Family, Living intentionally, Marriage, Parenting, Relationships
If you’re like most people, you’re probably good at noticing when your spouse or children do something wrong or something that you don’t like. Let’s face it, we all have things that just drive us crazy! Sometimes we become so focused on the negative that we don’t stop to see the positive. We don’t even acknowledge what they “do right”.
You’ve probably been on the receiving end of that before. Nothing you do is good enough. Only the negative is acknowledged. Criticism. It makes you think, “Why bother…it won’t matter anyway.” Have you even been there? Ugh, not a good experience. (more…)
Adversity, Family, Grief, Parenting
David
I realized what I had just heard, and for a brief moment, the world around me stood still. At least, that’s what it felt like.
My oldest son, Isaac, is a college student majoring in both English and Theater. We went to his campus last week, about 4 hours away, to see his play. He had the lead role and we were really excited to see it. As I sat down in my seat to watch, I glanced at the cast list to see which students would be playing the various roles. Honestly, I mainly looked at the side with their real names and then did a quick glance at the character names. When I saw Isaac, I just scanned across the line and saw “Dr. Mortimore”. I didn’t pay attention to his character’s first name. (more…)
Being a Godly Woman, Family, Goals, Parenting
A week ago was the 2nd anniversary of my mom’s death. She had inflammatory breast cancer. I’ve thought about her quite a bit the past few weeks. I surely do miss her and over the past 2 years I have caught myself thinking that I would call her and tell her something a few times.
She loved life and was a lot of fun. My friends always liked her and enjoyed being around her.
Mom was always active in our schooling and activities when we were younger. She was my Pixie and Brownie leader, helped in Cub Scouts for my brother, and always volunteered as a room-mother. One time I came home from school and told her that I had invited friends over for a party that afternoon. I was only in 1st or 2nd grade and these “big plans” were made on the bus ride home. After explaining the situation and talking with the other moms, my mom actually did plan and host a big Valentine’s Party for us a few weeks later. It was a big hit and she went all out.
Those are just a few of the memories I thought about over the past few weeks. As I think back on all the memories with my own mom, there are some really funny stories as well as many other things that made a huge impact in my life. They made me stop and reflect on my own life as a parent. (more…)
Family, Life Purpose, Marriage, Parenting
What difference would it make if you knew your life purpose and lived intentionally, seeing each day as a gift, celebrating life, maximizing your relationships, and dedicating 100% of your life to God, bringing Him glory in all you do?
I read a great book this week. It’s 20,000 Days and Counting, by Robert D. Smith. It’s a simple book, and can be read in about an hour. When he wrote the book, at age 54, he had been alive about 20,000 days.
The idea is that life is short, yet each day is a gift you are given from God. Maximize each day and don’t waste a single second. What could you do with 20,000 days? How different would our lives be and how much would we accomplish if we lived each day on purpose? (more…)
Family, Marriage, Parenting, Relationships
Do you know your primary love language? Do you know the language of your spouse? Maybe you’re engaged. Have you learned your fiance’s primary love language?
What about the love language of your children?
Love languages are fun and can make a big impact on the dynamics in your relationships. I recommend the book The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman if you want an in-depth explanation and further information. It includes an assessment in the back for you to fill out and discover your language. There are also versions of the book for children and teens.
The idea is that everyone has an emotional need for love and we have an emotional tank that needs to be filled with love. We feel loved when others speak to us using our primary love language. When we feel loved, our tank is full. We’re affected by whether our love tank is full or not. Emptiness can lead to critical attitudes, withdrawal, harsh words, misbehavior, and negativity….to name a few.
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Adversity, Family, Grief, Parenting
I want to share a little of my own story and how loss has affected my life.
I don’t say it proudly, but very humbly—God has repeatedly allowed me to go through some difficult losses
I’ve mentioned a few of them in other blog entries before and on the pages with info about me. I really do think that part of my calling in life has been to learn to rely on God through suffering and then use that to minister to others, bringing them hope and encouragement in the midst of their pain and confusion. (more…)
If you’re like most people, you’re probably good at noticing when your spouse or children do something wrong or something that you don’t like. Let’s face it, we all have things that just drive us crazy! Sometimes we become so focused on the negative that we don’t stop to see the positive. We don’t even acknowledge what they “do right”.
