Hands Full of Blessings! 

Sharing Some of My Blessings With You.

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The Spirit is Willing

by | March 29, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

Recently I got myself into a little bit of drama… I mean I had good intentions, but the execution was just horrible. I was in the wrong and I knew it. The guilt ate me alive. I wanted to just shrink up and hide for a month. Then this urge inside me to fight, defend,...
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Let His Light Shine!

by | March 15, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

This morning as I was opening up my blinds, it was still dark outside. Instead of the light coming inside, my light was going outside. Immediately the Light of the World popped into my head. Jesus said He was the Light of the World. John 8: 12 records, “Again Jesus...
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Really? Pray for Her?

by | February 5, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

I had this colleague a while back that drove me nuts. Seriously. I was in my fourth-year teaching third grade when she joined our small school from a large public school where she had previously taught third grade for 10 years. To make it more interesting, her...
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Peace

by | February 4, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

If your peace is disrupted, go spend time with Jesus. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).” Jesus said it- We have peace in Him. Jesus also...
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What’s in Your Cup?

by | February 3, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

As most of you know I have six kids that I homeschool. One of the biggest reasons we continue to homeschool is flexibility. Simply put- I do not want to be on other people’s schedules. I enjoy the flexibility in our time. This school year we joined a Community Bible...
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Partial Obedience

by | January 3, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

My current Bible study hit me hard with this truth- Partial obedience is disobedience. If I tell my kid to go clean his room, and he only picks up his dirty clothes- has he been obedient? No, he still has toys all over the place. Why do I treat God that same way?...
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My Mini-Me???

by | December 27, 2023 | Faith | 0 Comments

Everyday people tell me one of my kids looks just like me. And often we talking about my daughters, they will say she's my mini-me. And don't get me wrong- I love to hear that and see the resemblance. (Though I don't love when their attitudes remind me of a...
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The Shepherds

by | December 24, 2023 | Faith | 0 Comments

The Christmas Story is found in 2 of the 4 Gospels but requiring both to show our modern-day Nativity Scene representing the first people to witness the Savior of the World. (By the way there is no way that’s what it actually looked like… but not the point of this...
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Presents Only IF You’re Good

by | December 15, 2023 | Faith | 0 Comments

I'm really struggling with this Christmas idea- be good and get gifts. Be bad and lose your gift. That's not Christian at all. In fact the Bible says, "There is no one righteous, not even one." (Romans 3:10) No one is good. No one deserves the gift. And we all deserve...
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The Gingerbread Gospel

by | September 21, 2023 | Faith | 0 Comments

Once upon a time a Baker lived in a cottage on a hill. In his kitchen, he enjoyed creating fresh treats filling the house with sweet smells of sugar and spice.  However, the Baker wanted to show his love in a bigger way. He decided to create a cookie which looked...
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More on the Blog

A Dream Come True

by | January 21, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 0 Comments

This moment… this moment, right here, is something I have been dreaming about for almost three years. But let me tell you a secret… 3 ½ years ago, it wasn’t even on my bucket list. This is 100% a dream God put on my heart, and He gave me the super-human strength to...
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It’s Launch Day!!!!

by | February 25, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 0 Comments

Today is the day! Daughters of The King: A Princess Problem with Envy is now available for purchase through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You can also order through the publisher, Grackle Publishing. Please help me spread the word about this book, the series, but most...
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Book Update!!!

by | January 14, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 2 Comments

Coming soon! Book 1- Daughters of The King: A Princess Problem with Envy Release date: February 25, 2020 You can pre-order on Amazon now! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1951620003 Please tell all your friends who have daughters in the age range of 2-8! Also, please leave...
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God is Faithful!

by | September 3, 2019 | Books, Growing in Faith, Popular Post | 8 Comments

I’m getting published!!! I’m so excited to share this news. However, it doesn’t seem right to share this news without sharing how AMAZING our God is! So, let me tell you the whole story! The Call In April of 2017, I felt this stir in my heart to write a book. It...
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Book 2: A Princess Problem with Pride

by | May 14, 2021 | Books, Faith | 0 Comments

Book 2 is on the way!!!! But before I tell you anymore. You HAVE to hear how God brought it all together. Book #1 was released… literally right before the United States went on lock down for COVID-19. Bye bye book signings. Goodbye read-alouds. All my thoughts on...
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The End of the Thomas Phase

by | May 21, 2018 | Popular Post | 8 Comments

This morning I sat in awe as my boys gave their little sisters all their Thomas the Tank Engine trains saying they do not play with them anymore.  While I watched the interaction occur I felt proud. Proud that they realized they do not need those toys in their...
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Intentional

by | February 6, 2019 | Popular Post | 1 Comment

A few days ago, my husband called for me to come to the computer. He opened up a video from 2010 of our oldest as a baby. The adorable little baby (that looked strikingly similar to our current baby) rolled back and forth on a jungle floor mat happily playing by...
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Painting with Twigs

by | March 5, 2020 | Faith, Popular Post | 0 Comments

Well, I’m not sure if I’m an awesome mom or crazy. While playing outside one of my children was collecting twigs. Another said, “Hey we could paint with these! Mom, can we paint with twigs?” “Sure!” I said pulling out the paints and blank papers. Well, guess what? The...
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God Report

by | April 23, 2021 | Popular Post | 2 Comments

As you may have noticed, I have not been posting nearly as often as I have in the past. Our family is going through some big changes in which all the credit goes to God! Let me back up a few years… to right before my husband took a job as a pastor. Previously he...
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Always a Princess

by | January 9, 2018 | Popular Post | 8 Comments

Growing up I was (and still am) the biggest Tom-Boy. I can seriously count the number of times I have painted my nails. You will NOT find me wearing a dress or skirt (unless I am at a formal occasion that calls for it.) And heels? - You can just forget about that~...
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Coffee and Jesus

by | January 25, 2020 | Popular Post | 0 Comments

This morning I made my coffee, I smiled at my coffee mug that was given to me this Christmas. “All I need today is a little bit of Coffee & a whole lot of Jesus.” So true. But is it backwards? I mean really. I’m a mom of six. I teach kids in China online starting...
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A Dream Come True

by | January 21, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 0 Comments

This moment… this moment, right here, is something I have been dreaming about for almost three years. But let me tell you a secret… 3 ½ years ago, it wasn’t even on my bucket list. This is 100% a dream God put on my heart, and He gave me the super-human strength to...
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The Splinter

by | January 23, 2019 | Popular Post | 0 Comments

One of my children recently had a splinter in his foot. Now this child is extremely sensitive to touch and pretty much all sensory inputs. He showed me the splinter. I pushed the skin slightly around it and he started crying, “Owwey Owww.” I took a look at him and...
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Book Update!!!

by | January 14, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 2 Comments

Coming soon! Book 1- Daughters of The King: A Princess Problem with Envy Release date: February 25, 2020 You can pre-order on Amazon now! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1951620003 Please tell all your friends who have daughters in the age range of 2-8! Also, please leave...
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Identity

by | June 3, 2020 | Christian Parallels, Faith, Popular Post | 0 Comments

I just recently watched The Incredibles with my children. We love this movie. It never gets old. If you haven’t seen this movie, you should. It is about a family of Supers trying to get along in a world where they have to try to pretend to be something they are not...
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The Pumpkin Patch Parable Review

by | June 19, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: The Pumpkin Patch Parable Author: Liz Curtis Higgs Illustrator: Nancy Munger Disclaimer: I LOVE LIZ CURTIS HIGGS! Moms, if you have not read her Bad Girls of the Bible series, you should… totally not the point of this post though… Summary: Bestselling author...
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Like Arrows

by | August 25, 2021 | Book Reviews, Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

When I started the review section of my blog, I never really intended on doing anything outside of Christian children’s book… but last night I watched a movie on Amazon Prime that I think would benefit parents (young and old alike) to watch- Like Arrows. Movie Title:...
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The Princess Parables Book Review

by | June 12, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: Princess Grace and the Little Lost Kitten (The Princess Parables) Authors: Jeanna Young, Jacqueline Kinney Johnson Illustrator: Omar Aranda Summary: In Princess Grace and the Little Lost Kitten, Princess Grace promises her father she will care for the...
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If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart

by | July 30, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart Author: Jill Roman Lord Illustrator: Amy Wummer Publisher: Worthy Kids Summary: A new size for this sweet and brightly colored board book that explores the presence of Jesus in our lives. If Jesus lived inside our hearts, would it...
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Veggie Tales Comic Book Reviews

by | June 30, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Book: Veggie Tales Super Comic Volume 3 (contains the stories of Rack, Shack, and Benny, MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle, and Larry Boy and the Rude Beet.) Author: Rack, Shack, and Benny is adapted from the movie created by Big Idea, adapted by Aaron Linn....
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Children Arise Review

by | July 3, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Book: Children Arise Author: Jenny Johnson Illustrator: Jessie Blasdel Summary: Children Arise is a book empowering children to become all God created them to be by teaching them how to partner with Holy Spirit! Children Arise is a sweet storybook that teaches little...
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Jesus Loves the Little Children Book Review

by | June 19, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: Jesus Loves the Little Children; A Chosen Story Author: Dallas and Amanda Jenkins Illustrator: Kristen Hendricks Summary: Abigail talks a lot. A LOT. So when she meets Jesus for the first time, she talks about him to every kid she can find. Together the...
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Jesus Storybook Bible

by | July 16, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: Jesus Story Book Bible Author: Sally Lloyd-Jones Illustrator: Jago Summary: For over a decade, The Jesus Storybook Bible has been introducing children to God’s wonderful story, and the Savior at the center of that story. Trusted and treasured for over a decade,...
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Three Gifts for Abigail Review

by | June 26, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: Three Gifts for Abigail Author: Allison Romero Illustrator: Gloria Elliott Summary: Excited to spend a special day with family, Abigail hurries downstairs where she finds a surprise waiting for her on the living room table. As she uncovers each of the three...
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A New Section: Book Reviews

by | June 11, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

“You don’t know what you don’t know…” In the Spring of 2017, I felt called to write... specifically, a Christian children’s book series. As I was seeking to fill out my submission forms to various agents and publishers, I found the section: competitive titles....
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Christian Parallels Post

Underdog Movies and the Gospel

by | March 4, 2021 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

I had this really cool idea to show how a classic underdog/Cinderella story actually shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was all excited to start. So I went to the first Gospel, Matthew. (Warning the idea didn't quite work out.) Cue the opening scene… Genealogy… you...
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Thoughts on The Little Mermaid

by | March 26, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

Next up on Christian Parallels in the Movies is The Little Mermaid. Now, I hadn’t seen this movie since I was a kid. My little sister loved this movie, so in good big sister fashion- I did not. I actually promised myself that I would never let my daughters watch this...
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Christian Parallels in a Non-Christian Movie? (Mulan)

by | March 6, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

Can you find Christian Parallels in Non-Christian movies? Not just a non-Christian movie, but one that is set in a non-Christian community? I want to take a minute to connect the dots on my thoughts pertaining to the Christian Parallel posts. Originally the idea came...
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Identity

by | June 3, 2020 | Christian Parallels, Faith, Popular Post | 0 Comments

I just recently watched The Incredibles with my children. We love this movie. It never gets old. If you haven’t seen this movie, you should. It is about a family of Supers trying to get along in a world where they have to try to pretend to be something they are not...
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Finding Purpose Through the Race

by | November 27, 2019 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

My five year old daughter just asked me to read to her a "Cars" book. As I read the book and reminisced about the movie,  I knew the next movie on the blog should be “Cars.” I remember watching this movie years ago… Like before kids. But I didn’t realize we had never...
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A Poison Ivy Wreath

by | October 29, 2019 | Christian Parallels, Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

This week we have seen the beautiful colors of fall in St. Louis! As my kids were playing outside, they kept showing me the colorful leaves that they would find. So, I decided we should make an autumn wreath for our front door. Oh, they had a blast finding all the...
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Lessons from The Movie Pocahontas

by | January 4, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 1 Comment

The next movie on the blog for Christian Parallels in the Movies is Pocahontas. As soon as this movie came to my mind, I started singing the song, “Colors of the Wind.” The lyrics came ringing through my head from at least 20 years ago, “You think the only people who...
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Christian Parallels in Disney’s Descendants

by | September 16, 2021 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

So, with being stuck at home during COVID, my kids and I have had plenty of time to enjoy Disney Plus. Recently we watched The Descendants movies. As we were watching the last one, my oldest looked at me and said, “Mom, this would make a good blog.” Really? How so?...
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Into the Unknown

by | April 15, 2021 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

You know your son has three older sisters when he is happily belting out the words, “Let it Go…” or “Into the UNKOWN!” Picture it with me: My three girls and their 2-year-old brother riding in the back seats of my van. They all have their hands outstretched, perfect...
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Humpty Dumpty

by | October 8, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

Up next on Christian Parallels in Nursery Rhymes is Humpty Dumpty. Now before we begin, let’s all say the nursery rhyme together… Ok, maybe not… that’s the teacher in me coming out… But here is the rhyme for those of you who were on board and still reading. Humpty...
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BIG

by | May 25, 2020 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

Yesterday while watching church online, my three-year-old put her hand in mine. She kept moving it in all sorts of different directions, and eventually I looked down to admire her little hand in mine. For those of you who don’t know, my little Joy is tiny. Like four...
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Unless

by | September 24, 2020 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

As a family with six kids, people are always making comments about our large family. I used to get frustrated about it. But as I have shared before, I have learned that my attitude and response completely direct the conversation. “Yep, my hands are full of blessings.”...
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Helpers

by | September 6, 2020 | Faith, Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

I was washing dishes after dinner when my daughter said to me, “Hey, mom! Do you need any help?” “Sure,” I said handing her a rag. “Wipe off the table.” She gave me a crooked look. “I wanted to sweep the floor.” “Well, honey, you sister is already sweeping. Please go...
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Don’t Stop Growing

by | October 15, 2019 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

It’s finally autumn! I love fall. It’s seriously one of my favorite seasons. Hoodie and jeans weather! Fire-pits and hot apple cider! Pumpkin pie versus apple pie! Seriously, I love this season! But…Nothing tells you that your children are growing like the start of a...
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Thoughts for My Daughter

by | June 12, 2019 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

While cleaning out the basement, I came across an old photo of my siblings and me. (I was like five-years-old.) I awed over it. Then my oldest came over and looked at it. “Mom, that looks like my sister!” He exclaimed. I’ve always thought my daughter slightly...
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Be Angry, But Do Not Sin

by | March 9, 2020 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

I really don’t think my older kids realize how influential they are to their younger siblings. This morning, my oldest wasn’t too thrilled with the idea of doing schoolwork. So, I sent them all outside to play. Of course, my oldest- who was not in a great mood, huffed...
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Discipline

by | November 23, 2020 | Faith in Parenting | 1 Comment

No one likes getting in trouble. No one likes punishments. Heck, no one likes correction PERIOD! However, I am learning as a parent, even the person dishing out the consequences does not like the process. It is so hard to sit and watch my son not be able to play his...
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Homeschooling with Littles

by | July 18, 2020 | Faith in Parenting, Popular Post | 0 Comments

It was suggested that I write a blog about how to homeschool with littles at home. My immediate response was, “I wish I knew.” However, many people have told me I seem to have a good handle on it, so here it goes. If you are on the fence about homeschooling and are...
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Lost

by | March 12, 2018 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

Have you ever been lost? I have. I am directionally challenged (to put it nicely). So, I know (a little too well) the frustration and insecurities that are included with being lost. I know the feelings of fear, confusion, anger, and helplessness of being lost. I also...
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Check the Box

by | May 28, 2018 | Faith in Parenting | 2 Comments

It’s time for Summer Reading Club at the library!!! YES!!! My kids love reading! As I have written before, it’s not unusual to find my children in their rooms reading books for fun. It’s like the favorite past-time around my house. If they’re not reading story books,...
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Happy Birthday, Jesus…and Renee

by | December 25, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

I’m a Christmas baby. I have always HATED having my birthday on Christmas. I know all my December birthday peeps are already agreeing with me. Shared birthday/Christmas presents and cold weather… but really that part never bothered me. I actually enjoy the “Happy...
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Simon Says or Follow the Leader

by | March 7, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

Every time I teach in Kids’ Ministry I think, “Man that’s good!” So, I gotta share. Today's lesson ended with James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourself. Do what it says.” We played a game of Simon Says. “Simon says put your hands up. Simon...
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Cleaning Out the Closet

by | September 17, 2019 | Faith in Marriage, Growing in Faith | 0 Comments

So, I’m not exactly a perfectionist. I’m the kind of girl who will purposely hang something up crooked so that I don’t have to worry about it looking level. My husband…Not that way at all. He’s the type of person who will bring out the level and pencils while...
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Whoever Controls the Narrative…

by | January 7, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

As I sit here reflecting on the current state of my country, I’m at a loss. My biggest issue is that I do not know what to believe. For months, I have bought into the Pro-Trump propaganda that the election was rigged. Not really because of what Trump stated or because...
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Disconnected from the Season

by | December 19, 2019 | Faith | 0 Comments

Earlier this week, I walked into my kitchen to catch the sunrise hitting the snow. It was beautiful. I stopped, soaked it in, and thanked God for His beauty. Then I sat down and thought, “I am just so disconnected from this season.” We are having a literal white...
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Buttered-Up

by | March 14, 2019 | Faith | 0 Comments

So, I have been making an effort to eat healthier. I looked into all those fad diets, but decided that ultimately, I needed to have a healthy relationship with food and eat a balanced diet. Let me be honest, I have been a yo-yo dieter since I realized I could...
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Jesus is the Greatest Gift Project

by | December 5, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

"Jesus is the Greatest Gift" wall art. I've been getting a ton of compliments on this project and the idea of it, so I decided to post a blog about it in hopes others will recreate it with their families. First, let me give you some backstory. I love crafting. I have...
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A Lesson from Hagar

by | January 9, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

My Bible reading today aligned so perfectly today with the state of my heart over that I HAD to SHARE! Join me in Genesis 16. Background: God told Abram (his name has not bee changed yet) that he will be the Father of a great nation. Interesting enough in this same...
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Pulled Over

by | February 12, 2018 | Faith | 0 Comments

I live by the airport. It’s no secret (to us who live near) that the cops set up speed traps right along the interstate stretch just west of the airport. They are there often, AND usually there’s at least 5 cop cars with people pulled over within a quarter-mile...
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Wait! I’m Still Preparing Lunch

by | November 24, 2019 | Faith | 0 Comments

I was making my kids peanut butter sandwiches while the girls played at the table on Friday. I was taking my time, since I knew the boys still needed to wrap up their schoolwork. I had six pieces of bread laid out with a peanut butter spread over them… and out of...
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