Sometimes they’re born from looking around the house and thinking, “Well…we already have these. Why not?”

That’s exactly how our painted paper lantern afternoon happened.

After a graduation party in June, I found myself with several round white paper lanterns that had done their decorating duty. I couldn’t quite bring myself to throw them away because they still had plenty of life left in them. They were simple, cheerful, and seemed to be asking for a second chance.

So one afternoon I spread out some paint, grabbed a few brushes, called Penny outside, and decided we’d see what happened.

We painted flowers, colorful patterns, dots, and all kinds of creative designs. Some lanterns looked like little works of art. Others looked exactly like what you’d expect when a 7 year old child is given unlimited paint and creative freedom—and honestly, I think those might be my favorites.

Now they’re hanging near the entrance of our garden, greeting us every time we walk outside with little pops of color and personality.

Every time I see them, they remind me that beauty doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Sometimes it just takes a little imagination.

What You’ll Need

Joanna Gott

The beauty of this project is how simple it is.

You can find everything you need at your local craft store or order it online.

Here’s what we used:

• Round white paper lanterns
• Acrylic craft paint
• Paint brushes in a variety of sizes
• Cups of water for rinsing brushes
• Paper towels
• A tablecloth or large piece of craft paper

That’s it!

No fancy supplies.
No complicated instructions.
Just a handful of inexpensive materials and an afternoon together.

Take the Project Outside

If the weather cooperates, I highly recommend doing this project outside. Not only is the lighting better, but you’ll spend a whole lot less time worrying about paint ending up somewhere it shouldn’t.

Joanna Gott

Let’s be honest—kids and paint have a way of expanding their creative reach far beyond the paper lantern.

Outside, you can simply relax and let them create.

Well…mostly relax.

If you happen to have a breezy afternoon like we did, you may want to come up with a plan for keeping your lanterns from taking flight. At one point, a gust of wind scooped up one of ours and sent it happily bouncing across the yard.

Then another.

Then another.

Before long we were all running after paper lanterns that seemed determined to begin their own adventure without us.

I’m fairly certain at least one neighbor’s Ring camera captured the whole event. Somewhere there’s probably footage of me chasing a giant painted lantern down the street while laughing and trying not to spill my paintbrush water.

If you can, tuck your painting station into a sheltered corner of the patio or use small containers to gently hold the lanterns in place while they dry.

Your future self—and perhaps your neighbors—will thank you.

Let Kids Create Their Own Masterpieces

One of my favorite things about this project is that there really isn’t a wrong way to do it.

Some kids may carefully paint tiny flowers. Others may decide the entire lantern should become one giant rainbow. Some might cover every inch with polka dots. Others might proudly announce that brown and neon green absolutely belong together.

Joanna Gott

They’re probably right.

This isn’t about making something Pinterest-perfect. It’s about giving your kids the freedom to create something that reflects them. Children are wonderfully uninhibited artists. They don’t spend much time worrying if something looks “right.”

There’s something beautiful about that.

As adults, we can learn a lot from watching our children create with confidence and joy.

Where to Hang Them

Once they’re dry, the fun really begins.

We chose to hang ours near the entrance of our garden because they make the space feel extra welcoming and cheerful.

But there are so many places they could brighten.

Try hanging them:

• From tree branches in your backyard
• Around a patio or porch
• In a playroom
• In a child’s bedroom
• Above a reading nook
• In a homeschool room
• For birthday parties or family celebrations

Really, anywhere you want to add a little color and whimsy.

Joanna Gott

One quick note: these paper lanterns are not weatherproof.

If they’re left outside during rain, the paper will soften, the paint may run, and your beautiful artwork could become a soggy mess.

We plan to bring ours inside if there’s rain in the forecast so we can enjoy them for as long as possible.

More Than Just a Craft

As I watched my daughter paint, I found myself thinking about how often God invites us to create. The very first thing we learn about Him in Scripture is that He is Creator. Made in His image, I don’t think it’s surprising that we find joy in making beautiful things too. Not because every project turns out perfectly or every craft deserves to be framed, but because creating has a way of slowing us down. It gives our hands something to do while our hearts begin to settle.

Some of our sweetest conversations happen side by side while we’re making something together. There isn’t any pressure to maintain eye contact or force a deep discussion. We simply paint, laugh, tell stories, and enjoy each other’s company. Somewhere between rinsing paint brushes and deciding whether the lantern needs “just one more flower,” the conversation naturally unfolds. Those ordinary afternoons often become the memories that stay with us the longest.

As parents, it’s easy to believe we need elaborate outings or expensive experiences to make childhood magical. Social media can make it seem like every memory has to be a grand adventure, but I’ve found that children rarely remember how much something cost. They remember that we sat beside them. They remember laughing until someone snorted. They remember chasing runaway paper lanterns across the yard while trying to catch them before they floated into the neighbor’s bushes. They remember that for one afternoon, the dishes waited, the laundry stayed unfolded, and we simply chose to be together.

I think those are the moments God delights in too.

He isn’t just present in the big milestones or perfectly planned family vacations. He’s there in the paint-covered fingertips, the giggles that echo across the backyard, and the quiet conversations that happen while little hands are busy creating. Those simple afternoons become gentle reminders that joy is often found in the ordinary, if we’re willing to slow down enough to notice it.

So if you happen to have a few paper lanterns tucked away after a party—or decide to pick some up on your next craft store run—I hope you’ll give this project a try. You might end up with colorful decorations for your garden, a playroom full of whimsy, or a backyard that feels just a little more magical. You might also end up with paint on your elbows and your own appearance on someone’s Ring camera as you chase a lantern down the street.

But more importantly, you’ll create something far more meaningful than painted paper. You’ll create space to laugh, connect, and make memories with your children. Years from now, they probably won’t remember every flower they painted or every color they used. But there’s a good chance they’ll remember that you were there beside them—and that is always the most beautiful thing we can create.

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For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13-14.

As a Christian, Christ bought my freedom with His life. I did not have to toil and save for decades because He paid the price in full. My life was not free; it cost the priceless life of God Himself. He paid the price I could never pay, no matter how long I worked or saved up. He died that I may live free. And greater love has none than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.

No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends. John 15:13

Jesus came to set the captives free. Surely, He is not talking about us, is He? We do not consider ourselves captives because, thankfully, we are not living in slavery, and neither are we on a ship captured by pirates or in a hostage situation.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1

As distanced myself from this phrase, whilst praying for those in actual captivity, God clearly spoke to me and said He is setting me free from being captive to sinful habits like anger, pride, laziness, procrastination and resentment. Hallelujah! I thank You my God for revealing to me what has been hidden in my heart, festering unforgiveness towards those that hurt me in the past. What a weight had been lifted! Jesus has set me free from that noose I did not even realize had me in a choke hold.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24

Thank You, Jesus, for bringing me to a place where pride is not able to keep me in denial and thus rob me of my deliverance. Yes, it is painful to admit that such has been the state of my heart. But more so, it is liberating to know that my redeemer has come through and redeemed me from all the sins that so easily entangled me.

What is so wonderful about Jesus setting us free, is that He not only pays the cost required but we are assured that we will never be captives again. We know this because He says so in His word. Whom the son sets free is free indeed! So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 

And what exactly is He setting us free from you may ask? Jesus sets us free from all sin and death. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

Jesus came to set all the captives free. Physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally or financially. And we know Jesus accomplished all He set out to do when He cried out on the cross: it is finished!

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For sure it is not easy living whole-heartedly for Jesus in a culture that is increasingly hostile to Him. It is hard. But it is not impossible. Jesus, in His divine wisdom and foresight, warned us about this already, but He did not leave us helpless or hopeless. He sent us the most powerful and effective Helper anyone could ever ask for; the Holy Spirit. Jesus also encourages us to take heart, because He has overcome the world. Not will or is going to, but He has already. That is an encouraging truth to hold on to, that we are fighting from a place of Victory.

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] – John 16:33

Teaching our children to worship God is something I believe is top priority for every God-fearing parent.

Here are some steps you can take right now to ensure that you are leading and teaching the generations after you to serve and worship God from their hearts.

Pray over them

Remind God of His promises concerning your children and speak them over them by faith.

All your children will be taught of the Lord, and great will be their peace. – Isaiah 54:13.

Prayer: Oh Mighty Lord, teach my children to worship You in spirit and truth. Give them divine instruction and guidance to bring acceptable worship to You. Teach them the posture of worship, from their hearts, spirit and body. May they have a personal relationship with You. In Jesus’s Name, amen.

Start them young

From the lips of babies and infants, You have ordained and ordered high praise. –Psalm 8:2

Your children are never too young to worship God. Jesus Himself said let the little children come to Him. Remove every hinderance and obstacle that could stop your children from coming to Jesus and having a personal relationship with them. Attend Church services, fellowships, and Bible studies with your children. Teach them to memorize the Bible and live by it. Sing hymns, praise and worship songs to God with your children.

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for ordering Your praise from the lips of my children, may it manifest in their lives in the Name of Jesus. May Your praise always be upon their lips and may their hearts never draw far from You. Thank You for making my children open and receptive to Your teachings. May I too approach You Lord with child-like faith, trust and openness.

Model worship to them

One of my favorite Bible verses about being a Christian parent is Deuteronomy 11:19: You shall teach them [diligently] to your children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths], speaking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.

It gives clear guidance and instruction of what God expects of us as parents and points out how to execute His instructions.

But the verse before it is as equally as important. You can not teach what you do not know. The best kind of teacher is the one who models the lesson by living it out themselves. That way they can teach with authority and with the heart and passion that only personal experience can give.

Teaching our children true worship of God begins first of all with us being worshipers of God ourselves. There must be a permanent and deliberate effort on our part to remember and live by God’s laws first before we can then teach those very laws to our children.

“Therefore, you shall impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul, and tie them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as bands (frontals, frontlets) on your forehead. – Deuteronomy 11:18

It is so important for us to pass on our faith and obedience to God to future generations. And God will help us to do this as we consistently yield ourselves to Him.

“We will not hide them from our children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, His power, and the wonders He has done.” – Psalm 78:4

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But this recipe I have made on repeat for the last month.  I’ve probably baked these seven times.  Which is not to say I ever make them quite the same way.  My brain is just not wired that way.  But that’s the beauty of this recipe, you can veer off and make it your own (and I do).

Have you ever researched a Biblical diet?  It’s pretty interesting and consists of very healthy foods.  No wonder they lived so long.

Following a Biblical eating plan basically means eating fresh, clean meats, vegetables, nuts, fruits, and berries.  Many of the authors of Biblical eating plans also stress staying away from “unclean meats” like pork, fish without scales, processed meats, etc.

Once processed “instant” foods were introduced in the USA, our diets changed drastically.  Many of our foods have addictive ingredients that make us eat more.  The ease of processed foods are also addictive.  Who doesn’t want dinner ready in ten minutes?

The farther we’ve strayed from the diets of our ancestors, the unhealthier we’ve become.

Diabetes runs rampant in my family’s lineage.  My mom had it, her mom had it, both my uncles had it, my sister has it … the list goes on and on.  I was cursed with it about a decade ago.

At first I didn’t take it seriously.  I ate less but pretty much the same foods.  No matter how much insulin I shot in, my blood numbers were still too high.  As I got older I realized that I couldn’t continue in that way or I wouldn’t get to see my grandkids grow up.

I am now researching recipes online and gathering a whole collection of new, healthier ideas.  I’m cooking more at home, buying interesting ingredients and my blood sugar is now in the target range 90 percent of the time!  My doctor is thrilled.

I have to say that I get great joy from eating more like they did in the Biblical times.  I don’t feel deprived because the fresh foods are so delicious.

Now, I have to warn you that these cookies don’t look like the pretty processed ones you see in the store.  In fact, they look rather funky.

Ann Kirsten

But the taste will make up for that, I promise you!  My husband and my teen grandkids have given them the seal of approval (which, believe me, says a lot).

Okay, here we go:

Ann’s Biblical Cookies

• ½ cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 ½ bananas)
• ¾ cup natural nut butter (peanut, almond or cashew)
• 1/3 cup raw honey or date syrup (agave would probably work too)
• 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups of old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Add-ins:

• ½ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, currants, chopped apricots …)
• ½ cup chips (chocolate, white chocolate, butterscotch, …)
• ¼ cup seeds or nuts (pepitas, sunflower, almonds, peanuts …)
• 1 Tablespoon flax or chia seeds

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Throw a soft banana and a half into a mixing bowl (no need to measure).  Add in the nut butter, honey and vanilla extract (don’t forget to spray your measuring cups with cooking spray – your sticky things will slide right out).  Run the mixer until all the ingredients are mixed together.  Add in the oats, cinnamon, baking powder and salt and mix again.  This makes the base of your cookies.

Then go wild with your add-ins!  As long as you stick (almost) with the cups listed you can get creative with what you put in these.

If your dough is too sticky you can chill it for 30 minutes or even overnight.  Then roll your dough into golf ball size balls.  Press down the tops with your fingers until they are shaped like pucks.

Ann Kirsten

Bake 15 minutes or until the tops are set.

That’s it!

I store these in the fridge and they are delicious cold.

I have made these with every combination of add-ins you can imagine.  I couldn’t pick out my favorite because they are all delicious.

With a glass of milk or a cup of coffee, these make a perfect breakfast or snack. And everyone is different but they do not raise my blood sugar.  Win, win, win.

Give these a try and see if they don’t become a favorite of yours too.

^“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;  you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

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Sunshine, road trips, melted ice cream, backyard laughter… summer has a way of reminding us how good God is. And this year, AllMomDoes wants to help you savor every moment with a fun, family‑friendly Summer Bucket List you can take wherever the season leads.

Whether you’re planning slow evenings on the porch, big adventures with the kids, or simple moments of joy that reconnect you with God’s creation, this printable list is packed with ideas to make your summer brighter, lighter, and full of praise.

Download it, toss it in your beach bag, tape it to the fridge, or keep it in the car; however you use it, let it inspire you to make memories that matter!

Summer is here and that means a whole different kind of activity level in our home! I imagine most moms can relate to this shift in atmosphere. It’s an adjustment for everyone as we fumble around to establish a new summer routine. The backpacks and lunch boxes are cleaned and tucked away until fall, schedules have shifted, and ready or not, the kids are preparing for some exciting days ahead as they’re filled with anticipation of what new adventures this summer might bring.

Our oldest son has wrestling camps, practices, and will be starting driver’s ed soon. He’s got all kinds of goals for the summer and is also enjoying some time to take it slower in the mornings. My thirteen-year-old is just relieved he can sleep in a little and spend more time doing the hobbies he loves. Our eight-year-old is content to have some sports, Lego building, and bike riding on the agenda. My four-year-old son is happy to have his brothers home (for the moment) and just tries to keep up with them at all costs. Even though they’re all enjoying their time so far, each of my kids have asked, “Are we going anywhere this summer?”

We aren’t big vacation people. Being a family of six and with the age gaps between our kids, we haven’t had many opportunities to go on fancy vacations. If I’m being honest, it just hasn’t been a huge priority for us, either. Even little trips require so much preparation from us moms that it can be daunting.

Camping, trips to the ocean, and staying a few nights somewhere are usually the extent of our summer plans and that has suited us well. We’ve had a few bigger trips over the years and there are a lot of places I would love to take our kids, but when they asked where we were going this summer, I didn’t have an answer! It just snuck up on us after the very full school year we had, and my husband and I realized we hadn’t planned a single camping trip or stay somewhere. At first, we thought we should scramble to plan something so the kids have more to look forward to. But you know what? They have summer to look forward to and everything that comes with it.

Samia Gatgens

Somewhere between the sidewalk chalk and the lemonade stands, summer settles in. We navigate the first few days of chaos while they’re all choosing to stay in one room of the house and fighting over a spot on the couch, and then things start to shift. They get into a rhythm and I try to keep some sort of routine going (for my own sanity and theirs!) Yes, there are some bumpy days. Unfortunately, summer doesn’t mean kids won’t argue, fight, or get bored. We aren’t all blissfully leaping through sprinklers and enjoying a popsicle. Sometimes it happens, but most often someone has dropped a popsicle and the ants are all over it.  Or after all the sunscreen applying and swimming trunk finding, they are shivering and say the water’s too cold after two minutes and beg for a towel. The grass is stuck to their feet and tracked all over the house, their brother hit them with a water balloon outside of the designated pelting zone, there’s a hornet chasing them, or they think they should stay up until 10 because the sun still hasn’t set!

Nope, things aren’t perfect here. It’s still a busy time with a few sports camps, VBS, and swimming lessons. Aside from that, it feels good not to have a big trip on the calendar. We love to celebrate the 4^th of July so that’s always a big highlight, there are some local places we’d like to visit if we can, and maybe we’ll take a ferry boat ride for a day trip somewhere. My husband takes our older boys on some big hikes and we’re fortunate to live near many beautiful parks and a nice library.

Summer doesn’t have to be extravagant to be good. It’s amazing how much kids will come up with when they’re given the opportunity to slow down, to not be over-booked, and to take in the season by appreciating the simple things. Finding lady bugs, dipping their feet in a creek, and having an ice cream sandwich on the porch are great ways to spend a summer, no matter what the age.

If you’ve been feeling like your summer isn’t going to be “enough” because you don’t have some Instagram-worthy vacation planned, that’s just not true. The truth is, your kids will have a great summer even if all they do is draw with sidewalk chalk and ride their bikes. There’s no perfect recipe for summer vacation. Have some ice cream, go for walks, play catch with water balloons, and give yourself a break. It’s not our job to provide a picture-perfect summer, it’s our job to enjoy the time we have with our kids and to show them that some of the best memories can come from doing nothing at all.

A Moment in Summer

A moment in summer belongs to me and one particular honeybee. A moment in summer shimmering clear making the sky seem very near, a moment in summer belongs to me. -Charlotte Zolotow

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I’ve learned that I don’t need elaborate Pinterest-worthy projects or expensive craft kits to keep my daughter entertained. In fact, some of our favorite afternoons have come from using things we already had around the house. A little paint, a cardboard tube, some paper, and suddenly we’re creating masterpieces together.

The best part? These crafts aren’t really about the finished project. They’re about spending time together, letting kids explore their creativity, and giving their hands something fun to do. Some projects are wonderfully simple while others take a little more patience (from both kids and adults!). And as a bonus, with it being summer, you can make most of these creations outside so the clean up is minimal and not as stressful.

To make it fun, I decided to rate each craft using my official Sun Scale:

= Super easy
= Easy with a little help
= Moderate
= More involved
= Adventure-level crafting!

1. Painted Rocks

Difficulty:

This one has become a summer tradition at our house. Every walk suddenly turns into a treasure hunt as we’re searching for the perfect smooth rocks.

Once we get home, we spread out newspaper, grab some acrylic paints, and let creativity take over. We’ve painted ladybugs, strawberries, rainbows, flowers, silly faces, and even tiny houses. Sometimes we write encouraging words on them before hiding them around the neighborhood for someone else to find.

There’s something so satisfying about turning an ordinary rock into something colorful.

You’ll need:

• Smooth rocks
• Acrylic paint
• Paint brushes
• Optional clear sealer if you’d like them to last outdoors

Joanna Gott

2. Toilet Paper Roll Creatures

Difficulty:

I have learned never to throw away an empty toilet paper roll because somehow they always become the foundation for a craft.

We’ve turned ours into butterflies, binoculars for backyard adventures, little owls, rockets, flowers, and even a tiny castle. Add construction paper, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, or whatever odds and ends you have in your craft drawer, and kids will often come up with creations you never would have imagined.

It’s one of those crafts where perfection isn’t the goal. The sillier, the better.

You’ll need:

• Empty toilet paper rolls
• Construction paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Markers or paint
• Googly eyes (always a favorite!)

Joanna Gott

3. Homemade Kites

Difficulty:

This one takes a little more time, but it’s worth every minute.

Making the kite is only half the fun. The real excitement comes afterward when you head outside to see if it actually flies. There’s usually plenty of laughter involved, a few adjustments, and lots of running across the yard.

We’ve made simple kites using fabric, wooden dowels, ribbon, and string. There are lots of great tutorials online to follow, or you can buy a cheap plastic kite to use as a template. In the end, even if they aren’t perfectly aerodynamic, kids don’t seem to mind. There’s something magical about watching something you made yourself catch the wind.

It’s the kind of project that easily turns into an entire afternoon.

You’ll need:

• Cotton fabric
• Wooden dowels
• String
• Ribbon for the tail
• Fabric glue or hot glue
• Markers or paint for decorating

Joanna Gott

4. Nature Collages

Difficulty:

Sometimes the best craft supply store is your own backyard.

Go on a short nature walk and collect leaves, flowers, pinecones, twigs, feathers, or interesting grasses. Once you’re home, spread everything out on a piece of cardstock and let kids arrange their own masterpiece.

Some create flowers. Others build little woodland scenes or abstract works of art. There isn’t a wrong way to do it.

I love this craft because it encourages kids to slow down and notice the little details outside that we often walk right past.

You’ll need:

• Cardstock or heavy paper
• Glue
• Leaves
• Flowers
• Twigs
• Anything nature provides!

Joanna Gott

5. Paper Bag Animal Puppets

Difficulty:

Craft time often turns into pretend play around here, so masks are always a hit.

Start with a brown paper lunch bag and let your child decide what they’d like to become. Maybe it’s a lion with a yarn mane, a bunny with floppy ears, a butterfly, a dinosaur, or even a silly monster.

Before long, your living room becomes a jungle, zoo, or magical kingdom of puppets that will lead to hours of additional play.

I love projects that continue long after the glue has dried.

You’ll need:

• Brown paper lunch bags
• Paint or markers
• Construction paper
• Yarn, feathers, or pom-poms
• Glue
• Craft sticks or elastic

Joanna Gott

A Few Thoughts Before You Get Started

If I’ve learned anything as a mom, it’s that crafts don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

Sometimes the paint ends up everywhere except the paper. Sometimes the glue bottle gets squeezed a little too enthusiastically. Sometimes the finished project looks nothing like what you originally imagined.

And honestly? Those are usually the crafts we remember the most.

I’ve also realized that kids don’t necessarily remember what they made nearly as much as they remember who sat beside them while they made it. Those conversations that happen while coloring or painting often become some of my favorite parts of the day.

So if you’re looking for a simple way to fill a summer afternoon, pull out the craft supplies, and embrace the mess. You don’t need fancy materials or artistic talent—just a willingness to create together.

Who knows? You might even find yourself having just as much fun as your kids.

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I am living that right now and it makes growing older so worthwhile.

Last week, my husband and I headed over to see our youngest grandkids (6 and 9).  Because they live a few hours away we don’t get to see them as much as we’d like to.

We were meeting at a coffee shop and looked forward to window shopping in the boutique stores nearby.  As we parked, our nine-year-old grandson came running towards us with arms wide open.  There is no better sight than a loved one running at you with their arms open for a hug.

As we walked towards the shop together, we heard screams.  When we realized that they were coming from my daughter and granddaughter, we ran as fast as we could.  We were not prepared for what we saw.

Our daughter was on the ground holding our little granddaughter in her arms.  Blood covered the front of our granddaughter from her forehead all the way down onto her shoes.  Our sweet little pixie had run as fast as she could to greet us, not seeing a metal rail right at her forehead height.  She hit it hard and it whipped her head back and cut her forehead straight across.

We were all traumatized.  Her older brother paced back and forth, her Papa shook while he called 911, her mom was barely keeping herself together, and I was trying to think of nothing but holding our granddaughter’s forehead together.

The firemen arrived quickly and were professional and kind.  They took our little sweetheart and her mommy away in an ambulance to the hospital in the next town over.

Once we knew she was in safe hands, we were all left with too much adrenaline and so many questions.

Why did this have to happen?  Why was her run to hugs and kisses ruined in such a cruel way?  Could any of us stopped it?  And then … Where was God?

We’ve probably all groaned that question out at one time or another, “Where are you, God?”  It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we should somehow be saved from the evils of this world because we are believers.

Psalm 22:1 – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?“

Years ago, I read an article written by a Pastor who had lost his son in a car accident.  He had a crisis of faith afterwards.  His why’s were even more intense.  After all, he had been doing God’s work and yet his son was still taken.  What came to him after a long time of anger and prayer was the realization that God was mourning right along with him.  God was also heartbroken that His precious man-child had lost his son.  He sure didn’t cause the accident and no, He didn’t stop it either.  But He was mourning right next to the pastor and aching that this world had taken the precious son (He certainly knows what that is like).

JeffGoulden

That article has stayed with me all these years.  It has helped me whenever I find myself in a “Why, God!?” situation.  God gave not only we believers free will, but EVERYONE free will.  And sometimes that causes some less-than-ideal circumstances.  Not that our sweet little granddaughter made a bad decision to run to us with love, but perhaps whoever installed a metal rail in the middle of a walkway that blended into the surroundings did?

James 1:2-3 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

The days that followed were a struggle.  Our little pixie retreated into herself and stopped talking, only answering our questions with a tiny shake of her head.  Her brother was upset by the fact his sister wasn’t her usual bubbly self and that she had changed into someone he didn’t recognize.  And her poor mom (who had witnessed the accident) was a mess of flashbacks and “why?” and “what if it had been worse?” thoughts.

John 16:33 – “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.”

As we all struggled to make sense of the accident, we were forced to search our hearts, search our faith, and to trust our Lord in a deeper way.  I think that is the one benefit that comes when something like this happens.

• In Numbers 11:11, Moses asked, “Why have you dealt ill with your servant?”
• In Psalms 10:1, David asked, “Oh Lord why do you stand far off?  Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?”
• Job asked, “Why have you made me your target?” Job 7:20
• Even Jesus on the cross asked God “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46

We are not alone in asking the “Why?” questions of God.  And He has answers when we pause long enough to ask.

Our little granddaughter will eventually be fine.  Her forehead was stitched shut and she will have quite a scar (and a story).  She has popped back faster than any of the adults did.  Her faith comes from the sweet innocence of a child.  Ours was forged in fire and trials and tribulations (and continues to be).  This last trial was a doozy, but I’m happy to say that we came through with a new respect for life and the realization that we have an unquenchable need for the Lord.

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When I walked through the front door, I reached into my bag for my phone, only to come up empty-handed. No big deal, I thought. My bag has become something of a black hole over the years. Surely it had just slipped to the bottom beneath a collection of receipts, chapstick, pens that no longer write, and whatever little treasures Penny has convinced me to carry around for her.

So, naturally, I dumped the entire contents of my bag onto the kitchen counter. While I didn’t find my phone, I did uncover a pair of sunglasses I had been convinced disappeared weeks ago, so it wasn’t a total loss. But after checking every pocket, every zipper, and every hidden compartment, it became clear my phone wasn’t in there.

Next came the car. Then every room in the house. I retraced my steps with the determination of someone solving a mystery, checking countertops, side tables, bathroom counters, and even places that made absolutely no sense. Finally, it hit me. My phone was sitting exactly where I had set it down earlier that morning—on my sister’s kitchen counter.

That’s when the panic set in.

What was I going to do without my phone? How would I contact anyone? What if there was an emergency? What if, for some completely irrational reason, the world fell apart while I was unreachable? I don’t even have a landline anymore, although I have to admit, this experience made me briefly consider bringing one back.

Thankfully, I remembered computers still exist. I messaged my sister, who quickly confirmed that yes, my phone was safely waiting for me. Being the wonderful sister she is, she immediately offered to drive it over, but since we were already planning to have dinner together that evening, I figured I could survive a day without it.

And so, I found myself asking a question I never expected to ask in 2026: What exactly do you do with an entire day and no cell phone?

Olga Ionina

Originally, Penny and I had planned to run a few errands, but if I’m being honest, I felt strangely uneasy about driving anywhere without my phone. Which is funny, because I spent nearly all of my twenties doing exactly that. If I got lost, I used a paper map. If my car broke down, I found a payphone. If I was running late, people simply waited. Somehow we all managed just fine.

I was born in the late seventies and grew up through the eighties and nineties. I know what life looked like before smartphones. Before Google answered every question in seconds. Before cameras lived in our pockets. Before every spare moment was filled by scrolling through updates from people we haven’t seen in years. And yet somewhere along the way, this tiny rectangle of glass quietly became woven into nearly every part of my daily routine.

So, Penny and I decided to stay home instead.

What surprised me most wasn’t that I missed my phone. It was how often I reached for it without even thinking. Every five minutes my hand instinctively moved toward my pocket. I wanted to check my messages. Scroll through social media. See if I have any emails. Snap a quick photo. At one point Penny asked if it was supposed to be windy all day, and before I could stop myself my mind immediately thought, I’ll check the weather app.

Then I laughed. There was an entire generation of us who only knew the weather forecast because we watched the evening news or read the morning paper. Somehow we survived without hourly updates telling us exactly when the wind would die down.

Later that afternoon we went for a walk, and that’s when I noticed something else. Normally I would have taken pictures of Penny skipping down the trail or stopped to identify a flower with Google or looked up the name of a bird we heard in the trees. Instead, we simply walked. We talked. We noticed the things around us without feeling the need to document them.

I’ll admit, it felt a little like I was missing a limb—which is probably being a bit dramatic—but it also made me realize just how integrated this little device has become in my everyday life. Not because phones are bad. They’re wonderful tools. They help me stay connected with family, work, capture memories, navigate unfamiliar places, and answer questions in seconds. But somewhere along the way, the tool quietly became a habit, and the habit became something I rarely questioned.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” I’ve always loved that verse, but I wonder if the hardest part today isn’t knowing God—it’s actually being still. Our phones have an incredible ability to fill every quiet moment. Every wait in line. Every stoplight. Every walk. Every few minutes of silence that might otherwise invite us to notice God’s creation, have an unexpected conversation, or simply sit with our own thoughts.

Francesca Leslie

By the time dinner rolled around, I was reunited with my phone. I unlocked it expecting…well, I’m not sure what I expected. There were a handful of text messages, a couple of emails, and a weather notification happily informing me that the wind would calm down around eight o’clock. Nothing life-changing had happened while I was disconnected.

Did I feel a sense of security having it back in my pocket? Of course. Did I also realize life functions surprisingly well without constantly checking it? Absolutely.

There isn’t some profound ending to this story. I didn’t experience a life-changing revelation or decide to throw my phone into a lake and live off grid. I still appreciate the convenience of technology, and I’ll probably check the weather again tomorrow.

But yesterday served as a gentle reminder that when we disconnect from one kind of connection, we often make room for another. A conversation. A quiet walk. A little more noticing. A little more presence.

Not everything needs to be shared. Not every memory needs to become a photograph. Not every question needs an immediate Google search.

Sometimes it’s enough to simply experience the moment exactly as it is.

Who knew forgetting my phone on my sister’s kitchen counter would send me back to the “dark ages” for a day?

Turns out, they weren’t so dark after all.

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But even in the unpredictability, the drizzle, the sunbreaks, the “is this warm or just less cold?” moments, God is right here with us, weaving joy into the everyday chaos.

We don’t need a perfect devotional setup to experience God. He meets us in:

• The foggy morning walks with coffee in hand
• The kids running wild at the park the moment the sky clears
• The “Mom!” call moments that happen throughout the day
• The car on the way to baseball tournaments, soccer matches and gymnastics camp

Lower the Bar, Raise the Joy

Summer doesn’t need to be a curated Instagram grid. It just needs to be yours. Embrace the simple and the loud; these moments will fly by…trust us.

Some days you’ll plan something amazing. Some days you’ll hand your kids a hose to water the garden and call it “water play.” Both count.

Try simple things like:

• Backyard campouts (bonus points if you actually sleep outside)
• Family bingo challenges to get everyone off screens [Text BINGO to 89419 for a free bingo card!]
• Easy service ideas like dropping off treats to neighbors or serving in a food pantry

No perfection required — just presence.

Family Summer Activity List

Outdoor Adventures (for when the sun finally shows up)

• Neighborhood Nature Walk — Look for God’s creativity in flowers, bugs, clouds, and “mystery plants.”
• Backyard Water Day — Hose, inflatable pool, sprinkler, done.
• Park Picnic + Devotional — Pack snacks, read favorite verses and talk about it, let the kids run wild.
• Family Bike Ride — Bonus points if you stop for ice cream.
• Sunset Gratitude Walk — Everyone shares one thing they’re thankful for.
• Scavenger Hunt — These are so much fun!

 Rain‑Friendly Fun (because… you know)

• Family Movie Night — Build a blanket fort and pick a family‑friendly film.
• Indoor Scavenger Hunt — Kids LOVE this and it burns energy.
• Baking — Bake cookies together and share favorite memories.
• Board Game Marathon — Winner picks dinner.
• DIY Craft Hour — Keep it simple: paper, markers, glue.
• Do a Craft Together — DIY Fun Felt Craft

 Faith‑Building Moments

• Verse of the Week — Put it on the fridge, memorize it, and talk about it at meals.
• Prayer Walk — Pray for neighbors as you stroll.
• Service Saturday — Pick one small way to bless someone.
• Gratitude Jar — Add notes all summer long for things you’re grateful for.
• Create a Praise Journal — We have one here!

 Just‑for‑Fun Memory Makers

• Backyard Campout — S’mores required, actual sleeping outside optional.
• Family Bingo Challenge — Complete squares all summer.
• Library Adventure Day — Everyone picks a book, then grab a milkshake afterward.
• Ice Cream Taste Test — Buy 4 different-to-your-family ice-cream flavors and declare a family favorite.
• Photo Scavenger Hunt — Capture fun moments in your yard or neighborhood.

Summers can be loud and messy, but your daily presence is the anchor your family feels. Take care of yourself and take breaks when you can… 5 minutes in the bathroom for a little space counts! Give yourself grace, breathe deep, and remember that God delights in your everyday faithfulness. He will give you what you need for the day – Lean into Him. You’re doing better than you think.

A Summer Prayer

“Lord, help us find joy in the chaos, rest in the small moments, and grace for ourselves and each other. Let this summer be full of laughter, connection, and reminders that You’re with us in every moment — even the soggy ones.”

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“The American flag represents all of us and the values we hold sacred.”
– Adrian Cronauer

America is about to celebrate a huge milestone. That’s right, our nation’s 250^th Birthday is right around the corner! Parades, barbecues, and fireworks are about to take center stage and a great way to get in the 4^th of July spirit is with this fun, American Flag Paper Plate craft! It requires simple supplies and its streamers waving in the wind will add a patriotic splash to your celebration. My kids loved making their flags and plan to give some out to relatives to brighten up their homes this 4^th of July.

Here’s what you’ll need to create a red, white, and blue paper plate flag:

• White paper plates (I used heavy duty so they wouldn’t bend)
• Glitter scrapbook paper (white or silver for the stars)
• Hole punch
• Twine
• Glue stick or glue dots
• Stapler
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Blue craft paint
• White and red streamers
• Ruler
• Paint brush sponges
• Star to trace with (I drew my own on construction paper and cut it out, but you could use a small star cookie cutter!)

Maria Magee

Directions:

First, make your star or use a cookie cutter to trace stars onto the glitter paper. I folded my scrapbook paper so I could get more stars out of each cut.

Maria Magee

Next, flip a paper plate over and using your ruler, trace a line right down the middle. Cut it in half. This will give you two flags.

Maria Magee

Using the paint sponges, paint your plate blue.

Maria Magee

Once it’s mostly dry, use the glue dots or glue stick to place your stars.

Maria Magee

Cut your streamers whatever length you prefer. Alternate the red and white to resemble the stripes on our flag and staple them to the plate.

Maria Magee

Use the scissors to cut them in half length-wise to make more “stripes”. This will make them flow beautifully, too!

Maria Magee

Finally, punch a hole in the top of the plate and tie the twine through it. Now you can hang up your flag and let it fly in all its glory this 4^th of July!

Maria Magee

I hope you and your kids (or grandkids) have a blast making these paper plate flags, and that they make your 4^th of July even more special!

As the fireworks and American flags fly this 4^th, lets appreciate this incredible country that we are so blessed to live in and the brave men and women who defend it. Here’s to the American heroes past and present, who have made this a nation worth fighting for and have provided us the freedom we have today.

For more 4^th of July activity ideas, check these out!

• 4th of July Craft, Book, and Snack
• Celebrate the 4th of July with a Quick DIY Craft, Tasty Snack, and Great Read for Kids!

Happy 4^th of July and God Bless America!!!

“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” -Abraham Lincoln

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My friend who is a counselor was taught in school that hoarders are the hardest clients to rehabilitate.  If you’ve ever watched one of those Hoarding shows, you can see why.  The hoarder starts out as the sweetest person who seems to want to change.  But the second the crew shows up to help downsize, that sweet person turns into a controlling, very angry adversary.  It shows that this goes so much deeper than a messy house.

I think a lot of us have watched hoarding shows and thought, “At least I’m not that bad,” or we’ve even decided that we’re not hoarders at all.  I once spoke with an extreme hoarder and she told me, “I can throw garbage away, so I am not a hoarder”.  This was said despite the fact that her house is impassable.

When is our stuff “too much”?

For my husband, cars parked outside the garage are a sign of too much hoarding.  In his mind, garages are meant for cars and tools.  If you can’t park inside, you have too much stuff.

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”  Luke 12:34

Storage units are also prevalent in modern society.  I know people who pay the equivalent of another mortgage to store things that they can’t fit in their houses.  Do they even know what they have in there?  Do they really need it?

Now, to complicate hoarding even further, different types of hoarding have been identified.  Whereas we might be fine in one area, in another area we may gather too much.

I have a teeny-tiny kitchen and I’m pretty proud that I have fit everything I need into it.  I do not buy unnecessary appliances or gadgets.  But these new subgroups of hoarding have shown me that I have areas I need to work on.

Here are some of the subgroups:

Sentimental and Emotional Hoarding – These types of people have attached sentimental value to everything they own.  This makes it almost impossible to get rid of anything.

Bargain Hunters – They buy and keep things because they were on sale.  My friend’s mom loved coupons and would drive from store to store to buy all the “deals”.  When she passed, the amount of expired food items she had was mind boggling.

Collectors – Collections are fun.  The hunt for items is exhilarating. Collections is a kinder word than hoarding, isn’t it?  But collections can take over if we’re not careful.

Paper – I know people who have issues with paper.  Receipts, bills, medical forms, what to keep and what to throw away?

Craft Supplies – Okay, this is me.  I want to try every new craft I see.  Even though most of my supplies are hidden away, the amount of crafty stuff I have is too much.

Clothes – Yikes, I am always amazed at the volume of clothes some people have.  They may have a nice, clean home but a closet crammed full of unworn clothes.

Tech Hoarders – I admit to having a box of old phones under my bed, but I think guys have more of a tendency to keep tech items.

Freebies – Some people grab all the free promotional stuff they can find.  You know, like cheap sunglasses with logos, hotel soaps, meal toys, etc.

Just-In-Case Items – Who knows?  Maybe you really will take up spear fishing, even though the stuff you have is outdated.  Or you might need that old non-waterproof sleeping bag that smells like mold.  Trust me, you won’t.

Duplicates – I once tried to help my mom tidy her sewing room.  She had seven irons.  Seven!  When I tried to get rid of six, she balked.  They were all broken, but she just knew they would get repaired someday.  Update: they did not.

Mixed – And then there’s mixed hoarding.  For many people, more than one or two of these subcategories describe them.  That’s when things get tough.

All is not lost though.  If a hoarder really wants to change, they can.  Taking the first step though is on them.  They have to be ready.

“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.”  James 5:1-3

Counseling – Counseling can be a huge help.  There are counselors that specialize in hoarding but even general counseling can get to the root of the deep-seated issues that have caused the problem in the first place.

Organizing help – There are tons of people who help others organize their messes.  You might even find a friend who would help for free (some people love to do it).

Pretend you’re moving – This one always motivates me.  Do I really want to haul all my stuff from one place to another?  Items lose value in my mind when I think of having to pack and move them.

Death Clean – What do you want to leave behind when you pass?  Do you want your kids to have to wade through piles of junk while they’re mourning?  Here’s an article about The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.  Swedish Death Cleaning | AllMomDoes  It tells you that you can go slowly and don’t have to downsize all at once.

Getting started yourself – If you’re ready to make a start on your own, experts say to start with: expired meds, old chargers, duplicate kitchen items, unworn clothes, expired food, single socks, broken things, broken electronics, expired make-up, old paperwork, empty boxes, old magazines, and unused décor.

Hoarding is a sensitive subject.  Those who have issues with it will defend their need for “stuff” to the very end.  It makes me sad that they will never know the joy of paring down their belongings.  The happiness that comes from going from chaos to peace is immeasurable.

“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”  Luke 12:15

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I hope your family enjoys these thick, fluffy and delicious pancakes as much as mine does. If they are old enough, and with supervision, the children will enjoy helping to mix ingredients, carefully pour the batter onto a pan or practice their pancake flipping skills.

Cooking from scratch means you know and control what is in your food and trust me, it will definitely taste better than the boxed stuff. The good news is that with this recipe, you will most likely already have all the needed ingredients in your kitchen or pantry.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2 ½ cups milk (or water)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted
• I teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups self-rising flour

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter on a pan and set aside.
2. Sift and mix the dry ingredients; flour and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.
3. Beat the eggs and add the water or milk (whichever you prefer) to them.
4. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and add the water/milk and egg mixture, stirring till well incorporated.
5. Finally, add the melted butter and vanilla and mix well into your pancake batter.
6. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add a dollop of butter and then pour or scoop the batter onto the pan, using approximately 1/2 cup for each pancake; cook until bubbles form and the edges are dry, about 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Add another small dollop of butter on the top of the pancake before flipping and cooking until browned on the other side as well.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the remaining batter.
9. Serve and enjoy!

Rachel Matembe

Toppings:

From diced fresh fruit and chocolate chips to the classical syrup, be creative and adventurous with your pancake toppings.

Rachel Matembe

For a savory twist, I like to top mine with bacon and a sunny side up egg.

Our son prefers to top his pancakes with chocolate. He loves to add a square of milk chocolate to his hot, fresh of the fire pancake and watch it melt into a delicious spread.

Rachel Matembe

Our daughter prefers to enjoy her pancakes topped with Greek yoghurt, blueberries and maple syrup.

Rachel Matembe

Enjoy!

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Maybe it’s because we’re standing at the finish line of another school year, where every day somehow holds three events, four permission slips, and one library book that’s been missing since February. Maybe it’s because summer is stretching out in front of us with all its promise… and all its snack requests.

Right now my days are filled with wet swim towels draped over every chair in the house, sunscreen smudges on the floor, endless rounds of “Can I have a snack?” followed immediately by, “There’s nothing to eat!” and the familiar chorus of “I’m bored.”

Some days motherhood feels less like making memories and more like managing logistics.

Laundry.

Lunches.

Carpool.

Cleaning.

Planning.

Repeat.

And if I’m being completely honest, there are afternoons when I catch myself wishing time would move just a little faster. Maybe just until bedtime. Or until school starts again. Or until Penny can make her own breakfast.

Then I remember something that always stops me in my tracks.

Somewhere, there is another mom who would give anything to hear those little footsteps racing down the hallway again.

While many of us are trying to survive the beautiful chaos of raising young children, there are moms quietly stepping into a completely different season. Their children are packing up dorm rooms, moving into first apartments, getting married, or simply building lives of their own. The house that once echoed with laughter, sibling arguments, slammed doors, and backpacks dropped in the entryway now feels…quiet.

I imagine those moms walking past bedrooms that stay clean because no one is there to make a mess.

No lunch to pack.

No permission slips to sign.

No school performances to rush across town for.

No little voice calling, “Mom, watch this!”

It’s a different kind of hard.

And it reminds me that every season of motherhood carries both joy and grief.

When our children are little, we ache for a little more space, a little more quiet, a little more sleep. When they’re grown, I imagine we ache for just one more bedtime story, one more tiny hand reaching for ours in the grocery store, one more sticky hug after school.

Time really is a thief.

Not in a cruel way, but in a quiet one.

It steals ordinary Tuesdays while we’re busy folding towels.

It slips past us during school drop-offs and bedtime routines and soccer practices. Before we know it, the child who needed help zipping their jacket is driving away without us.

That thought isn’t meant to make us feel guilty for the moments when motherhood feels exhausting. Because it is exhausting.

There are days when the noise feels overwhelming.

When everyone seems to need something from you at the exact same moment.

When you’ve answered the same question seventeen times before lunch.

When you’re certain you’ve washed the same swimsuit four days in a row.

Those moments are real.

But so are the beautiful ones tucked quietly inside them.

The little hand that still reaches for yours in the parking lot.

The artwork proudly pulled from a backpack.

Packing a favorite lunch and knowing they’ll smile when they open it.

Watching them scan the audience during the school play until they find your face.

Listening to bedtime prayers that somehow become both hilarious and deeply profound.

Being the one they still run to when they’ve had a hard day.

Those ordinary moments don’t usually feel extraordinary while we’re living them.

They simply feel…normal.

Until they aren’t anymore.

The beautiful thing is that motherhood doesn’t stop being meaningful as our children grow—it simply changes shape.

The moms who have raised children into adulthood get to experience something equally beautiful. They watch little personalities become fully formed people. They move from reminding their kids to brush their teeth to having real conversations about faith, marriage, work, dreams, disappointments, and life. Their children begin asking for wisdom instead of permission.

What a gift that must be.

The relationship becomes something entirely new—not less beautiful, just different.

I have a feeling that if moms on both ends of this journey sat down together over coffee, they wouldn’t spend much time comparing whose season is harder.

Instead, I think they’d remind each other to notice it.

The young mom might remind the empty nester to celebrate the incredible adults she helped shape.

The empty nester might gently tell the young mom, “Hold their hand while they’ll still let you.”

Both would understand something the other sometimes forgets: every season feels ordinary while you’re living it, and precious once it’s gone.

Scripture reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Not every season feels easy.

Not every season feels peaceful.

But every season has purpose.

God doesn’t ask us to rush through the one we’re in. He invites us to find Him there.

Even here.

In the piles of laundry.

In the wet towels.

In the sticky kitchen floors.

In the school concerts.

In the long summer afternoons.

In the quiet homes.

In the full ones.

Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

I’ve always loved that verse because I don’t think it’s asking us to count our days with sadness. I think it’s inviting us to pay attention to them.

To notice the sacred hidden inside the ordinary.

To recognize that one day we’ll miss the very things that feel overwhelming right now.

So today, if you’re in the thick of it with little kids climbing into your lap, asking for one more snack, one more story, one more push on the swing, I hope you’ll remember this:

You don’t have to love every moment to treasure this season.

You don’t have to pretend the hard parts aren’t hard.

You can be tired and thankful.

Overwhelmed and deeply grateful.

Ready for bedtime and still wish time would slow down.

Those things can all be true at once.

And if you’re reading this from a quieter house, I hope you know that your season is just as beautiful. The conversations are deeper. The hugs may be fewer, but they carry years of shared history. The prayers look different now. The love hasn’t diminished—it has simply grown.

Motherhood was never meant to stay the same.

Neither were our children.

So here’s to the moms in every season. May we encourage one another, borrow wisdom from those a few steps ahead, and remember that the ordinary days we sometimes wish away often become the ones we miss the most.

Because one day, we’ll look back and realize these weren’t just the busy years.

They were the beautiful ones.

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This year, the whole gang is coming to our house to celebrate and I’m so excited.  It’s a special year, the 250^th anniversary of our country.  It’s a great excuse to gather your people, barbecue some food, and have a party. I’ve been researching recipes and decoration ideas for months.

Psalm 33:12: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.“

Even if you’re having a quiet 4^th this year, why not add some fun to the day with a few decorations?  Now is the time to get crafty and get them done!

Here are some ideas.

 RUSTIC FLAGS

A few years ago I wrote about making rustic little flags.  I made some of them into a garland for my daughter and she hangs them on her fireplace every year.  They were a fun project and a great way to teach beginning sewing.  Rustic Flags Craft Tutorial | AllMomDoes

If your kids aren’t ready to use a needle, There’s an easier way to make them.

Buy red and white striped fabric and some blue fabric (with stars if you can find it).  Tear the striped fabric into 4 x 6” pieces.  Tear the blue fabric into 2 x 3” pieces.  Then simply glue the pieces together into a flag shape with fabric glue.  So simple!

Ann Kirsten

Turn these simple flags into a garland (by attaching them to twine) or make flags by gluing them to dowels or sticks from the yard.

WOOD CUBE BOOK PAGE FLAGS

I had my husband cut 4” x 4” cubes out of 2 x 4s.  I needed mine to fit into certain spaces, but you could cut the wood into any size you want.

Ann Kirsten

To make a book page flag, you’ll need an old book you can cut up, mod podge, and paint.

Ann Kirsten

First, cover the block with an old book page (using mod podge).  Trim the corners to make it easier and make sure you press out any bubbles.  Let dry.

Ann Kirsten

Paint a flag onto the front side.  Thin your craft paint a bit so the print shows through.  I started with the blue and then I painted a red stripe on the top and bottom.  This made it easy to center the other two stripes between the top and bottom.  (You can paint the sides and back in any way you want to).  After the paint is dry, use a paint pen to add a star or cut a star shape out of another book page.  If you want to age the flag, add a tiny bit of brown paint with a dry brush.  Then add a bit of brown paint to some mod podge and brush that mixture over the whole flag.

Ann Kirsten

PLAIN WOODEN FLAGS

If you don’t want to bother with book pages, simply paint your blocks white and let them dry.  Paint the blue corner and then one red stripe at the top and one at the bottom of the cube.  Center the remaining stripes in between those two.  Add a star with a paint pen or cut one from a book page. (Paint whatever you’d like on the sides and back).  Leave the flag as is or softly sand the edges to age the them.  Paint with varnish or mod podge if you want shiny flags.  Add brown paint if you want your flags to look aged.

Ann Kirsten

PATRIOTIC FLOWERS

With red, white and blue fabric, cut five circles.  I used a plastic lid as a pattern.  Mine was about 4 inches across.  Fold the circles as shown.

Ann Kirsten

Sew a running stitch along the curved sides.  Continue sewing from one piece to the next until all five are connected (leave tails of thread on both ends).

Ann Kirsten

Pull the thread tight to gather the stitches.  Tie the ends into a knot and trim the ends.

Ann Kirsten

Sew or glue a button or a circle of felt into the center.  Wouldn’t these make cute corsages or barrettes?

Ann Kirsten

DRYING RACK FLAG

Ann Kirsten

Here’s a unique flag to make.  Grab one of your cooking racks and some red, white, and blue fabric.

Ann Kirsten

Craft and sewing stores sell “fat quarters”, small pieces of material folded into a neat package.  They are great to buy for crafts even if you’re not a seamstress.

Rip your fabric into strips, any width you want, I used about 1 ½ inch width.  You do not need to be perfect on this.

Weave the strips in and out of the drying rack.  I did: over two, under one.  You will find that because of how the drying rack is made, you will not be able to weave perfectly.  Don’t worry, that just adds to the fun of this flag.

When you’re at the end or beginning of a row, leave a tail of fabric, turn the rack upside down and weave the tail into the rack.  I found that a pair of tweezers really came in handy to pull the fabric through.

Voila, a flag!

Ann Kirsten

Any or all of these crafts will add a bit of whimsy to your 4^th of July festivities no matter how you’re celebrating.  Plus, they’re fun to make!

1 Timothy 2:1-2: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.“

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The select soccer practices, the travel team, the chess club, the homework, the test prep…moms today are navigating not just a more complex world when it comes to raising their kids, but also all the add-ons that are supposed to help our kids prepare for an uncertain future. But what if you decided to get off the hamster wheel and make your kids…and your life…more simple? Novelist and journalist Christine Gunderson joins AllMomDoes host Julie Lyles Carr for an insightful conversation about the forces that drive us to do more more more for our kids and why it could be time for a reset.

Listen to "Off the Hamster Wheel with Christine Gunderson" on Spreaker.

Special thanks to George Fox University for sponsoring the AllMomDoes Podcast!

---

Show Notes:

Find Christine: Website | Instagram | Good Reads

• Book: Behind White Picket Fences

Key Topics:
The evolution of motherhood from the 1960s to today
Impact of societal expectations on mothers
The role of community in raising children
The importance of boredom and free time for kids
The influence of technology and screen time on literacy and creativity

Sound bites:
“Why are we doing all this stuff?”
“Fast content shortens attention spans.”
“Share passions, don’t impose them.”

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Motherhood Today
03:04 The Changing Landscape of Motherhood
05:47 Community and Its Role in Parenting
08:38 The Impact of Scheduling on Children
11:26 Boredom and Creativity in Kids
14:35 The Walk Away Wife Syndrome
17:23 Finding Solutions Through Community
20:10 Unrealized Aspirations and Parenting
22:49 Conclusion and Resources

Keywords: motherhood, parenting pressures, community, family life, homeschooling, childhood freedom, social anxiety, screen time, work-life balance, novel

Find Julie: Online | Instagram | Facebook | X | Pinterest

Find AllMomDoes: Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | Pinterest

*Transcription can be found on most podcast platforms.

Leave Audio Review, Question, or Comment

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Lord, help me to speak kindly to my children. Please help me to be kind, loving, warm and fun. In Jesus Name, Amen.

I just prayed that for the millionth time this week. And how many times do we Moms pray such a prayer, after being wrecked by Mom guilt. (Side note, does Dad guilt exist? Will have to look into that.)

The Psalmist in Psalm 113:9 declares that God will make you a joyful mother over your children.

Something just hit me about that verse this week. God is speaking to the mother. Because in His divine wisdom He knows how we tend to beat ourselves up and are harsh in our thoughts towards ourselves. Always falling short and never quite doing good enough, in our own opinions.

The Holy Spirit revealed to me that there is a specific way the enemy attacks mothers, through tormenting guilt that is a stealer of joy and eventually even robs us of life. Notice how the guilt will snowball if we dwell on it even just a little, until it builds up into depression and robs of the family of the wonderful gift of a joyful, present mother. Not today Satan. Not any day, actually.

As I was wallowing through another bout of Mom guilt, the Holy Spirit snapped me out of it by bringing this verse into remembrance, Psalm 113.9. I was l also reminded of Romans 8:1, Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
 That is why, dear Moms, it is such a gift to store up God’s Word in our minds and hearts. Some versions actually say treasure, because it is a treasure that the Holy Spirit taps into and brings us back into our remembrance just when we need that injection of life and hope back in to us.

Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart. Psalm 119:11

In such a characteristically timely manner, that Wonderful Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, brought these verses back into my mind and said; pray these instead in faith. Speak God’s Word in prayer. See yourself as God sees you. So I prayed instead; Thank You Father that you have made me a joyful mother over all my children, as Your word declares in Psalm 113:9, I will rejoice in them and over them, I’m so grateful for the privilege of parenting them, being their Mom, loving and nurturing them. Please strengthen me in this beautiful role, forgive my shortcomings and help me to do just as You designed. Thank You that a there is no condemnation for me as a Mom and as a person because I am in Christ Jesus. I know You will help me because You say so in Your word.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

Dear Mom, as you read this, remember the truth of God’s Word. There is therefore NO condemnation for them that are in Christ Jesus. Not a little condemnation, not some condemnation, but NONE. God called you to this ministry of raising Godly seed because as He said in Psalm 127:3 that children are a gift from Him alone, and His reward. So He sees you as capable and worthy. And He empowers you daily to excel. His mercies are new every single morning and His faithfulness to us is great, not small.

May you receive the joy that God has set apart and intended especially and specifically for Moms. You WILL be a joyful mother over all your children. God had said it, the creator of all things declares it. And so we believe it and receive it. Amen.

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]]> https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/a-joyful-mom/feed/ 0 https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/summer-moments-can-we-just-stay-here-for-a-minute/ https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/summer-moments-can-we-just-stay-here-for-a-minute/#respond Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:00:20 +0000 Joanna Gott 2026-06-10T14:23:54+00:00 https://d955.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=60262 I’m so sad how fast summer is going to go.”

The funny thing was that summer hadn’t even started yet. She still has a few weeks of school left, lunches to pack, library books to return, and all the usual end-of-year activities filling our calendar. Yet there she was, already mourning the end of a season she hadn’t even experienced. At first, I laughed. Then I realized something that stopped me in my tracks: she learned that from me.

As moms, I think many of us live our lives one step ahead of where we actually are. My brain often feels like it’s permanently attached to a calendar. I’m constantly thinking about what’s happening today, what needs to happen this weekend, what appointments are coming up next week, and what preparations need to be made for next month. Sometimes it feels like my mind spends so much time planning the future that it barely gets to enjoy the present.

The truth is, we’re living in a culture that constantly pushes us toward what’s next. Summer hasn’t officially started, yet stores are already filling their shelves with fall décor. I’ve seen pumpkins and cozy autumn displays while I’m still trying to figure out where I stored last year’s beach towels. Movie previews are advertising Christmas releases before we’ve even celebrated the Fourth of July. Play dates somehow need to be scheduled weeks in advance, and social media never lets us forget that there’s always a new trend, a new product, a new routine, or a new opportunity waiting just around the corner.

Without realizing it, we become conditioned to believe that the next thing is always more important than the current thing.

Maybe that’s why Penny’s comment hit me so hard. She wasn’t really sad about summer ending. She was missing a moment she hadn’t even lived yet. And if I’m honest, I’ve done the same thing more times than I can count. I’ve worried about the end of a season while standing right in the middle of it. I’ve stressed about the next school year before the current one was over. I’ve caught myself thinking about August while living in June.

As I reflected on this, I couldn’t help but think about Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

I’ve read that verse countless times, but lately it feels especially relevant. Jesus wasn’t telling us never to make plans. He wasn’t suggesting we ignore responsibilities or stop preparing for the future. Instead, He was reminding us that today’s blessings deserve today’s attention. So often, we carry tomorrow’s worries into today and then wonder why we feel exhausted.

I think summer offers a unique opportunity to practice living differently. There is something about this season that naturally invites us to slow down. The longer evenings, backyard dinners, popsicles on the porch, spontaneous trips for ice cream, and afternoons spent outside all seem to whisper an invitation to be present. Yet even summer can become another item on our to-do list if we’re not careful. We can spend so much time planning memories that we forget to actually experience them.

This year, I’m trying to be more intentional about staying in the moment, and there are a few simple practices helping me do that.

Leave Space on the Calendar

One of the biggest changes I’m making is leaving more space on our calendar. This doesn’t come naturally to me. I love a plan. I love knowing what’s coming and feeling prepared. But some of our family’s sweetest memories have happened when absolutely nothing was scheduled. A spontaneous trip to get ice cream. An evening bike ride through the neighborhood. Running through the sprinkler because it seemed like a good idea at the time. Those moments rarely happen when every minute is accounted for.

Notice the Ordinary Moments

I’m also trying to pay closer attention to ordinary moments. It’s easy to believe that meaningful memories only happen during vacations or special events, but some of the moments I treasure most are incredibly simple. They’re found in conversations around the dinner table, folding laundry together, hearing laughter drift in from the backyard, or watching the evening sunlight spill across the kitchen floor. Psalm 118:24 reminds us, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Not next week. Not next month. This day.

Put Down the Phone More Often

Another challenge for me is putting my phone down more often. I say this as someone who works in a world connected to social media as it can be a wonderful tool, but it can also make us feel like we’re constantly missing something. While we’re enjoying our own family’s summer, we’re simultaneously seeing everyone else’s vacations, parties, projects, and adventures. Before we know it, we’re mentally somewhere else instead of fully present where God has placed us. Sometimes the best thing I can do is set the phone aside and fully participate in the life happening right in front of me.

Practice Gratitude for What’s Right in Front of You

I’ve also found that gratitude is one of the quickest ways to anchor my heart in the present. When I intentionally thank God for today’s blessings, my focus shifts away from what’s missing or what’s coming next. A morning walk, a cup of coffee, a conversation with Penny, a beautiful sunset, or even an ordinary day at home can become a reminder of God’s goodness. Gratitude helps me see that today’s gifts are enough.

Remember That God Is Already in Tomorrow

Finally, I’m learning to trust that God is already in tomorrow. So much of our obsession with the future comes from a desire to control it. We want certainty. We want guarantees. We want to know how everything will turn out. Yet Isaiah 46:10 reminds us that God knows the end from the beginning. The future that feels uncertain to us is already known to Him. That truth doesn’t eliminate planning, but it does free us from carrying burdens that were never ours to hold.

As we head into summer, I’m reminding myself of something simple: I don’t want to miss today’s blessings because I’m busy worrying about tomorrow’s. The calendar pages will keep turning. Summer will eventually end. Another school year will begin. The next season will come whether I’m ready or not.

But right now, there are memories waiting to be made. There are conversations to have, sunsets to watch, ice cream cones to eat, sidewalks to cover in colorful chalk, and ordinary moments to enjoy. And maybe that’s enough.

So when Penny asks what’s happening next weekend, I’m going to do my best to gently remind both of us that we’re still living this one. Because one day, these ordinary days will become the moments we miss most. And I don’t want to spend so much time looking ahead that I forget to enjoy the beautiful life God has placed right in front of me.

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]]> https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/summer-moments-can-we-just-stay-here-for-a-minute/feed/ 0 https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/the-power-of-family-worship/ https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/the-power-of-family-worship/#respond Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:00:17 +0000 Rachel Matembe 2026-06-04T22:12:26+00:00 https://d955.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=60258 Christian Chan “But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Are you a family that does things together? One of the instructions God has given us as a family is to talk about His Word together, pray and worship Him together.

It is our God given role as parents to pass on the faith to our children. If the Church helps, that’s great! But the primary responsibility rests on us as parents, as God shows us in His Word.

“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors.” Deuteronomy 11:18-21.

While it may come naturally to you as a parent to pray for your children, this is an encouragement to take it a step further and pray with your children too.

My husband and I recently attended a workshop led by Steve Demme called Family Worship U-See. Steve is the author of various books including ‘Family Worship’, the creator of Math-U-See and the founder of Building Faith and Families. We were reminded that having a family altar, a regular time and place to worship, pray and read God’s Word together as a family is not only vital to us passing on our faith, but it builds strong relationship bonds within the family as we seek God as a unit. Like Steve likes to say, a family that stays together, stays together.

Family worship will look different at different stages of your family life and in different seasons. From the toddler years when they are just happy to be there and can feel the love and warmth of loved ones, to the elementary years and beyond when they can actively participate in reading and discussing Bible passages with you.

Some days it will look like 10 minutes of going through the motions because everyone caught a cold and is groggy and other days you will lose track of time as you enjoy singing hymn after hymn, playing Bible games like draw your sword or read along and delving deep into Bible study. The key is that we keep our daily appointment with God as a family, showing that He has priority in our lives. These habits and rhythms that our children grow up with will be hard to shake as adults. And that is exactly the point. Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old, they will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Timothy’s mother and grandmother are great examples of the eternal benefits that passing on our faith from one generation to another will have. Paul testifies to this in 2 Timothy 1:5, I remember your sincere and unqualified faith [the surrendering of your entire self to God in Christ with confident trust in His power, wisdom and goodness, a faith] which first lived in [the heart of] your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am confident that it is in you as well.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

Timothy’s Mum and Grand Ma were diligent in teaching him the Holy Scriptures from infancy. This shows us that our children are never too young to be part of family worship. Even babies in the womb can be filled with the Holy Spirit, like John the Baptist was. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. Luke 1:15.

It is possible to make studying God’s Word and praying together as a family a daily part of your home. Even just the simple act of reading the Scriptures out loud together allows God’s words to take root, and His Holy Spirit to minister to the whole family. Be encouraged in knowing that when you take even the smallest steps to disciple and steward your children, God does much more than we could have ever imagined!

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and His might, and the wonders that He has done. Psalm 78:4.

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]]> https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/the-power-of-family-worship/feed/ 0 https://purposely.com/podcasts/allmomdoes-podcast/screening-summer-with-julie-lyles-carr/ https://purposely.com/podcasts/allmomdoes-podcast/screening-summer-with-julie-lyles-carr/#respond Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:00:48 +0000 Purposely 2026-06-03T10:00:48+00:00 https://purposely.com/?p=19517

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She was duly impressed by the experience.  She loved the opulence of the theater and the soft seats that folded in half if you weren’t careful.

When we gathered for lunch afterwards, I presented her with her gift of the little figures.  We were all shocked when she opened them, shuddered, and said, “No, thank you, Nana.”  Her mom tried to get her to touch them and play with them and she refused.  She couldn’t articulate why she wouldn’t play with them.

For about a month we tried again every time she came over but she was adamant that she wanted nothing to do with them.

Finally, her mom brought them to her house and promised to try again.  She gently took them out of the package and touched them herself.  My granddaughter saw how pretty they all were and began lining them up on the table and then she handed the Hans figurine to her mom and said, “Not him!”  Every time her mom tried to put him in the group, my granddaughter fiercely stated that he was not allowed to be a part of the play group.  She even made her mom put him away where he could not be seen.

If you remember, Hans seemed in the movie to be a classic prince.  Only towards the end do we find out shockingly that he has evil intentions.  He was a deceiver and my little granddaughter did not like that at all.  She wanted no part of him.

Sometime later, Tangled came out on DVD.  I was thrilled again to share it with my granddaughter.  I have always loved the story and I was a fan of some of the voice actors.  But once again, my granddaughter was less that happy.

This time it was the witch/mother who upset her.  Who was she really, the mother who pretended to be nice or the awful witch with evil intent in her heart?  Again, the deception upset my little granddaughter and she refused to ever watch it again.

Years have passed and supposed children’s movies have become even more filled with upsetting things.  Decades ago, we felt we could trust companies like Disney to put out sweet stories that kids would love.  Looking back, I can see that these insidious moves were just the beginning, and isn’t that how Satan works?  He creeps in silently, often unnoticed, until he gains a foothold.

I now have more beautiful grandchildren and a few weeks ago we sat down to watch Swapped.  It was animated and the colors and characters caught our attention.  All through the movie there was a goofy and kind fish who helped the main characters.  Then, at the very end, he turned into an ugly fiery wolf, again with evil in his heart.

My sweet, sensitive grandson yelled out, “Why did they make this movie?!”  “What is the point?!”  He muttered under his breath for the rest of the scenes and clung to my arm.  He slept next to his mom that night.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” Matthew 7:15-16

I revisit these experiences over and over in my mind.  Where I might have glossed over these scenes, the innocence of children’s hearts saw the evil contained inside.

One of Satan’s names is “The Great Deceiver” and we have to be aware at all times of his attacks, especially if we’re raising children.  In this corrupt world it is hard to stay alert when so many attacks are all around us.  It took my sweet grandchildren to show me the subtle ways that even cartoon “family” movies aren’t safe anymore.

As Matthew 18:3-4 says: “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

The Great Deceiver is described as a spiritual being who twists God’s truth, leads humanity into sin, and orchestrates widespread spiritual deception across the world.

There are many who think I am being too picky about these things.  After all, these are just silly movies, right?  But I think that if even young children can see the evil, I should be paying attention too.  There are others who think that children should be anesthetized to the evils of this world so they can handle life better.  I, for one, love that my sensitive grandkids don’t accept the muddying of the line between good and evil.  Instead, they stand for truth and keep a hold on their faith.

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”  Matthew 18:6

It’s so sad that Satan targets even children in his quest for control.  But he will stop at nothing to turn people away from the Lord.  I am humbled by the things my grandchildren teach me.  Seeing things through their eyes simplifies the difference between good and evil and allows me to see more clearly.

“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children.'” Matthew 19:14

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]]> https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/the-great-deceiver/feed/ 0 https://purposely.com/podcasts/gospel-tech/stop-the-summer-slip-2/ https://purposely.com/podcasts/gospel-tech/stop-the-summer-slip-2/#respond Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:05:44 +0000 Purposely 2026-06-02T07:05:44+00:00 https://purposely.com/?p=19523

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Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 Amplified Bible

I’m reminded of the time Jesus chose a few of His closest disciples to go to the mountain with Him to pray. They could not do it. They kept dozing off and falling asleep, much to Jesus’s disappointment. This was because praying and seeking God is not something they had been practicing and doing consistently like Jesus had, so it was hard for them to do. Jesus often withdrew to a solitary place to seek God and pray as we see in Luke 5:16. It is something He had trained Himself to do, did consistently and often and so had the muscle built up and could exercise it for hours while others slept off in a few minutes. The good news is that the disciples noticed this desirable attribute in Jesus and asked Him to teach them to pray. And He did. They had a rough start, falling asleep and not being able to keep up with their teacher but with consistency and not giving up, they were finally able to spend extended hours seeking God and in prayer. We see this in Acts 2:42.

But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses. Acts 1:8

Another very vital piece of them being able to seek God and pray was the Holy Spirit. After the disciples had the Holy Spirit come upon them at Pentecost, were empowered to do what Jesus did. We need the Holy Spirit. And praise God that Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit who indwells everyone that accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  The Holy Spirit empowers us to seek God with all our hearts and find Him. Not half heartedly, but with all of our hearts.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that He will give us the inheritance He promised and that He has purchased us to be His own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify Him. Ephesians 1:13-14.

God desires intimacy with us. When we seek God, we seek Him for Him, not just for His answers or blessings. He is our exceedingly great reward.

Here are three ways we can seek God:

1. We seek God through His Word, giving God’s Word first place in our lives and referring to it as the final authority.

This does not mean we give up on other pursuits like work, sports, ministry or family but it means that God comes first. He is priority.

Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness , and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:36.

I’ve heard people say God never speaks to them. The answer to that is: open up your Bible and read it. The Bible is God speaking, so find the time to read it and hear God talking to you.

My child, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to My words.  Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Proverbs 4:20-22.

The Israelites used to write God’s Word everywhere so it was ever before their eyes and so they could give attention to it. So go ahead and post Bible verses everywhere, on the fridge, in the living room, by your nightstand.

2. We seek God through prayer.

Give yourself to prayer. Following the first step above, when we have the regular storage of God’s Word in our heart, as we start to pray, the Holy Spirit brings to mind the appropriate scriptures for whatever situation we are praying. To quote my Pastor PS “A Christian who is not praying is playing. A people that are not praying are straying”

He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” Matthew 21:13.

Jesus was talking about the physical temple in this verse, but now, we are called the temple of God in 1 Corinthians 3:17 so we are called to be a house of prayer, as the temple of the living God. Because if we leave the temple without prayer, other things will come in like they did in Jesus’s time.

Consistent prayer is one of the core disciplines that builds up a Christian.

3. We seek God through fasting.

Fasting is not very popular I know, but Jesus did it and so should we.

And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:28-29.

We do not fast in order to change God, because fasting does not change God, but changes us. We fast to bring our flesh into subjection; to silence the demands of the flesh so we can hear more clearly what the Spirit of God is saying on the inside of us.  Fasting is about silencing the carnal nature and edifying our spiritual nature.

Fasing is not a cultural thing. Fasting is a Biblical thing. Jesus said WHEN you fast, not if you fast. To train yourself in fasting, take baby steps. Fast till noon one day, then till 2pm and then 6pm and so on. We fast so we can spend more time with God in prayer and His Word. Our physical body is denied but the spirit is feasting on things that edify like God’s Word and prayer.

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27

Like Paul, our flesh should not dictate the course of our lives. Instead, we are led by the spirit, not the flesh.

Matthew 6:16-18 Moreover, WHEN you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But WHEN you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

Jesus teaches us that fasting should not make us irresponsible Christians who are slacking at our work or school or other responsibilities because it should not be obvious that we are fasting. Instead, fasting makes us spiritual giants, empowered to do all God calls us to do. We pray better when we fast and we understand God’s word better because our flesh is under and our spiritual antennas are in tune and more receptive to hear from God.

Making room for Jesus as our priority has eternal benefits. We cannot seek God real quick. But when we seek Him with all our heart, we will surely find Him.

“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5.

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Read more of Rachel’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.

]]> https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/seek-the-lord/feed/ 0 https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/the-value-of-introverts/ https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/the-value-of-introverts/#respond Fri, 29 May 2026 17:00:43 +0000 Ann Kirsten 2026-05-29T19:29:56+00:00 https://d955.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=60229 franck reporter

I watched as my more social friends were celebrated and revered while I got report cards saying things like, “needs to get over her shyness” or “doesn’t participate in class”.

And I have to admit that from the outside, introverts can seem a bit odd.

Don’t be surprised if we talk to ourselves … out loud.  It’s just how we process information sometimes.

Our idea of a perfect day involves cancelled plans.  Please cancel.  We love time spent on our own.

In fact, we recharge by being alone.  Going out for a drink after work or meeting a friend for dinner?  No thanks.  We need time with our thoughts, hobbies or just zoning out to the television instead.

Kelly Sikkema

Small talk drives us crazy.  Social settings where surface talk is the norm will exhaust us faster than anything.  A deep conversation with just one or two people suits us much better.

We may seem anti-social.  Because of our wiring, we might look like we are aloof.  We do like people; we just show that in a different way.

Silence does not bother us.  We don’t feel the need to fill every second with noise.  This freaks some people out.

Introverts don’t have a large friend group.  Instead we invest in a few deep and meaningful relationships.  We prefer it this way.

We tend to have weird hobbies.  All that time alone (plus not feeling the need for others’ approval) can lead to strange pastimes.  I have been known to paint sticks, glue stamps of my own making into small books, and make dolls out of toilet paper rolls.  It all makes sense to me.

Our need for quiet time is fierce and non-negotiable.  One of my guy friends, when he is forced into a social situation, has escape routes figured out before he goes.  They include not only excuses to cut the night short, but actual plans of which door will get him out quicker.

These things are hard for social people to understand.  I used to hide these parts of myself because the world made me feel ashamed.

It is only recently that introverts have fought back.  Finally, enough of us were tired of the labels and began talking about our unique strengths.

For example:

1. Introvert friends are excellent listeners.  Try getting your social butterfly friends to listen to you for any length of time and you may notice that they have trouble listening.

2. Introverts are keen observers.  Because we tend to sit back and observe, we notice small details that others miss.  We can read body language and the tiniest nuances of behavior.

3. This leads us to advanced empathy.  How can we not have empathy when we see so much that more social people miss.

4. It is easier to have a deep conversation with an introvert.  We do not dominate conversations.  Instead, we listen carefully and take in small details.

5. Introverts often excel at creative pursuits.  Writing and art are best done alone and introverts are not afraid of being alone, in fact we often prefer it.

6. We can keep ourselves happy and occupied.  We don’t need others for constant entertainment or validation.

7. We make ideal friends and partners because we value personal space and privacy.

8. We think before we speak and take action.  This reduces hasty errors and impulsive actions (making us ideal employees).

Knowing all these pluses to being an introvert makes it hard to understand why the world has always been so keen to “fix” us.

And because so many were telling us that we were broken, we believed it.

I am happy that introverts have finally started speaking up (even though it’s hard for us!).  I spent years being a square peg trying to shove myself into the round hole the world insisted I fit into.  I just couldn’t do it and it made me feel so ashamed.

When I had my own kids, I became a mama bear.  Teachers who tried to label my children the same way I was labeled were given an earful.  I did everything I could to make sure they did not go through the guilt and shame that I went through.

My journey to acceptance of myself took much longer.

It is through years of trying and failing to be more social, counseling, and just plain stubbornness that I now view being an introvert as a blessing and not a curse.

My kids’ pediatrician had a sign in his office that said, “God Don’t Make No Junk”.  And it is true.  He doesn’t.  The gifts He gave me would not have been possible without the unique wiring I have.

For years I dreamed of magically turning into an outgoing party person.  I can finally say that given the chance to be changed into a social butterfly, I wouldn’t take it.

I am fine the way I am and God knew that when He created me.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

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Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.

]]> https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/the-value-of-introverts/feed/ 0 https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/our-new-favorite-end-of-year-tradition-a-school-memory-binder/ https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/our-new-favorite-end-of-year-tradition-a-school-memory-binder/#respond Thu, 28 May 2026 17:00:40 +0000 Joanna Gott 2026-05-29T19:30:54+00:00 https://d955.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=60220

And if your kids are anything like mine, they absolutely do not want to throw away a single thing.

Every paper is “the most special one ever.” Every drawing deserves to be framed. Every worksheet somehow holds a memory attached to it. Honestly? I get it. These little pieces of paper represent an entire year of growth, learning, friendships, funny moments, and milestones we never want to forget.

Over time, we had to come up with a system that worked for us because the paper piles were getting out of control. Throughout the school year, we started keeping one special piece from each week and recycling the rest. It helped cut down on clutter while still saving meaningful memories.

But now that we’ve reached the end of the year, I wanted a way to organize all of those special pieces into something easy to store, simple to flip through, and something we can continue year after year.

So this year, we made an end-of-year school binder — and I honestly love how it turned out.

It feels organized without being complicated. It keeps the memories protected while still easy to access. And best of all, it became such a fun project to do together.

If you want to create one too, here’s exactly how we did it.

Supplies You’ll Need

The best part about this project is that it doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. Most of the supplies are simple things you may already have at home.

Here’s what we used:

• A binder
• Clear binder sheet protectors
• Stickers
• Decorative tape or washi tape
• Colorful cardstock or scrapbook paper
• School work and artwork from the year
• Printed photos from school events
• Awards or certificates
• Scissors
• Markers or pens

You can customize this however you want depending on your child’s personality and how detailed you want to make it.

Joanna Gott

Step 1: Create a Fun Cover

This was honestly one of Penny’s favorite parts.

We started by making a personalized cover for the front of the binder. You can keep it simple or go all out depending on your style.

Joanna Gott

We added:

• Her grade (a big letter “K” for kindergarten)

You could also add:

• The school year
• Teacher’s name

At the very end Penny wanted to write out the word “Kindergarten” herself and decorate it with fun stickers and colorful tape. It ended up looking perfectly imperfect in the sweetest way.

I love that the cover immediately reflects her personality and gives the binder a scrapbook feel instead of just another storage folder shoved on a shelf.

Joanna Gott

Step 2: Gather the “Special” Pieces

Next, we spread all the saved school work out on the floor and started sorting through everything together.

This was such a sweet reminder that kids often treasure completely different things than we do.

I found myself pulling out assignments where her handwriting had improved or projects I thought were especially impressive. Meanwhile, Penny was emotionally attached to a coloring page because “my teacher put a smiley face on it.”

And honestly, that’s exactly why involving your child matters.

Let them help decide what feels important to them. Let them tell you the stories behind certain papers. Sometimes the memories attached to the item matter far more than the item itself.

We included:

• Favorite drawings
• Writing samples
• Math worksheets
• Holiday crafts
• School projects
• Certificates and awards

You definitely do not need to save everything. The beauty of this system is keeping the highlights instead of the entire mountain of papers.

Step 3: Add Photos From the Year

This step made the binder feel extra special.

I printed photos from:

• Field trips
• Class parties
• School performances
• Spirit days
• First day of school
• Fun classroom events

Adding photos helps tell the full story of the year and breaks up the school papers in such a fun way.

I also love that years from now we’ll remember not just the assignments, but the little moments too — the missing front tooth smile, the class Valentine’s party, the messy cupcake decorating day, and the excitement of backpack pictures before school.

Step 4: Place Everything Into Clear Sleeves

Once we had everything sorted, we started placing pieces into clear binder sleeves.

This is what makes the binder feel so organized and easy to flip through.

You can arrange things:

• Chronologically
• By subject
• By season or holiday
• Or simply however feels right

Some sleeves held one special item while others held multiple smaller papers layered together.

The clear sleeves protect everything while still making it easy to see and enjoy.

And as a mom who has accidentally spilled tea on important papers before… the protective sleeves give me peace of mind.

Step 5: Add Descriptions and Memories

This part may not seem important now, but I really think it will matter years down the road.

We used stickers, labels, and decorative tape to add little notes throughout the binder describing certain memories or moments we might otherwise forget.

Things like:

• “First chapter book completed!”
• “Won kindness award”
• “Field trip to the pumpkin patch”
• “Favorite art project of the year”

Because let’s be honest — ten years from now, I may not remember why a random worksheet felt important.

But those little descriptions help preserve the story behind the paper.

Joanna Gott

Step 6: Handle Oversized Items

Not every project fits perfectly into a binder sleeve, and that’s okay.

For larger artwork or oversized papers, you can:

• Fold them in half
• Trim them down
• Place them loosely inside the binder pockets
• Or simply include a photo of the item instead

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s preserving memories in a way that feels manageable.

Step 7: Let Your Child Add Final Touches

Before we finished, I let Penny add some final creative touches throughout the binder.

She added:

• Extra stickers
• Decorative tape
• Little doodles
• Handwritten notes

And honestly, those little personal details are probably my favorite part.

This binder doesn’t just hold memories from the school year — it reflects who she was during this season of life.

That’s what makes it special.

At the end of the day, this project became so much more than organizing school papers. It became a way to slow down and celebrate an entire year of growth, memories, friendships, milestones, and moments we never want to forget.

Now instead of random piles stuffed into drawers or overflowing boxes, we have one organized keepsake binder filled with the highlights of the year.

Something easy to store.
Easy to revisit.
And something we can continue year after year.

And honestly, I already know future me is going to be incredibly thankful we took the time to make it.

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Read more of Joanna’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.

]]> https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/our-new-favorite-end-of-year-tradition-a-school-memory-binder/feed/ 0 https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/come-help-me-inviting-kids-into-everyday-projects/ https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/come-help-me-inviting-kids-into-everyday-projects/#respond Wed, 27 May 2026 17:00:50 +0000 Joanna Gott 2026-05-27T18:11:29+00:00 https://d955.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=60200 Joanna Gott

Because let’s be honest: including young kids in real-life projects sounds beautiful in theory. In reality, it often means your baking takes twice as long, your freshly folded laundry gets unfolded immediately, and somehow a simple DIY project now includes glitter.

So much glitter.

But even in the chaos, I’ve realized something important: kids don’t just want to help because they enjoy the activity itself. They want to feel included. Needed. Trusted. They want to know they belong in the work of the home and the rhythm of family life.

And for kids who don’t naturally want to help? I completely get that too. Some children jump in immediately while others need a little more encouragement, structure, or motivation. I’ve found myself learning as I go, figuring out small ways to make projects feel more inviting instead of overwhelming.

Over time, these are just a few things I’ve started doing that seem to help our projects feel meaningful instead of miserable—for both of us. Maybe some of these ideas might help your family too.

1. I Try to Give Penny a Clear Start and Finish

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that kids seem to do better when they know there’s an actual end point.

I can mentally prepare myself for a six-hour garage cleanout fueled by coffee and determination. Penny? Not so much.

If a project feels endless or too big, I notice she loses interest quickly—or melts dramatically onto the floor halfway through pulling weeds.

So before we start something, I usually try to explain:

• What we’re doing
• Why we’re doing it
• About how long it might take
• What the finished result will look like

Sometimes I’ll say:
“We’re going to plant these flowers in the front yard, and when we’re done it’ll look bright and colorful for summer.”

Or:
“We’re going to organize this side of the garage until we can walk through without stepping on pool noodles and Christmas decorations.”

I’ve noticed that breaking projects into smaller chunks helps both of us. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, I’ll give her one manageable job she can feel successful doing.

And honestly? Snack breaks help tremendously too.

2. I Try to Show Her How to Do Things Instead of Doing It All Myself

One of my favorite things to watch is the pride Penny feels when she realizes, “I can do this by myself.”

But I’ve learned independence usually requires me slowing down first.

Which is hard sometimes because it’s obviously faster to just do everything myself. It would absolutely take me less time to crack the eggs, water the plants, paint the wall, or fold the towels without “help.”

But I’m trying to remind myself that the goal isn’t always efficiency.

Joanna Gott

Sometimes the goal is teaching.

So I’ve started taking a little extra time to demonstrate things slowly and then letting her try on her own. I’ve noticed she asks for less constant help when she feels confident doing something independently.

And yes, sometimes that means:

• The muffins look a little questionable
• The painted wall has some “creative” streaks
• The folded towels resemble abstract art

But she’s learning.

And I think kids gain so much confidence when we let them participate imperfectly instead of constantly stepping in to fix everything.

3. I Try to Explain Why the Project Matters

I’ve realized Penny is way more interested in helping when she understands there’s purpose behind what we’re doing.

Otherwise chores just feel like random adult nonsense.

So instead of only saying:
“We need to clean the garage.”

I might explain:
“We’re making room so we can actually find our bikes this summer.”

Or instead of:
“We need to pull weeds.”

I’ll say:
“We’re helping the flowers have more room to grow.”

Even simple explanations seem to help her feel connected to the bigger picture.

And honestly, it reminds me too that caring for our homes and spaces matters.

One verse I think about often during ordinary tasks is:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
— Bible Colossians 3:23

I love that reminder because it makes everyday work feel meaningful. Laundry, gardening, organizing, painting—it can all be done with care, gratitude, and purpose.

Even the tasks nobody notices.

4. I’m Learning to Encourage Progress More Than Perfection

This one stretches me a little.

Because while I love involving Penny in projects… I am a control freak who secretly wants the project to turn out well.

And sometimes I catch myself wanting to correct every little thing:
“Not like that.”
 “Careful.”
 “You missed a spot.”
 “Let me fix it.”

But I’ve noticed that too much correcting can make kids feel defeated really quickly.

So I’m trying to focus more on encouraging effort instead of expecting perfection.

I try to say things like:
“You worked so hard organizing those bins.”
 “You’re getting really good at cracking eggs.”
 “I love how carefully you planted those flowers.”

Children seem to bloom where encouragement lives.

Joanna Gott

And honestly? Adults do too.

The Bible says:

“Train up a child in the way he should go…”
— Bible Proverbs 22:6

Training takes time. Repetition. Patience. Grace.

Not perfection.

5. I Try to Make Room for Fun Along the Way

Sometimes I think I accidentally make projects feel heavier than they need to be because I’m too focused on productivity.

Kids don’t naturally wake up excited to clean baseboards or organize storage bins.

But they do love connection.

So I’ve started trying to make space for fun in the middle of the work:

• Playing music while we clean
• Dancing in the kitchen while baking
• Letting her spray the hose in the garden a little longer than necessary
• Laughing when projects inevitably get messier before they get better

Penny may not remember every specific project we do together, but I hope she remembers how it felt to be included.

Joanna Gott

Sometimes the sweetest moments happen right in the middle of the mess:

• Flour covering the counter
• Dirt under fingernails
• Paint on shirts
• Craft supplies everywhere

Those moments are building more than projects.

They’re building relationship.

And for the moms reading this whose kids don’t naturally jump in to help—I really understand that too. Every child is different. Some love helping immediately while others need more time, creativity, and encouragement before they want to participate.

I’m still figuring this out as I go.

But I do think there’s something beautiful about inviting our kids into the ordinary work of life with us.

Because at the end of the day, these little projects are about so much more than baking cookies, organizing shelves, or planting flowers.

They’re quiet opportunities to say:
“You belong here.”
 “You are capable.”
 “You matter to this family.”
 “I love having you beside me.”

And honestly, that might end up being the most meaningful thing we create together.

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Read more of Joanna’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.

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I was reading in Kings at the time.  Oh, how those kings fell short of the mark.  No matter how often they were given signs or words from wise prophets, they continued on their evil paths.  “How stupid they were,” I think (while standing upon my pedestal).  Certainly I would never fall so far.

David did love the Lord and he tried to follow him in all that he did, but then he met Bathsheba and, well, need I say more?  David’s son, Solomon began his reign by following in his father’s footsteps and trying to walk with God.  But he married foreign women and was led astray.  He even began worshipping at Asherah poles. “Solomon, how could you?” I yell down from my lofty perch. Once again, I am quite certain that I would never be that silly.  David’s own son falling that far?  Inconceivable.

And then Solomon’s son, Jeroboam, built golden calves to worship.  Rehoboam had sacred stones and Asherah poles put in all the high places.  “Well, that escalated quickly,” I think.

I always feel a thrill when I read about the kings who at least tried to “do what was right in the Lord’s eyes”.  But, as I keep reading, I invariably come upon: “The high places, however, were not removed.”  Come on, kings!  What is wrong with you?

Asa, did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, he cut down the poles, got rid of the male shrine prostitutes and all the idols, “The high places, however, were not removed.”  Jehoshaphat did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, “The high places, however, were not removed.”  Joash, Amaiah, Azariah (and more) also tried to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord.   But always the same words follow: “The high places, however, were not removed.”

“Fools!” I think.  “Why didn’t you tear down the high places?”  Such a simple last step to take and yet so many kings did not do it.  And I stand upon MY high place and judge them.

And then it hit me.  “What high places exist in my own life and why haven’t I taken them down?”  And “What idols have I worshipped up there?”

We all have high places that we have refused to tear down.  Others may look at us from their lofty perches and wonder why we don’t take down our high places.  It’s so easy to judge from the outside.  It’s not so easy when the high places are of our own making.

Maybe we search out websites that do not honor God.  Or we watch movies that actually DIS-honor Him.  We might laugh at a joke that disrespects our belief system, or we worship sports and pop stars who glorify horrible and sinful behavior.  Perhaps we suffer from road rage or we disrespect our aging parents.  We might drink too much or practice gluttonous behavior.

The list goes on and on.  There are uncountable ways we all fall short of the mark.  That is why we need a savior after all.

And so: “We try to do what is right in the Lord’s eyes, the high places, however, are not removed.”

I sheepishly have to climb down from my pedestal and admit the truth.  I am not any different from the kings of old.  How can I judge them when I need to remove my own high places and cut down my Asherah poles.

Now when I read about those who fell short of the mark, instead of feeling lofty, I ask myself, “Where am I failing and what can I do to destroy my high places and chop down my poles?”

I have a lot of work to do in those areas.  So I have climbed down from my pedestal and taken up an axe instead.  I head up the hill daily to chop down the Asherah poles that seem to appear out of nowhere when I’m not paying attention.

My smugness has left and that’s one less pole I have to destroy.

“The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.”  2 Kings 14:4

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But lately, I’ve realized that some of the most meaningful things our children learn from us happen in the quiet moments we never planned.

Not during a family devotion.
Not during a carefully thought-out conversation.
Not even during one of those sweet parenting wins we wish we could freeze in time.

Sometimes it happens while standing in your bedroom, frustrated at a stripped screw stuck in a wall.

A few weeks ago, I had one of those lingering house projects hanging over my head. Literally. There was a bracket attached to the wall in our bedroom, held there by one stubborn, stripped screw that refused to come out. I had tried multiple times over the course of two weeks to remove it, and every attempt ended the same way: frustration, sore hands, and the screw still firmly planted in the stud like it had signed a lifelong lease agreement with my wall.

Every day I walked by it.
Every day it annoyed me.

You know those small unfinished projects that somehow begin to mock you every time you see them? This was one of those.

Finally, I decided enough was enough. I grabbed every tool I could think of and determined that screw was coming out that day. I tried different drill bits, pliers, rubber bands, all the internet “hacks” that promise to solve your problems in under thirty seconds. None of them worked.

And with every failed attempt, my frustration level climbed higher.

I could feel myself getting closer and closer to saying some not-so-holy words directly at the wall. I was tired, irritated, and honestly just over it. Meanwhile, my daughter Penny was nearby, quietly watching me the whole time.

I barely noticed her at first.

Then, in the middle of my internal battle against this ridiculous screw, I heard the softest little voice beside me.

Dear God, please help Mom get the screw out of the wall. Please help her not be frustrated with the wall. Please help us figure this out. Amen.

I almost started laughing and crying at the same time.

It was so sweet. So pure. So sincere.
And honestly? So funny.

Of all the things she could have prayed for, she specifically asked God to help me not be frustrated with the wall. Apparently my facial expressions had been communicating quite a bit.

But in that moment, everything shifted.

My irritation softened instantly. Not because the screw magically came out right then, but because I realized my little girl wasn’t just watching how I handled church, Bible studies, or bedtime prayers. She was watching how I handled frustration. She was listening to the way I spoke in hard moments. She was learning what it looked like to bring everyday situations to God.

Even silly ones involving home repairs.

After about ten more minutes of using every ounce of muscle in my arms and hands, the screw finally gave way. Victory never felt so dramatic. I held that tiny piece of metal like I had just conquered Mount Everest.

But the real moment I kept thinking about happened the next day.

Penny and I were driving together when I thanked her for praying over me while I worked on the wall. I told her how much it meant to me.

She looked at me and asked, “Were you thankful because it helped get the screw out?”

And I said, “No, sweet girl. I was thankful because praying over someone is one of the most loving things we can do.”

That moment stayed with me long after the conversation ended.

Because the truth is, prayer is never small.

When we pray over someone, we are choosing to pause and invite God into someone else’s burden, frustration, pain, or need. We are loving people through obedience. We are carrying one another before the Lord.

James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

What Penny did in that bedroom may have seemed tiny to the world, but heaven sees prayer differently than we do.

And it made me realize something else too:
Our children are learning from us constantly, especially in the moments we aren’t intentionally teaching.

They are observing the things we don’t even think they notice.

They hear the prayers whispered in the car when we pass an accident on the side of the road.

They watch us gather with our small group and pray over one another in hard seasons.

They notice when we speak gratitude out loud to the Lord after answered prayers.

They hear us cry out to God in exhaustion, stress, joy, uncertainty, or celebration.

They are learning what dependence on God looks like in real time.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Not just in the big moments.
Not just in the polished moments.

In the everyday moments.

And maybe that’s what has been sitting so heavily and sweetly on my heart since the great screw-removal saga of 2026.

Penny wasn’t learning from a Bible lesson that day.
She wasn’t sitting in Sunday school coloring a picture of Jesus.
She was standing in a bedroom watching her mom struggle with frustration and instinctively choosing prayer.

What a reminder that our children are not simply hearing what we say about faith.
They are absorbing how we live it.

And the truth is, that realization can feel both beautiful and humbling.

Because if I’m honest, there are plenty of days where I wish my children only noticed my “best parenting moments.” The intentional ones. The patient ones. The spiritually mature ones.

But they also see the messy moments.
The tired moments.
The moments where I’m stretched thin and running low on grace.

Yet somehow, God still works through imperfect parents.

He uses our everyday faithfulness.
Our whispered prayers.
Our apologies when we get it wrong.
Our willingness to invite Him into ordinary life.

That day reminded me that creating a Christ-centered home often looks far less polished than we imagine.

Sometimes it looks like family devotionals and meaningful conversations.
And sometimes it looks like a little girl praying over her irritated mother and a stubborn screw stuck in drywall.

Honestly, I think Jesus delights in both.

Because throughout Scripture, we see a God who constantly meets people in ordinary places.

Moses at a burning bush.
David tending sheep.
Fishermen casting nets.
Women drawing water.
Children sitting near Jesus while adults tried to shoo them away.

God has always loved using everyday moments to reveal His presence.

And maybe the holiest moments in our homes are not always the planned ones.

Maybe they happen in kitchens while packing lunches.
In cars during school pickup.
At bedtime after hard days.
Or standing in a bedroom beside a wall that has tested every ounce of your patience.

I keep thinking about how naturally prayer came to Penny in that moment.

Not performative.
Not rehearsed.
Just sincere faith.

And I wonder how many times she has quietly been watching.
Quietly learning.
Quietly storing away what faith looks like in real life.

Maybe that’s the encouragement some of us need today.

Your everyday faithfulness matters.

The prayers your children overhear matter.
The way you speak about others matters.
The way you handle stress matters.
The way you worship through exhaustion matters.

Even when you think they aren’t paying attention — they are.

And by God’s grace, they are learning not just from our victories, but from our dependence on Him in the middle of ordinary life.

So here’s to the moms and dads trying their best to raise children who love Jesus.

Here’s to the parents who wonder if anything they’re doing is sticking.

Here’s to the bedtime prayers, the car conversations, the church mornings, the apologies, the grace-filled do-overs, and yes…even the frustrating home repair projects.

Because sometimes discipleship happens in the most unexpected places.

Sometimes it happens beside a bedroom wall.

And sometimes, through the sweet voice of a child praying over you, God gently reminds you that He is working in your children’s hearts even when you least expect it.

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One of my core memories growing up was when I broke my Mum’s favorite water flask. The moment that 2 litre flask hit the ground and shattered, time seemed to stand still. I held my breathe, expecting my Mum to give me the biggest scolding and lecture of my life, knowing full well that I deserved it. What happened instead shocked me. She came running to me from the kitchen and asked, “Are you OK, are you hurt?” “No”, I responded, in between sobs, “I’m so sorry I broke the flask.” She hugged me and said, “kiri kaata!” In Rukiga, our mother tongue, that loosely translated means, “Let the darn thing break.” The implication is I don’t mind losing a material thing, no matter how precious it may be, as long as you are okay. She actually went on to say it was a ransom. That it broke in the place of me being hurt or injured is a trade that she would make any day and any time.

Wow. I didn’t know what to say. That act alone cemented in me that my Mum loved me and valued me so much. That act was worth more than the thousands of times that she had said she loved or treasured me because this was her showing those statements in action and practically living them out. It put a new spin to the saying that goes don’t cry over spilled milk.

Whenever my children make a mess of break something, I try to go back to that moment in my mind and allow how it made me feel to inform my reaction. I don’t get it right all the time, but I sure do more often than I would have if my Mum had not had that beautiful and graceful response to my mistake.

Sometimes we think that if we don’t bring down the law in that moment, it gives the child leeway to keep breaking things on purpose. That could not be further from the truth because quite the opposite happened. I treated things with more care because I was much more endeared to my Mum and more protective of her heart and feelings after that encounter, and didn’t want her to ever lose anything she valued.

He who is slow to anger has great understanding [and profits from his self-control], But he who is quick-tempered exposes and exalts his foolishness [for all to see]. Proverbs 14:29

Character formation happens during difficult times. What we sometimes do not realize, or maybe we do but forget, is that our children are learning how to react in various situations by watching how we react to those very situations. When we model kindness, we are not only filling our children’s tanks but ours as well.

Children flourish under great experience, support and repetition. They do not flourish under threats vs rewards.

The encouragement from all this is to practice everyday to be more like the person you would like to be, leaning on the help of the Holy Spirit who has promised to be our ever-present help.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26

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By May, every mom we know is running on iced coffee and prayer. The kids are done. You’re done. The lunchboxes are definitely done. And yet somehow the calendar is fuller than it was in December.

This is the moment to lean into grace—the kind you extend to your kids, your home, and especially yourself. God never asked you to be a perfect mom; He asked you to be a present one.

Faith Tips for the May & June Madness

• Morning mercies — Before the day starts sprinting, take 90 seconds to breathe, pray, and ask God to multiply your energy like He multiplied the loaves.
• Mini‑Sabbaths — Five minutes in the car alone counts. So does hiding in the pantry with a granola bar.
• Scripture sticky notes — Put a verse on the fridge, mirror, or dashboard. Let truth interrupt the chaos.

Practical Hacks to Keep You Sane

• Batch signing — Sit down once a week and sign every paper, permission slip, and “We need $5 for…” note. Pro-Tip: Be sure to check the bottom of backpacks for forms!!
• The May basket — Fill a basket with tape, snacks, Sharpies, chocolate, and Tylenol. This is your command center.
• Teacher gifts simplified — Gift cards + a handwritten note. Done. Teachers love it. You’re welcome.

The end of the school year isn’t about perfection. It’s about perseverance. It’s about showing up, even when your brain is melting and your calendar is literally screaming at you. It’s about trusting that God fills in the gaps where your energy runs out.

And honestly? It’s about celebrating that you kept tiny humans alive, educated, and clothed for nine whole months. That’s holy work.

• Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
• Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you.”
  
• Jeremiah 17:7-8: “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.“

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]]> https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/surviving-the-end-of-the-school-year/feed/ 0 https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/hello-baking-season-my-goto-cake-buttercream-recipe/ https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/hello-baking-season-my-goto-cake-buttercream-recipe/#respond Fri, 15 May 2026 17:00:53 +0000 Rachel Matembe 2026-05-15T20:06:57+00:00 https://d955.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=60135

Today I’m happy to share my easy-to-execute basic cake recipe I use for their cakes and cupcakes. Make it your own by adding flavorings like dried coconut flakes or melted chocolate, and adding layer fillings like sliced strawberries, chopped Oreo cookies, or blueberry compote.

I make my batter by hand so the instructions will be as such.

Cake Recipe

What you need:

• 3 cups self rising flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup butter or margarine (2 sticks), room temperature
• 1 cup water or milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 4 medium eggs
• 2 9-inch baking pans
• Spatula

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Grease the baking pans with some butter, then lightly dust with flour and set aside.
3. Add the room temperature, softened butter or margarine and sugar to a large mixing bowl.
4. Cream the mixture with a spatula until fluffy.
5. Add the eggs and mix well.
6. Add the water and baking powder
7. Add the flour, sifted, one cup at a time and mix into a uniform dough.
8. Next, add the vanilla and mix.
9. At this stage, add any flavorings of your choice like dried coconut flakes.
10. Divide the batter between the baking pans and bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
11. Cool the cakes, then assemble and frost with buttercream.

Tip: Watch YouTube tutorials on frosting cakes with buttercream to help decide on how to decorate your cake.

Buttercream Recipe

What you need:

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
• 3 cups icing (powdered) sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3-5 drops food color, depending on intensity desired

Directions

1. Cream butter with an electric mixer (stand or handheld) until it changes color from yellow to white.
2. Add the icing sugar and mix until fluffy, starting at the lowest setting and gradually increasing to the max.
3. Add the vanilla and food color and mix.
4. Assemble and frost you cooled cakes with the buttercream.

Tip: Watch YouTube tutorials on frosting cakes with buttercream to help decide on how to decorate your cake.

Enjoy your delicious home-made, with love and from scratch, cake!

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]]> https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/hello-baking-season-my-goto-cake-buttercream-recipe/feed/ 0 https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/spring-craft-tulip-garland/ https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/spring-craft-tulip-garland/#respond Thu, 14 May 2026 17:00:27 +0000 Rachel Matembe 2026-05-13T23:05:06+00:00 https://d955.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=60101 I enjoyed making this tulip garland more than I thought I would. It was fun and relaxing. I took my supplies to the park and enjoyed a relaxing sunny spring afternoon of crafting while the children played. They loved the finished product so much and could not wait to make some tulip garlands of their own. What’s not to love? It made the cutest spring décor that is still beautifully displayed on our porch.

What you need:

• Cardstock (I used pink and green)
• Twine, Rope or String
• Stapler
• Scissors
• Single hole puncher

Directions:

Use the scissors to cut the cardstock into strips lengthwise.

Rachel Matembe

Cut a few of these strips into half.

Rachel Matembe

Staple one short green strip of cardstock to the middle of a long pink one.

Bend the green one in half, holding it in place with one hand, attach two bended half green strips to each side and staple all together to make the stems and leaves.

Rachel Matembe

Fold the long pink strip over the top into the shape of a tulip bud and hold it there with your fingers.

Bend a shorter pink strip in half and hold it in the middle of the folded longer pink stip. Staple these in place as shown in the photo.

Rachel Matembe

Using a single hole puncher, punch a hole at the top of each of the three tulip petals.

Rachel Matembe

String the twine through these holes.

Rachel Matembe

Repeat steps 3 to 8 for as many tulips as you would like to make.

Rachel Matembe

Hang your beautiful spring flower garland and enjoy!

Rachel Matembe

And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Matthew 6:30

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The summer sun has not had the chance to turn the grasses into golden brown yet.  Instead, all the new growth seems to glow in bright hues of green.  After winter, I love seeing all the trees pop in chartreuse colors that are lit from within.  I caught this picture while heading out to do errands (I wasn’t driving).

Ann Kirsten

There is so much green in God’s creation.  If He has favorite colors, green must be right up at the top.  And we are so blessed to live in the Pacific Northwest where green is plentiful and vibrant.  My sweet husband grew up on the prairie where yellow and gold are the primary colors.  His parents marveled every time they came to visit.  They were astounded at all our green.

Ann Kirsten

Green plays an important role in scripture too.

It’s hard to pinpoint just how many times green is mentioned in the Bible.  It depends on how the different versions have been translated (in NIV green is sometimes translated as “trees” or “groves”).  But you can bet that green gets its share of attention.

It represents life and health.  Proverbs 11:28 says, “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”

Ann Kirsten

It represents rest and peace.  “He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,” Psalm 23:2

It represents healing and restoration.  “On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”  Revelation 22:2

It symbolizes spiritual prosperity. Psalm 52:8 says, “But I am like a green olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.”

It evokes the beauty of a faith-filled life. “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:3

And green can symbolize hope as when the olive branch was brought back to Noah. ^“When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.” Genesis 8:11

Lack of green was also used as dire warnings.  “For they shall soon be cut down like grass and wither as the green herb.”  Psalms 37:2

Pagans tried to take green as their own.  They used it for places to worship.  “Under every green tree” is mentioned many times in the Old Testament.  Ezekial, Jeremiah, and 2 Kings talk about the sad falling of Israelites who took to worshipping idols under green trees.

So, as you can see, green symbolizes so many things in the Bible.  A very quick search on “green in the Bible” will uncover more verses than you could study in a day.  Here are a few to get started: Revelation 8:7, Luke 23:31, Mark 6:39, Psalms 37:35, Job 8:16, Leviticus 23:14, Jeremiah 3:6.  And there are many more.

It would be a fun study to do in springtime when the world is green and new.

Here are some projects to go along with your study of green.

SHADES OF GREEN

Send your kids outside to see how many shades of green they can find.  They could take pictures or pick leaves to show you.  I had fun doing this myself!

Ann Kirsten

GROW SOME GREEN

Use an old cardboard egg carton as a seed starter.  Fill each cup with soil and plant easy seeds: beans, chia, sunflowers, etc.  Mist the seeds and place them in a sunny spot.  When they are ready to transplant in the garden you can plant them egg carton and all!

Ann Kirsten

MAKE A GREEN BOUQUET

Make a bouquet out of all green cuttings.  Find unique shapes and shades of leaves.  Who needs flowers when there is so much green to choose from?

Ann Kirsten

GREEN PAINTBRUSH

Have your kids make paintbrushes out of leaves tied together or to a stick.

Ann Kirsten

Let them experiment with the brushstrokes different leaves make.

Ann Kirsten

HAMMER TIME

Your kids will love this one.  All you need is leaves, a hammer and some washed cotton cloth or some watercolor paper.  Place paper on a cutting board and place your material or watercolor paper on top.  Arrange leaves onto your surface.

Ann Kirsten

Cover it with another piece of paper or a paper towel and carefully hammer away.  Lift off the leaves and see what transferred.  Different leaves will transfer more or less of their chlorophyll.

Ann Kirsten

LEAF PRINTING

Lightly brush watered down paint onto the vein side of leaves.  Press onto paper to create prints.

Ann Kirsten

So, there you have it.  The green of spring is a wonderous thing and it deserves to be celebrated.

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Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it. -Unknown

Memorial Day is right around the corner! As we slow down to honor our fallen service members on this powerful and significant day, we can honor their memory in different ways. Placing American flags outside of our homes, doing a craft with our children or grandchildren that represents this special day (Easy Memorial Day Poppy Craft), or planting patriotic flowerpots that show off our red, white, and blue! They’re pretty simple to put together even if you aren’t a master gardener, and the best part is that you can choose any variety of red, white, and blue flowers. You’ll be able to enjoy them all summer long as they fill in and flow over your pots like fountain fireworks. They’ll fill your porch with some good ole American nostalgia and be a reminder of how blessed we are to live in the home of the BRAVE!

Here’s what you need:

Supplies:

• Flowerpot
• Potting soil
• Assorted red, white, and blue flowers
• Organic mulch (optional)
• Extra patriotic flare such as artificial Poppy flower stems, mini-American flags, little red, white, and blue garlands, an American flag-printed bow, fairy lights to make them glow at night.

Building your Bouquet:

If you’re using a smaller pot (10-18 inches), you’ll probably be safe with a combo of three flowers. Larger than that, and you’ll want to mix five or more. I chose a 10-inch, barrel-style pot for my first combo and an 18-inch pot for my second. I filled them two thirds full of potting soil.

Maria Magee

The rule of thumb for container planting is to keep three things in mind:

Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers

• Thrillers are your taller, vertical-growing plants that will be the focal point of your pot.
• Fillers fluff up the middle and fill it in nicely without covering up your thrillers.
• Spillers are planted along the edges and usually have a trailing effect.

Next, place your plants in while still in containers to ensure they will fit, leaving a little room. For this 10-inch pot, I chose a Red Brilliant Geranium for my “thriller” and placed it toward the back of the pot. For the “filler” and my blue color, I went with a Pansy which will spread nicely. Last, was the White Bacopa to spill over the edge of the pot.

Maria Magee

Fill the pot around 2/3 of the way with soil. Loosen the roots of your plants and place them gently on top. Fill in the remainder of the pot with soil and gently press it down around the plants. Water thoroughly, and top with an inch or two of organic mulch if you’re using it. (It helps hold in moisture and protects the top layer of soil)

For my 18-inch pot, I chose a delicate, vintage looking Rift Blue Lobelia. This “spiller” will cascade gorgeously down the pot.

Maria Magee

For the focal point of this larger pot, I went with a classic, bright Red Carnation. The vertical stems and vibrant flowers are the perfect “thriller.”

To top off this patriotic planter, I added a simple white petunia that will mound beautifully in between the blue lobelia and red carnations. I added a little American flag and voila! In just a few weeks when Memorial Day arrives, these flowers will be filling out nicely and will be a beautiful reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that so many of our American service members made to protect our freedom. Have a blessed Memorial Day with your families and let us honor those who gave it all. For more on Memorial Day, check this out! How to Explain Memorial Day to Kids

Maria Magee

For love of country they accepted death, and this resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.
– James A. Garfield

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But there’s another group of women moving quietly through this day, often unseen.

The moms in waiting.

If that’s you, Mother’s Day can feel complicated. Tender. Heavy in ways that are hard to explain. It can stir up a quiet ache—a wondering if this longing you carry will ever be fulfilled. It can bring tears that show up unexpectedly, even in the middle of a perfectly ordinary moment. You might find yourself smiling at someone else’s joy while holding your own grief just beneath the surface.

Joanna Gott

And both of those things can be true at the same time.

Right now, I find myself in what I’ve come to call the “Maycember” stretch of life—the end-of-school-year whirlwind filled with field trips, performances, permission slips, and a calendar that somehow feels fuller than December. My days are loud and full and beautiful in their own chaotic way.

But I haven’t forgotten what it felt like to be on the other side of this season.

Before Penelope came into my life, there were four long years of waiting. Four Mother’s Days that arrived with equal parts hope and heartache. I was in the process of adopting her from China, and due to travel delays it often felt slow and uncertain. Each year, I held onto the possibility that maybe by next Mother’s Day, things would be different.

And each year, I found myself still waiting.

I remember sitting in church on those Sundays, surrounded by celebration, feeling both included and invisible all at once. I remember the quiet prayers whispered through tears. The questions that didn’t have answers. The ache of wanting something so deeply and having no control over when—or if—it would come.

Joanna Gott

If you’re in that place now, I want you to know this: you are not alone.

Maybe you are walking through infertility, navigating doctor’s appointments, treatments, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with them. Maybe you’re in the middle of the adoption process, filling out paperwork and waiting for doors to open. Maybe you’re fostering, loving children deeply while holding them loosely. Maybe you’re single and carrying a quiet dream of motherhood that hasn’t yet taken shape. Maybe you’ve experienced loss—miscarriage, stillbirth, or dreams that ended too soon.

There are so many ways to be a mom in waiting.

And each one carries its own kind of grief.

It’s okay to feel that grief.

It’s okay if Mother’s Day doesn’t feel like a celebration this year. It’s okay if it feels tender, or if you need to step away from the noise for a bit. It’s okay to hold hope in one hand and hurt in the other. Those two things are not opposites—they often walk side by side.

Scripture speaks so gently to seasons like this. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we’re reminded, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Waiting is a season. Not an easy one, but a meaningful one nonetheless.

And in Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” That kind of waiting isn’t passive—it’s active, courageous, and deeply faithful.

One of my favorite verses during those years was Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…” Some days, “soaring” felt like too big of a word. Some days, it looked more like simply getting out of bed and choosing to hope again. And that counted.

It still counts.

Waiting can feel like a pause in your life, like everything else is moving forward while you remain in the same place. But I want to gently remind you: waiting is not wasted time. There is growth happening here, even if it’s quiet. There is strength being formed, even if you don’t feel strong.

And there is a God who sees you fully.

You are not forgotten.

Not on this day, and not on any of the ordinary days in between.

If I could sit across from you today, I’d probably say something like this: I know this hurts. I know the longing runs deep. And I also know that your story is still being written.

I can’t promise timelines or outcomes. I can’t tie your waiting up neatly with a bow. But I can tell you that hope is still allowed to live here. Even in the uncertainty. Even in the questions.

And maybe—just maybe—we can find a small thread of humor in all of it too. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life rarely unfolds the way we expect. Sometimes it’s messier, slower, and far more surprising. (And yes, sometimes it includes managing a “Maycember” calendar that makes you wonder how it’s humanly possible to attend one more end-of-year event.)

To the moms in waiting: you are seen. You are held. You are already carrying a kind of motherhood in your heart that is real and meaningful, even now.

This Mother’s Day, whether you celebrate, grieve, or do a little bit of both, know that your story matters.

And you are not alone in the waiting.

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If that had been his older brothers, they probably wouldn’t have crossed the street. They weren’t afraid of everything, but my oldest has always been extremely cautious of roads and strangers. Our second might not be quite as cautious as our first, but he is very wary of new people. I’m sure a big part of our third son being so relaxed and happy-go-lucky about life is that he has always had two big brothers looking out for him. So, when it comes to helping him understand potential dangers, we’ve had to have more conversations with him about it than we did the first two.

Of course, we couldn’t tell a preschooler details about kidnapping or any of the traumatic possibilities! Instead, we tried to keep it simple but serious. All he needed to know was that he should never talk to someone new without his parents. He should never go with anyone unless we say it’s ok and should never go out of our sight when we’re out and about. It can be a hard one to navigate, that’s for sure. You don’t want your kids to fear everyone and everything, but you need them to learn how to be safe.

You know your kids better than anyone, so use your best judgement when delving into this topic with them. Some can handle more than others and age is a factor, too. It’s not a fun conversation, but with kids between the ages of four and fifteen, my husband and I feel good about where our kids are at when it comes to understanding stranger-danger.

Sunny days are on the horizon as we inch closer to summer, which means our kids will be spending a lot more time outdoors in the coming months. Regardless of how well we watch over our children or how safe we assume they are, it still might be a great time to remind them about strangers. Even if you’ve been over it before, asking them on occasion if they know what to do in certain situations can be really helpful. It’s been a little bit different with each of our kids. Between their personalities and birth order, the conversation has come up uniquely for each of them. Some are content with a short answer, and some want to know every detail.

A great way to get the conversation going without making it scary, is to read the book, “Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers.”

Our three older boys have thoroughly enjoyed this book and it even has a great “safety list” at the end for kids to follow that also helps parents make sure everyone is on the same page.

Have you had the “stranger talk” with your kids yet? It doesn’t have to be a big event or one more daunting thing to add to your to-do list, but it should be something that your kids are comfortable discussing with you once it’s appropriate.

When the stranger talks do come up with your kids, try to only tell them what they need to know. They don’t need to carry all of the darkness of this world on their shoulders, but they also don’t need to be so shielded from reality that they won’t be able to function the moment you aren’t around. It’s a tricky balance, but trust what feels right for your family and always keep in mind what’s best for them in the long run. You’ve got this, Mom!

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