devotionals

I recently walked in the door after a refreshing night with some friends. I was looking forward to coming home to my husband, and a quiet house with the kids all nestled in their beds. I craved ending my already wonderful evening with my motherhood duties over. Upon arriving home, however, I found the kids…

One of my greatest joys recently is self-forgetful play with our 85 pound dog, Penny. I get lost in the child-like frolicking when I am tossing her a toy, chasing her around, or attempting to tackle her. Most times she will bring the toy back and we engage in a good back and forth. Other…

I recently took one of my daughters on a date night. Justin and I rotate taking them out individually. That night she shared something about me that was hard to hear. I was so tempted to immediately justify myself. Not good. But then God’s word came to me in that moment. “He opposes the proud…

I don’t like getting social interactions wrong and I don’t like awkward situations.  Have you ever left a conversation with your mind rolling over what you said? Why did I say that? I feel like such an idiot. Or maybe you’re thinking about the other person-Why did she respond that way? Seemed like an overreaction….

There are few things more affecting than how my children show me Jesus. It usually comes in moments when I am too busy or harried. When I am scrambling. When as Willy Wonka says, “There is so little to do and so much time to do it! Wait, strike that. Reverse it!” In one such…

Chaos on Sunday mornings looks different these days. They get dressed and brush their own hair. Start the car when it’s cold out. Make their own breakfast. Pray with me on the way to church now. I am more free to meet and engage with people on Sundays. Not that we don’t still have our…

Sometimes I get visual chaos anxiety. I just want to tackle the dishes. Let’s be real, because sometimes dishes are easier than people. Sometimes I want to clean because it gives me a sense of control and purpose. I feel like I am actually accomplishing something worthwhile. Sometimes I bark at my children for not…

I love the quiet. I love stillness. Peace in my heart. I went for a walk at the state park the other morning and it was glorious. But most days, quiet is hard to come by. Construction noise. Neighbors dog barking. Our dog barking. Children boisterously playing. Phones beeping. Places to be. Things to do….

I walked 3 mornings a week last summer (bless you warm weather & small town): When I walked there and back, I started to pray. The intense workout helps my mental and physical health. The peaceful walk home does too. I’ve struggled a bit more with patience and good responses to my children. So recently,…