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The Gift of God’s Word

 

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As a sentimental softie, I am often struck by gifts that carry great personal meaning. I long to leave a legacy of faith, steadfastness and love for my children both in word and deed. The first time I traveled with my husband away from our children, I left personal letters in our file with the will and trust papers.  I couldn’t bear to consider what they would feel if tragedy struck us both without a written record of my deep, deep love for them.

A few years ago, I heard a mother share about giving each of her children a Bible when they reached adulthood. This is a special and meaningful gift.  But she also mentioned that she wrote in the Bibles, took notes, and highlighted special verses.  This got my attention!

Continue reading…

Tips On Memorizing Scripture With Children!

Tips On Memorizing Scripture With Your Children!

How can a young man keep his way pure?
            By keeping it according to Your word.

With all my heart I have sought You;
            Do not let me wander from Your commandments.

Your word I have treasured in my heart,
            That I may not sin against You.” ~Psalm 119:9-11

I’ve always loved the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who, when she visited her cousin Elisabeth who was also miraculously with child, couldn’t stem the tide of scripture and praise that came bubbling up from her young soul. What a picture of being full to overflowing with the Lord (in more ways than one!) and what an example to all of us of what we surely need to be filling our own hearts with.

You’ve probably listened in awe yourself to a child reciting scripture at some point–whether at some church awards ceremony, a homeschool event, or maybe at the end of your local VBS week. It’s pretty awe-inspiring to hear little lips quoting verses, passages, even chapters! And recently Ann Voskamp, Beth Moore and many others have spearheaded movements among many adults to follow the little one’s example–a wonderful reminder, to be sure. Why is it, I wonder, that we encourage our children to do so many things we ourselves don’t do? Ahhh, but that’s another post. ;-)  

When my older children were younger children (it seems many moons ago!) memorizing scripture was part of our homeschool curriculum planning guide, and so it was quite easy to remember to actually do it (ahem). Life has gotten topsy-turvy since then, and I’m sorry to say that memorizing scripture has been moved to a back burner. I thought perhaps some of you sweet mamas out there might also need some encouragement and ideas to help you as you endeavor to add scripture memory to your own family habits, so here are a few tips and thoughts from our house to help along the way! Continue reading…

What Elderly Tennis Players Can Teach Us About Motherhood

Anyone for tennis?

I play tennis.

Post-kids, I play a couple times a year. But there was a season in life when I played ALL. THE. TIME

I was possibly a bit obsessive.

My family stayed in a condo every year for the 4th of July. They’d head to the water. I’d hit the courts. By myself.

There wasn’t a backboard to hit against, so I’d pick up a ball and hit a cross court forehand. I’d pick up another ball and hit a forehand down the line. On and on. Different shots. One at a time.

Then I’d go and pick them all up. For three or four hours, I’d do this. All weekend long.

Like I said, obsessive. Continue reading…

More Featured Blog Posts

Don’t Listen to the Grey Questioner

"Stop Doubting and Believe" John 20:27 Recently I have been reading  a delightful old book to my son, Jack,  called "Sir Knight of the Splendid Way." It is one of our favorites that I have found myself wanting to re-read to him so he would remember it. I … Continue reading...

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When a Band Aid Is Not Enough

  We had been looking forward to Mary's games all week. Our family had special plans to see Mary play then go out for a nice dinner together which for a big family is a big deal...at least financially. My oldest daughter was bringing her boyfriend. My … Continue reading...

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Deepening Friendships (Upon Leaving My Friends)

It's late at night and I've just returned from a visit to an Urgent Care center with my son who was showing some troubling symptoms. On my way there, one of my close friends got wind of what was happening and within moments of sitting down in the waiting room, … Continue reading...

preggo bea

Happy Mothers Day

Being a mother is one of God's most gracious gifts! I Samuel 1:27 "For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:"   Whether you are a mother through birth or adoption, whether God has allowed you to be … Continue reading...

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The Amazing Design and Call of Motherhood and Mother’s Day Giveaway!

Those who made me a mother–Sarah, 29; Nathan, 24; Joy, 18; Joel, 26 (This is one of my favorite pictures with all four in the mountains on our yearly family day!) As I look upon the landscape of our culture, more than anything else, adults who love God … Continue reading...

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What are you whispering in your children’s ears?

I caught myself whispering into my youngest daughter’s ear last night as I rocked her to sleep…. "I love you, Brinnley. Mommy loves you, daddy loves you and most importantly Jesus loves you.” I just kept saying the same words over and over again as she … Continue reading...

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For Lone Ranger Moms

The black and white rerun flashed and flickered on the television set and by the time the credits were running, my mind was on another path – connected thoughts, but very different. The classic show was The Lone Ranger; my thoughts were about us, as … Continue reading...

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