We’re an artsy type of family—when my kids were little, on any given day, you’d find the table of our breakfast nook covered with paper, scissors, crayons, and the like. Now that they’re older, it’s covered with anything and everything they’re into this week. If you’d asked me years ago if I thought of our “family art” as something to celebrate, I’d probably laugh; but the Arkansas Art Center thought my kids’ art was something to celebrate! I’ll tell you more about why we were celebrating, but first, here are 3 ways to celebrate art with your children.   1. Let kids CREATE! Yes, creating ..read more

In moments of desperation, it’s common for our thoughts to spiral into negativity and fear. I’ve faced many such moments—concerns over my children, misunderstandings with my husband, and the overwhelming demands of daily challenges. It’s too easy to let these worries consume us. One of my most challenging seasons taught me a valuable lesson about refocusing my thoughts on God’s truth. Initially, Philippians 4:6-7 seemed to offer only temporary relief from anxiety. It wasn’t until I was deeply engaged with the Bible that I understood the necessity of replacing my worries with the Word of God ..read more

Let’s take a nostalgic journey together as I rewind to 2018, a year that was all about excitement and new beginnings in my homeschooling journey. I’m about to peel back the layers of time to unbox a homeschool curriculum that I hoped would revolutionize our educational adventures. With the anticipation of a child on Christmas morning, I carefully opened boxes filled to the brim with fresh books, innovative tools, and engaging materials, all promising to blend learning with fun. This flashback unboxing video isn’t just a stroll down memory lane; it’s a celebration of the moments that have shap ..read more

Last Sunday, as I chatted on the phone with a friend, she shared how overwhelmed she felt juggling life’s demands. She also told me about some of her inner struggles. It reminded me of how common it is to carry burdens that weigh down our spirits without realizing it.  Guilt and shame are emotions many of us grapple with. They can linger in the shadows of our lives, casting long, obscure shadows. Ignoring them isn’t the solution, as these emotions are signals—billboards, even—that something deeper needs addressing within us.   Here are practical steps to integrate confession into yo ..read more

I love making homeschool resolutions. And after almost three decades as a homeschool mom, I can see the benefit each year from evaluating the systems I use and making adjustments. Even tiny changes can reap big rewards. Let’s look at what’s worked to make our homeschool run smoothly.   Homeschool Resolutions I know it’s only a matter of time until summer—then I’ll be counting down the days until a new homeschool year starts! I love the beginning of the new school year. New school supplies, cracking open new books… I love learning right along with my children. Yet each year there are alwa ..read more

In a world that often seeks the extraordinary, there’s a peculiar charm in embracing the mundane aspects of our lives. Take, for instance, my penchant for America’s Test Kitchen. While some might consider this a rather dull facet of my personality, I find a unique joy in watching episodes of this cooking show, even those that are fifteen years old. This seemingly mundane interest made me consider what makes us happy and why. It wasn’t episodes of America’s Test Kitchen after all. Instead, it was considering the “test kitchen” of our hearts … and how to master the most important part of our liv ..read more

Today we’re talking about how to stop your child’s angry cycle. Once a child is angry, it’s easy for him to stay in a cycle of thoughts, emotions, and physical responses that feed his rage. Here’s what the angry cycle looks like and to stop the spiral.   How to Stop Your Child’s Angry Cycle The flash of anger in my tween daughter’s eyes surprised me. We’d been camping, and my 6-year-old had just burned her finger on hot ash. As I treat the wound, my older daughter strode toward us. “I hurt myself, too,” she said, with attitude. “Last night when we were making s’mores.” “Hold on,” I said ..read more

One night after dinner, I overheard my children debating whether Noah’s Ark could float with all those animals. Their curiosity and arguments made me chuckle. This interaction reminded me that faith can spark wonderful conversations and connect us meaningfully. Integrating faith into daily life can seem daunting for families looking to deepen their spiritual roots. Yet, it’s about creating moments for faith to grow, setting an example, and making faith a living part of everyday life. Here are eight practical tips to weave faith into your family life! 1. Set Aside Time for Family Devotions Cre ..read more

  This summer as your kids are searching for something to beat the boredom, it’s a great opportunity to teach your kids how to love their grandparents. Did you know? 10% of American children live with one or more grandparents. 1. Send them a letter. Even if they live nearby and even though it may cost mere cents, it’s still a grand gesture to send some snail mail. Toddlers can draw pictures (& moms can translate the picture if necessary.) Thanking them for their love and respecting their stories is always a beautiful thing to give elders. 2. Ask them questions. Asking anyon ..read more

In the journey of faith, “pressing forward” is a powerful call to action. It’s about moving towards the future with intention, guided by the divine purpose God has laid out for each of us. This call to action is beautifully encapsulated in Philippians 3:13, where the Apostle Paul talks about forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead. But what does it truly mean to press forward in our lives, especially when faced with the challenges and distractions of the modern world?       Finding Balance and Joy through God’s Guidance Recently, I had the opportunity ..read more