and this last year has included a lot of those)… The normally-progressing conversation that happens before… and then the shift that comes after… … people find out I…
God’s Kindness in a Year of Survival Mode
Throughout my life, I’ve experienced God’s kindness. Parents– I was raised by a dad and mom who knew God and taught me about Him, did the best they could with what they had, loved me well, and entrusted me to the big God that they themselves trusted. Teaching– teachers and professors who taught me to…
What to Do with a Discontent, Manipulative 9-year-old?
Q: “I need some serious advice here. My daughter is 9 years old but ever since she was very young like four years old, she has been very discontent. Nothing we try ever seems to make her happy. It’s like nothing is ever good enough. She takes little interest in any kind of extracurricular activity….
Q&A: How Do I Share What I’m Learning About Parenting With My Husband?
Q: How do you share with your husband what you are learning about teaching and parenting? I spend so much time learning how to be a better teacher and mom but I feel like his mindset about parenting is not growing like mine. I analyze my childhood and why I feel and do things that I don’t…
IS IT POSSIBLE to Shake Off the Materialism of Christmas?!?
Q: What do you do for Christmas celebrations? How do we get through without it being a focus on presents and stuff and food? Is it possible to shake off the materialism of this season? Sure, I have a few thoughts, in no particular order: #1- I don’t know how old your kids are, but…
Boys and Guns and Swords, OH MY!
Alfinda asks: Hi Jess. Can you also share some wisdom in the area of toys and imagination play for boys, i.e. Is it appropriate to let them play with pretend swords and guns? Sure! Yes, we allow pretend swords and guns. Here are the basic rules in our house (off the top of my head……
What Do You Give Up, In Order to Homeschool?
A friend recently asked this question: What do you give up, in order to homeschool? Yes, we GAIN a lot in return… but every homeschooling family weighs difficult choices, and makes real sacrifices, in order to make it happen. So what do you give up to make it happen in your home? Here’s my answer: A…
“If Every…” (a Self-Assessment for Christian Moms)
I like questions and ideas that help me be “have a sober estimate” of myself, like Romans 12:3 tells us to do. If you are a Christian mom, here are some questions you can consider, to help discern if you are being sober-minded and reasonable in your thoughts, words, and choices. Essentially, they all stem…
Beware the Mom Idol of Affirmation
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her…” In the human heart there is a desire to be blessed, to be loved, and to feel special… As moms, we long for what we do to really MATTER and be NOTICED. Especially in this modern age, moms are desperate for notice….
Every Mom is a Theologian
You are a theologian. And I am too. We may each be a good one, a subpar one, or a heretic, but we can’t get away from *having* a theology and bringing it to the table with each day of mothering. Who matters most in our theology? For many moms, the person who matters…