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Is Jesus Enough?
“And my God will meet all of your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19 (New International Version) If it were just me and Jesus, would it be enough? I’ve been challenged by this question lately. Lately I’ve found myself getting...
When You’re THAT Loser Mom
“Brenda, are you picking the kids up?” my friend called me on the phone. I forgot I had volunteered to drive the carpool to 4-H that night--what a loser mom. And I thought I was doing great. I had muffins in the oven, was ready to put the fish in the broiler. The...
Your Great Reward in Times of Waiting
Do not be afraid. I am your shield, your very great reward. Genesis 15:1 God promised He would make Abram into a great nation. He told Abram He would be his great reward. And Abram was honest with God. "What can you give me since....""You have given me no...
5 Truths for Discouragement
There's pain in my chest tonight. I first called it stress. Then I called it hurt. Then disappointment. Then discouragement. Then, I realized it's all of those things--the things a mother feels for her child, only a little deeper. Perhaps a lot deeper. It's an ache...
Special Words to Working Moms
A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30b I’m often asked, “How do you do it all?” When I went from being a stay-at-home-mom to working full-time as a teacher with four growing children, it was a rude awakening. Here are some words of wisdom to...
10 Lessons Learned From Live TV
I had the privilege of interviewing on The Harvest Show about my book, Balance, Busyness and Not Doing It All last week. While I was excited to be on live TV, a million fears preceded the morning: What if I say something stupid? What if I ramble and sound like a...
5 Parenting Principles for 2016
The new year brings reflections. Those of you parenting kids of any age, here are five essential parenting principles I’ve learned make a difference in the life of a child. Lessons children learn are often things we minimize. As my children are reaching adulthood,...
The Orphan Spirit and All the King’s Orphans
This Saturday, Jan. 9, from 12-2 pm at the Red Wagon in the Davis Mercantile, Shipshewana, IN, I'll be doing another book signing of Balance, Busyness, and Not Doing It All with fellow local author Lynette Carpenter. I've heard so many good things about Lynette over...
7 Tips for Healthy Teen Friendships
My youngest, a high school Freshman, had seven of his friends stay over recently. Some of them have been friends since 2nd or 3rd grade, others since 5th or 6th. They've made it through middle school. And they respect each other. Each of my four kids have had good...
4 Things When Asking God, Where Are You?
What do you do when God feel like he’s abandoned you? Here are 4 things to do in response to emotions and despair.
5 Truths for Raising Daughters
"I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel. I am to be their possession." Ezekiel 44:28 This verse has solidified my resolve of raising daughters in today’s culture. Leaving God as your daughter’s inheritance is the...
30 Days of Real & Why My Perspective’s Changing
In the land of busyness, I've been quiet. I haven't blogged as much, nor have I Periscoped as often. My emails aren't all answered, and my phone social media has been off. Because my perspective is changing. If I could retitle my book, it'd be "Best, Not Next." In...