Laurel has had the hardest time adjusting to Lee being home. She’s just entering a stranger anxiety phase, so although she was happy to see Lee, she was also insecure around him. Good thing he understands babies and was nonplussed by her distress. She’ll be back to normal soon. The other kids seemed to take [...]

Filed under: Fear, Military Life

A dear friend from church met me at the airport today, dropped off Lee’s car for him, and drove us home in our van. Her action of love was a true encouragement. Instead of merely telling me I should depend on God rather than myself (a true statement) or reminding me that other mothers have [...]

Filed under: Fear, Military Life, Mom Time

Lee comes home tomorrow, so we’re on our way home today. I’m leaving some things I brought so I’ll only have one suitcase (plus the children’s small suitcases). I have yet to close the lid, so that should be a challenge. The children have done great, but I think they all are looking forward to [...]

Filed under: Attention, In the Car and on the Go, Military Life

I was the youngest of two children, and never felt left out as a middle child. But I’ve been watching my middle child and have noticed a tendency for her to get lost in the attention shuffle. David is easier to talk with; baby is the most demanding. Actually, I think most of the time [...]

Filed under: Child Development

One the way home from church Sunday, I asked the children about their Sunday school class. “Did you have fun?” seems to be the most natural thing to ask, but I’d rather ask “What was your lesson about?” or “What songs did you sing?” Bethel sang some song about a caterpillar, and I asked if [...]

Filed under: Communication and Meaning

When you think about sowing and reaping, what is the “reaping” part of rearing children for the glory of God? Well, the glory of God, of course. But we don’t see it that way, do we? We know that because, even though we may be faithfully obeying God’s word in teaching His ways to our [...]

Filed under: Introspection

Self, you’ve been writing mostly about your own spiritual life. Yes, that’s true, but it’s all about children, so that counts, doesn’t it? Well, when are going to get to the “talking about God” season of your parenting journey? Hey, isn’t it enough that I’m not yelling at the kids (most of the time)? I’m [...]

Filed under: Uncategorized

Last night as I lay with an inconsolable Laurel, trying to be spiritual, I decided I was thinking too much about myself. I started thinking about my friends who have been unable to conceive. Some who are longing for a husband. I thought of the mother whose child was abducted and murdered. I thought of [...]

Filed under: Mom Time

I wanted to talk about the fruit of the Spirit yesterday. David was having a tough time being patient with his sister. Several times he became angry when she didn’t move out of the way fast enough. But I didn’t know how to explain the fruit of the Spirit. He’s not saved, so all he [...]

Filed under: Getting Along

I’m a bit on the ragged edge because Laurel has not been feeling well (read: not been sleeping well) and I’ve honestly not been thinking on any of God’s thoughts except when I read the Bible. Now, I believe a busy mom can honestly say that she doesn’t have time to read the Bible like [...]

Filed under: Mom Time