"And her offspring will crush the head of the serpent…" (Genesis 3:15) The opening three chapters of Genesis are known to most of us for their purpose in describing the origin of life, and establishing the character of God as creator. The depth of these few chapters; however, is as unending as God ... read more
Sowing Seeds of Prayer for Our Children
I first started praying for my son Aviel (and any brothers or sisters yet to come) when I was twenty, seven full years before he was born. (Aviel, pronounced ah-vee-EL, is a Hebrew name meaning "My father is God.")Honestly, I wish I had started sooner! In my early single days, it simply never ... read more
Long Days of Small Things: Motherhood as a Spiritual Discipline
Forget meditating (I can’t remember what I’m looking for in the fridge, much less what I read three days ago), fasting (I’ve been pregnant or nursing or both for the past six years), or silence (does that even exist anymore? I’ve forgotten). As much as I miss spiritual disciplines, I just . . . ... read more
Where are the Spiritual Mothers? A Titus 2 Vision for Friendship
"I just need some help."This wasn't the first time total and utter exhaustion had settled in. Being pregnant with number three made for many challenges while chasing a toddler and spending countless hours on the city bus getting my bigger one to school."Can you call someone to come over?" my ... read more
best parenting books hand-picked by moms like you
I gave up on parenting books years before I became a mother. While many of my friends were devouring them in stacks, I found myself wandering a maze of conflicting opinions and parenting style wars that ranged from mild eye-rolling to outright heated controversy between people in my circles. And the ... read more
books on motherhood that have challenged me
Now I know why my mom never really finished books when we were growing up. Because now I have those same stacks of half-finished books everywhere -- by the bed, near the couch, on my desk beneath my Bible. Each one is supposed to inspire me just by sitting there, right? Can I absorb traits of ... read more
books for when motherhood becomes a full-time job
When my eldest children grew out of naptimes and into kindergarten, I hit what I call "full-time motherhood". Truth is, when they nap, you get a break; when they don't nap, you don't. I was facing more than twelve hours a day caring for children whose needs and desires were maturing beyond food and ... read more
Five Books I Wish I’d Read as a Young Mom
As a young mom, I would browse the parenting section of our local Christian bookstore only to become overwhelmed by all the choices. Brightly colored covers offered a new kid by the end of the week and tips on how to parent without going crazy. Other titles offered comfort with their claims to teach ... read more
Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart
I have long wanted to be the parent who doesn’t just dole out punishments when my children disobey. My goal isn’t to produce a little army of “yes men” who blindly obey anyone in authority. I want to raise confident, competent adults who have the inner strength to honor God regardless of what the ... read more
Devotionals for Busy Moms
I used to devour books by the dozens. I’d read theology, fiction, memoirs—whatever I could get my hands on.Except one thing.I didn’t ever read devotionals.(Well, except that one time I picked up a Guideposts and read the whole years’ worth in one sitting.)The problem was they only ... read more
