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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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]]> 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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]]> 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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]]> 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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]]> https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/come-help-me-inviting-kids-into-everyday-projects/feed/ 0 https://purposely.com/podcasts/allmomdoes-podcast/the-book-of-us-with-tim-mulgrew/ https://purposely.com/podcasts/allmomdoes-podcast/the-book-of-us-with-tim-mulgrew/#respond Wed, 27 May 2026 10:00:44 +0000 Purposely 2026-05-27T10:00:44+00:00 https://purposely.com/?p=19285

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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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We hope these bless your heart!

Anne Wilson & Hillary Scott – “Mamas”

Nichole Nordeman –  “Slow Down”

JJ Heller – “I Get to be the One”

Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes – “The Blessing”

for KING & COUNTRY – “Unsung Hero”

Lily Williams – “Replaced” 

If you are looking for some lullaby album ideas, here are a few to check out as well.

• JJ Heller “I Dream of You”
• Scripture Lullabies
• Sing Over Me: Worship Songs & Lullabies
• Rain for Roots 

Happy Mother’s Day!

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I’m thinking today of butterflies.

The butterfly’s metamorphosis can be used as a symbol of resurrection, transformation, and new creation.

^“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Monarch butterflies start out as tiny eggs the size of a ball point pen tip.  They cling to the underside of milkweed leaves.  After a few days they emerge as teeny-tiny striped caterpillars.  They eat the leaves their eggs once clung to and grow to be about 2 inches long.  Then they cling to a branch from their hind legs that are firmly attached with “thread” of their own making.

Their skin splits and falls off and their pale green naked body hardens into a hard case with black and gold “jewels” circling the edge.  A few weeks later, the case (or chrysalis) cracks open and a wet droopy form pushes itself out.  It starts out as an ugly mass of black and orange.  The wings are crumpled and the legs are clumsy, searching for something to cling to.

But soon the wings become smooth and beautiful, marked in orange, black and white.  And the butterfly starts a whole new life.

What started as a tiny little caterpillar, who was restricted to a life lived within a few inches on a leaf, turns into an amazing butterfly.  The butterfly flies free, venturing miles and miles across the earth.

The name for this transformation is metamorphosis.  The Greek word “metamorphoo” is mentioned twice in the Bible.

• “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”  (Romans 12:2)
• “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”  (2 Corinthians 3:18)

These verses talk about the change that takes place when we believe in Jesus Christ and grow to be like Him.  Much as the Monarch, we start life as lowly caterpillars until we accept Jesus and fulfill our potential for a full and free life.

Of course an instant transformation begins when we are saved and we become new creatures in Jesus Christ.  But there is an ongoing transformation that happens as well. “Metamorphoo” talks about that ongoing transformation.  It’s the growth that happens during the time after we are saved and before our final transformation (after death).  During this period, God is at work in us, changing us into a reflection of Him.  The changes the caterpillars and pupa go through mimics this time of “metamorphoo”.  The lowly caterpillar is changed, piece by piece, into something beautiful.  And so are we!

One day the process in us will be finished and we will leave the chrysalis of this world and  be fully transformed.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

What a beautiful thought.

The caterpillar’s “death” in the cocoon and emergence as a new creature can also symbolize Jesus’ death and resurrection.  Jesus died, was wrapped in cloth, and emerged three days later.

To celebrate and teach all this to children, what could be more fun than a caterpillar and butterfly craft?

What you’ll need:

• Paint and paintbrush
• Leaves from the yard.
• Paper

Instructions:

Paint the backs of leaves.  Two large and two smaller leaves will be needed for each butterfly.

Ann Kirsten

You can also just repaint your leaves if desired.

Ann Kirsten

I found it helpful to use a dry brush with a small amount of craft paint.  Use your imagination on colors and patterns.

Press the leaves, paint side down onto paper in the shape of butterfly wings.

Paint (or pen) a simple butterfly body.  Add features with a toothpick dipped in paint or a pen.

Ann Kirsten

You could use different leaves to make a variety of butterflies.  After all, we are all different!

For the caterpillar, paint some leaves with green paint and press them onto the paper too.  Dip your fingertips into paint for a caterpillar and add legs and other features with a pen.

Ann Kirsten

Your kids could make cards this way to send to grandparents and other special people in their lives.  Add a Bible verse on the inside.

What a fun way to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us and the ongoing changes we ourselves are going through to become who God would have us be!

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Once the coaches see that skill and technique is mastered, then the focus is shifted to power, endurance and speed. At this point, one joins the competitive stage on training.

You may be wondering how this relates to the Christian walk. I’m reminded of Jesus. How it took him 30 years of preparation for a world changing, life changing, powerful 3 years of active ministry.

Our God is a patient God who values patience, proper training, and right timing.

 Immediately after my calling—without consulting anyone around me and without going up to Jerusalem to confer with those who were apostles long before I was—I got away to Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus, but it was three years before I went up to Jerusalem to compare stories with Peter. Galatians 1:16-18

The same model was followed by Paul after his conversion from Christian persecuting Saul to faithful servant of God Paul. He spent 3 years in seclusion, most probably studying the scriptures, praying and receiving instruction from God and direct revelation from Jesus before launching into one of the most powerful ministries that resulted in the writing of 48% of the New Testament.

Have you even been anxious to get into ministry? To launch into the deep and do the mighty works for God like you know you were called to? This is great. Like David said, zeal for the things of God is something to be desired. The caution to this tale is that zeal without knowledge or wisdom often has a terrible end. Yes, working for God is very important, but only if it is done the right way. The Biblical way. And the only way to ensure this is to first spend time and effort building a solid foundation of God’s Word, reading, studying and following the Bible. Practicing the foundations of our faith as laid out in the Bible so that our resulting works will stand the test of fire. Paul likens some works to wood and hay that quickly burn up because they are not solid, while other works he likens to brick that is only made stronger by fire and remains.

 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.  Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].  So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart),  and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news].  Above all, lift up the [protective] ^[shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17

Sometimes, like our children, we may be eager to serve, to go out into the mission field, but if we are not prepared before we go, it is like soldiers going out to battle without their armour. No sword, no shield, no helmet means danger. The well-prepared soldier will survive the perils of war and even win. That is why Paul calls us to put on the full armor of God, so that you are able to stand your ground and stand on the word of God even when things get challenging, as they will.

We must study to show ourselves approved. Not of men, but of God. The good news is that we have the manual to study: The Bible. When we study and practice the Bible, we are workers approved by God for His service.

Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

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1. Lower the Bar (No, Seriously)

Summer has a way of making us feel like we need to be cruise directors. But kids don’t need a color‑coded itinerary. They need popsicles, a hose, and a mom who isn’t stressed about crafting a Pinterest‑worthy experience.

Pro tip: If everyone ends the day alive, fed, and happy, that’s a win.

2. Snacks Are a Love Language

You will pack snacks. You will run out of snacks. You will buy more snacks. Summer is basically a three‑month buffet for children, and you’re the head chef. Keep a “car snack kit” — nothing fancy, just things that won’t melt into a crime scene. Everyone will thank you.

3. Embrace the Mess

Your house will look like a beach towel exploded. Your car will smell like sunscreen and mystery fruit. Your kids will track in grass, sand, and a small ecosystem. Let it go. Summer mess is temporary.

4. Water = Instant Entertainment

Sprinklers, splash pads, water balloons, a bucket and a cup — doesn’t matter. If water is involved, kids are suddenly thrilled.

Bonus: It doubles as a bath if you squint and lower your standards.

5. Protect the Sunscreen Warrior Within

You will apply sunscreen 47 times a day. You will chase a child across the yard with a bottle like you’re in an action movie. Just accept that sunscreen is your new wingman.

6. Make Space for Your Summer Moments

Yes, summer is for the kids — but it’s also for you. Sit in the sun for five minutes. Drink something cold before it gets warm. Read a chapter of a book. Take a walk alone. You deserve a summer too.

7. Keep in God’s Word

Lean into the encouragement of scripture every day. Pick one. Pick a few. Read full chapters… You will feel the difference and it will be your official “power-up” for each day. Include your kiddos too! Have them pick out a verse and read it together. Celebrate what they choose, even if it’s the simplest one they could find. Getting them involved can be the beginning of reading scripture as a habit. Here are some to get you started!

For Joy & Fun

• Psalm 118:24 — “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Remember to embrace imperfect summer days.
• Nehemiah 8:10 — “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Run on repeat for days that are draining.
• Psalm 16:11 — “In your presence there is fullness of joy.” Soak this in — Joy can be found in all things when we’re present with our Savior. Seek JOY!

For Peace & Letting Go:

• Philippians 4:6–7 — “Do not be anxious about anything…” Release the pressure of perfection.
• Isaiah 26:3 — “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you.” A grounding reminder when the house looks like a beach exploded.
• Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” A gentle nod if you  need a breather.

For Strength & Endurance:

• Isaiah 40:31 — “They shall run and not be weary.” Lean into the strength of the Lord.
• Psalm 46:1 — “God is our refuge and strength.” This brings so much comfort!
• Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not grow weary of doing good.” Your daily efforts matter.

For Love & Family:

• 1 Corinthians 16:14 — “Let all that you do be done in love.” The heart behind every day.
• Proverbs 22:6 — “Train up a child in the way he should go…” Daily simple moments offer examples for life.
• Psalm 127:3 — “Children are a heritage from the Lord.” A beautiful reminder on the days that feel extra long.

For Rest & Renewal:

• Psalm 23:2 — “He leads me beside still waters.” Find quiet moments, be still and wait on Him with a thankful heart.
• Mark 6:31 — “Come away… and rest a while.” A gentle nudge to remember to take summer moments for yourself too.

You’re Making Memories, Let Them Be Good Ones.

Remember that even the small, messy moments can become the ones your kids cherish most. Give yourself grace, breathe deeply, and choose joy. The good you pour into today has a way of shining brighter than you realize.

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Ah, the Golden Years.  Growing older is not for the faint of heart.

Later in the week, I went into the donut shop in our small town and met up with the 90-year-old man who hangs out there.  We talked about his health and then he said, “These are not the golden years.  When I was 19, had a job, my first car and no responsibilities, now THOSE were the Golden Years!”

I could not argue with that logic.

Many years ago, I dealt with a lot of senior citizens at my job and I wondered why they were always crabby.  Being young myself, I judged them pretty harshly.  I had not walked a mile in their shoes and it showed in my attitude.  I could easily fake being cheerful and I wondered why they couldn’t do the same.

Now, I am walking in their shoes and the view from here is different.

The list of conditions I now suffer from is a bit overwhelming and my kitchen cabinet is full of prescription drugs and supplements.  I used to make fun of my mom for all the pill bottles she had and now (since I’ve inherited a lot of her health issues) I have my own vast collection.

I also have at least ten pairs of glasses around my house and more in my car and purse.  Some are for distance, some are for the computer, and there are reading glasses in every corner.  Cataract surgery made it impossible for me to see anything up close without help.

After disease and a harsh treatment, I have no usable hearing in my left ear.  I am certainly blessed that I have some hearing in my right ear.  Still, my life is much harder now than it used to be.  I use closed captioning on my television and I can’t go see movies anymore.  I have to point my right ear towards whoever is speaking and perform a combination of lip reading and filling in what I think might have been said.

My joints also hurt, especially my hands and knees.  It’s so hard to get up from a low chair or the ground when you know there’s going to be a lot of pain involved.

So I see now why so many older people could be labeled as “crabby”.  The diseases of the elderly are constant and difficult.  I get how it becomes easy to be bitter and angry.

When the signs of aging first hit me, I used to think, “Hey, I’m God’s child, He loves me, so what the heck is happening?!”  Shouldn’t I be spared these things?

And then I remembered.

Isaac (Genesis 27:1) and Jacob (Genesis 48:10) were not spared from failing vision.  Whether from cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration, their eyesight grew dim with age.

King David was not spared from poor circulation in his old age and he was unable to get warm (1 Kings 1:1).

King Asa was not spared.  He was “sick in his legs” (1 Kings 15:23) and the pain was not taken from him.

Jacob had a hip socket dislocation after wrestling an angel, and it caused a permanent limp (Genesis 32:25).

These are just a few people whose maladies were mentioned in the Bible.  They weren’t healed from these things.  They weren’t spared pain and hardship in their old age.  They suffered in the same ways aged people do today.

So, should I walk around with a scowl on my face?  Did they?

Here’s the difference in one word: GOD.

That just says it all, doesn’t it?  He didn’t promise that He would make the path before us smooth and easy.  He didn’t say that he would heal all our ills.  But, He did say He would be with us in the suffering.

I have had some of the most amazing moments with Him while I was taken down with illness.  I have felt Him close to me in the times when my body was letting me down.  Aging has shown me how broken and helpless I am.  I cannot rely on my own strength anymore I must rely on God.  And that is a beautiful thing.

These may not be the golden years, but there is something very special about them.

And that is reason enough to smile.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.“  2 Corinthians 4:16

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“Either we are adrift in chaos or we are individuals, created, loved, upheld, and placed purposefully, exactly where we are. Can you believe that? Can you trust God for that?” -Elisabeth Elliott

April has been a flustery month for my family. It began the very first week when the junior high that my older two attend had an electrical fire. Fortunately, they had just started Spring break and no one was there, but with the damage came the news that the building would be closed for the remainder of the school year. My 7^th and 9^th graders had an extra week of Spring break while the district tried to make plans for continued learning. We’ve suddenly adapted to our oldest now busing to the high school campus with makeshift classrooms and teacher changes. Our 7^th grader now has temporary virtual learning, a frustrating reminder of the Covid years they endured in elementary school.

Amidst the change in circumstances, we’ve been slammed with Spring sicknesses and just can’t seem to come up for air. After a very germ-filled winter, it really got me down to see that Spring was starting with the same cycle. The constant flow of Kleenex, humidifiers, cold medicine, and vapor rub have been on repeat for longer than I care to think about. I run downstairs to deliver tea and take temperatures, run back upstairs to help the four year old get a tissue and some ice water, run back downstairs with a snack, back upstairs to write down what time everyone took medicine, move the laundry, grab a new Kleenex box, start the dishwasher, get dinner out of the freezer, grab another blanket, start the bath…this time I’ve had a bad cold along with my four kids which added an extra layer of exhaustion.

I can’t breathe out of my nose all night, kids wake up coughing, I’m trying to help my older two figure out their new schedules while getting my second grader to school and keeping our youngest from going stir crazy. Everyone being home and sick has led to extra arguments and bickering. The house is in disarray, bathtubs need a scrub, my back hurts, our parakeets are chirping for attention and treats, the tortoise needs his lettuce, the cats are meowing at the door.

None of these things are the end of the world, far from it. However, it’s easy to get discouraged by even the small, day-to-day situations that wear us down. We are human, things add up, and everyone needs mom. We can get weary, impatient, and frustrated at the growing list of demands no matter how much we love caring for and nurturing our children. So, what do I do when life gets a little more overwhelming than usual? There are moments when I give in to discouragement and believe the lie that we are destined to be sick, tired, and flustered forever. Focusing on the way things “should be” can lead me down a rabbit hole of negativity and nothing good ever comes from that.

Psalm 46:5 says, “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” This verse brings me so much comfort. It reminds me that only with God will I stay afloat, only with His strength will I be able to feel encouraged, which means I don’t have to keep trying to hold it together on my own! Knowing this is true is one thing, but consistently putting into practice is another. When I am reaching the end of my rope and feel that frustration bubbling up, I throw my hands up and ask Jesus to take the wheel. When I’m starting to feel like things are out of control, I ask him to bring peace to my heart and home.  He knows I can’t bear it alone, he tells us he will give us rest (Matthew 11:28-30), and I believe Him. I believe in His goodness and love, even when things don’t feel good.

Psalm 55:22 is one of my favorite verses, and it’s one that I’ve held close during life’s bigger storms as well as the smaller ones. “Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you. He will not permit the Godly to slip and fall.”

Putting our faith in the Lord doesn’t mean things are just going to be easy, and it isn’t a single act. It’s a daily, hourly, minute by minute decision to bring our focus back to Him. To put our trust in Him over and over again regardless of our circumstances.

Lamentations 3:22-24 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

It’s a struggle for me not to ask, “Why is this happening?!” I never seem to find an answer to that question, and it takes up too much of my energy to try and solve it. As I work on shifting my focus, I try to remember a quote I once saw that addressed this exact dilemma. “If you ask, ‘Why is this happening?’ no light may come, but if you ask, ‘How am I to glorify God now?’ there will always be an answer.”-J.I. Packer

I don’t know what the rest of the school year will look like for my kids, how many more colds we’re going to pass around, or what changes are on the horizon. I do know that God always shows up. I have seen it time and time again. The discouragement we sometimes feel and the emotional load we carry as moms will be eased as we hand our burdens over to the Lord. If you’re feeling drained and like something has got to give, take courage and ask God how you can glorify him in the midst of it all.

When it comes to sicknesses or interruptions in our day-to-day lives, one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard is to focus on our calling for that day. It’s really just putting into action Matthew 6:34. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” It’s such an encouragement when it comes to dashed expectations, unexpected circumstances, or looming hurdles. If my kids are sick, my calling that day is to help them get better. Regardless of all the things I thought I was going to be doing or “should be” doing, that is my priority. If school has been shuffled around again, my calling is to help my kids through it and rely on God’s grace and strength to be steady for them. What are you going through this Spring? What plans have changed, what illnesses are you struggling with, what hardships have been weighing on you? There is always hope, and I pray that you will be filled with it as you make your way through this season, Kleenex and all.

“The life of faith is lived one day at a time, and it has to be lived- not always looked forward to as though the ‘real’ living were around the next corner. It is today for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow.” -Elisabeth Elliott

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What you’ll need:

• 1 2/3 cup Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Flour (or regular of the same amount)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tbsp poppyseeds
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ¼ cups sugar
• ½ butter, softened
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1-2 tsp orange zest (optional)
• ¼ cup thin sliced almonds for topping (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×5 loaf pan.

In a small bowl, whisk flour, poppyseeds, baking powder, salt, and zest if using.

Maria Magee

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and combine.

Mix in vanilla and almond extract, milk, and sour cream.

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

Maria Magee

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. If adding the sliced almonds, sprinkle them over the top of the batter.

Maria Magee

Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. If the edges are getting too brown, loosely cover with foil for the last ten minutes or so.

Allow to cool for 10-20 minutes before removing the bread from the pan and placing it on a cooling rack.

Maria Magee

Once cooled, add the glaze if desired!

Store in airtight container for up to 3 days. Best enjoyed reheated!

Powdered Sugar Glaze (optional)

1 cup powdered sugar

¼ tsp vanilla

1-2 tbsp milk or orange juice

Using a fork or whisk, mix all ingredients until it reaches the proper consistency. Add 1 tsp of milk or orange juice at a time if it isn’t drizzly enough.

Maria Magee

Enjoy!

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My kids and I are obsessed with mushrooms.  We love all the different shapes, colors, and sizes.  I wrote about them here: The Beauty of Mushrooms and a “Mushrooms Out of Mandarins” DIY Craft

Mushrooms are not named specifically in the Bible, but there have been musings by different scholars about them.

Some believe that manna must have been a form of fungus or lichen.  Its shape and the way it covered the ground make it seem possible.

In 2 Kings 4:39-40, a stew is described as being made with “wild gourds”.  It was poisonous, leaving some to interpret that wild mushrooms were used.

Some modern interpretations of scripture use mushrooms as a metaphor for the rapid, sometimes invisible work of the Holy Spirit, which can appear suddenly and unexpectedly (just like mushrooms).

Whether these thoughts hold any merit is ripe for debate, but if you research mushrooms, it becomes apparent why many people find ways to link them to Christianity.

Mushrooms are neither plant nor animal.   Instead, they belong to their own unique kingdom.

Silently, mushrooms create massive complex networks that communicate messages to plants and trees and nurture them with nutrients.

Mushrooms can appear seemingly instantly and have the strength to lift paving slabs through their growth.

About 100 species of mushrooms give off light.

Mushrooms can digest toxins, including plastic, oil, and even chemical warfare agents.

Humans have used mushrooms for healing for centuries.

There are over 10,000 types of mushrooms but scientists believe that over 90% more haven’t been identified yet.

Fungi can create rain.  They release spores that attract moisture, forming clouds that produce rain, ensuring a damp environment for themselves.

Besides that, they are just cute!

Here are some crafts that celebrate the mysterious mushroom!

Wooden Mushrooms

A few years ago I bought wooden mushrooms and painted them.  I found mine on Amazon, but I’m sure craft stores have them too.  I had fun painting them and placing them among the spool trees I made from my mom’s old wooden spools.

Ann Kirsten

I used simple craft acrylic paint.  You can finish them with varnish if you want a shiny look. Nothing could be simpler than painting wooden mushrooms in any colors you want.

Ann Kirsten

Egg Carton Mushrooms

Basically, all you’ll need are old egg cartons, scissors, and paint, plus some twigs from your yard.

Ann Kirsten

Cut the “cups” and spacers from an egg carton.  Then, paint them.  You can make them realistic or, like me, use bright colors and patterns.  If you have paint pens, they are handy for adding patterns and dots.  Glue twigs inside for stems.

Ann Kirsten

Pasta Mushrooms

This is another fun and easy one!  Buy some orecchiette pasta.  It’s the perfect shape for mushroom caps.  Small tubular pasta is perfect for stems.  I only had twisty pasta so I used that instead.  Put hot glue or thick craft glue into the orecchiette cups and then place the stems in.  Let them dry upside down.  These are cute without paint.

Ann Kirsten

But paint makes the pasta mushrooms stand out even more.  Use craft varnish if you want a glossy finish.  Paint markers or the flat end of a toothpick dipped in paint will allow you to add dots. These little mushrooms would be perfect in a terrarium or a fairy garden.

Ann Kirsten

Mysterious Mushrooms

Draw mushrooms with a white crayon onto copy paper or colored paper.  Let your kids paint with watercolor paint over the whole page.  They will see mushrooms magically appear (much as they do in nature).  I first tried doing this with a white crayon on white paper and I was horribly lost (your kids might think it funny though to see what appears).  Even drawing with white on colored paper was hard for me.

Ann Kirsten

Try using a colored crayon and then paint with watercolor paints.  You’ll end up with a fun picture that way too.

Styrofoam Mushrooms

Cut a Styrofoam ball in half.  Using mod podge, glue a piece of tissue paper over the ball halves (this allows you to paint easier). Tuck the ends of the tissue paper underneath.  It helps if you cut a rough circle from the tissue first.  Let it dry.  Paint the flat bottom with beige paint and add “ribs” with a paint pen if desired.  Paint the tops red.  If you want some dimension, paint the top yellow, the middle red, and the bottom edge dark red.  Then dry brush from the dark red up into the yellow.

Ann Kirsten

It’s also fine if you just want to paint the whole thing red!  Add dots with the bottom of a paint brush dipped into white paint.  Or spatter white paint on with a dry brush.

Ann Kirsten

Push a twig into the bottom of the Styrofoam for a stem.  I sharpened the sticks first.

Ann Kirsten

Snack Mushrooms

In case you and the kids get hungry while crafting, this simple snack idea is the perfect solution.  Cut the top off of some strawberries.  Use pieces of banana (or string cheese) for the stems.  Yummy and healthy!

Ann Kirsten

Whether you choose to do one of these crafts or all of them, I think you’ll agree that mushrooms are a fun and mysterious part of God’s creation.

Note: Don’t eat any mushrooms you find in your yard!  Teach your kids to look and not touch.

^“Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.  On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.” Exodus 16:4-5

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This content is syndicated from allmomdoes: https://purposely.com/podcasts/allmomdoes-podcast/courage-for-life-with-ann-white/ Find more content at AllMomDoes Podcast Archives - Purposely Podcasts and subscribe to the allmomdoes Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, and more!

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But somewhere along the way, between caring for my daughter and the fullness of everyday life, I started to feel a little out of touch—not just with trends, but with your own personal style.

And if you’re a mom, you know how this usually goes.

The kids get new sandals, new swimsuits, new everything… while you’re still holding onto that one top from five summers ago thinking, “It still works… right?”

Because somehow, kids manage to outgrow clothes after wearing them approximately one time, and we’re over here just trying to make last year’s wardrobe stretch one more season.

While it’s second nature to prioritize what everyone else needs first, it can be really refreshing to take a little time to update a few things for yourself too. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive—just thoughtful, simple changes that help you feel a little more like you again.

So if you’ve been feeling a bit disconnected from your wardrobe, here are some helpful tips for making small, seasonal updates in a way that feels easy, intentional, and even enjoyable.

Start in Your Own Closet

Before buying anything new, start with what you already have.

Take some time to go through your closet piece by piece and ask:

• Do I actually wear this?
• Do I feel good in it?
• Does it fit my life right now?

A helpful rule of thumb: if you haven’t worn something in the past two years, chances are you’re not going to. And that’s okay—your style and your season of life have likely shifted.

One simple trick is to turn all your hangers backward. As you wear items, turn them the right way. After a year, anything still hanging backward is a clear sign it’s time to donate. It removes the guesswork and makes decisions easier.

Creating space in your closet makes room for pieces you truly love.

Gather Inspiration (and Reconnect With Your Style)

If your style feels a little unclear, start by noticing what you’re drawn to.

Spend time on Pinterest or Instagram and save outfits that catch your eye. Not to copy exactly, but to recognize patterns in what you like.

Consider:

• A character in a movie whose outfits feel effortless
• A celebrity with a casual, wearable style
• A clothing brand you consistently gravitate toward

Over time, you’ll begin to see common threads—colors, shapes, fabrics—that help define your personal style in a way that feels authentic.

Make a List (Because Mom Brain Is Real)

Before heading out to shop, make a list of what you actually need.

Without a list, it’s easy to get distracted, forget what you came for, and end up with pieces that don’t really fill the gaps in your wardrobe. A little “mom brain” doesn’t help here either.

A list keeps things focused and intentional.

It might include:

• A pair of everyday shorts
• A lightweight dress
• A few versatile tops

Shopping with a plan helps you avoid impulse buys and ensures that what you bring home actually works with what you already own.

Make It a Fun Outing

Shopping doesn’t have to feel like a chore.

Try visiting a new store or turning it into a fun outing with friends. Grab coffee, take your time, and enjoy the process.

And when those fitting room mirrors start to feel a little questionable (because they often do), having a trusted friend there can make all the difference. They’ll give you honest feedback and help you see what truly works.

Look for Hidden Gems

Updating your wardrobe doesn’t have to mean spending a lot.

Thrift stores can be full of hidden gems if you’re willing to take the time to look. You can often find unique, high-quality pieces—especially for spring and summer.

Online resale platforms like Poshmark and ThredUp are also great options for finding items at a lower price.

You might even consider selling a few of your own pieces as you clean out your closet.

Or make it social—host a clothing swap with friends. It’s a fun way to refresh your wardrobe and brings back that lighthearted feeling of sharing clothes, just like when you were younger.

Let Go of the Pressure to Follow Trends

Not every trend needs to be part of your wardrobe.

At this stage of life, you likely already know what you feel good in—and that matters more than what’s currently trending.

Trends come and go. If something doesn’t fit your style, it’s okay to skip it.

If barrel pants aren’t your thing, no need to worry—something else (hello, skinny jeans) will come back around in time.

The goal isn’t to keep up with every trend—it’s to build a wardrobe that feels like you.

A Gentle Reminder

It’s easy to put your own needs on the back burner, especially as a mom. There’s always something else that feels more important.

But taking a little time to refresh your wardrobe—to choose pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident—isn’t selfish. It’s meaningful.

Even small updates can help you feel more like yourself again.

And sometimes, stepping into that space might feel a little unfamiliar—but it’s worth it.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

You were made to shine—in every season. And sometimes, that begins with something as simple as wearing what makes you feel like yourself again.

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This post is sponsored by the Washington State Beef Commission.

You don’t have to brown the meat before placing it in the crock pot, but I highly recommend it! It seals in the flavor and creates a nice crust which is especially good when you’ve been slow cooking the beef. With these tasty variations, there are so many possibilities when it comes to the flavors and toppings! Give this slow cooker beef a try and it won’t disappoint.

Four-Way Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Ingredients:

• 1 beef Cross Rib Roast, Shoulder Roast or Blade Chuck Roast Boneless (about 2 to 2-1/2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• Salt and pepper

Recipe Variations (recipes follow)

Cooking:

For optional browning, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Brown beef Cross Rib Roast on all sides.

Place onion and garlic in 3-1/2 to 5 quart slow cooker; place roast on top. Cover and cook on HIGH 5 to 6 hours or LOW 9 to 10 hours or until roast is fork-tender.

Remove roast from slow cooker. Skim fat from cooking liquid, if necessary and reserve 1 cup onion mixture. Shred beef with 2 forks. Combine shredded beef and reserved onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Continue as directed in Recipe Variations below, as desired.

Recipe Variations:

1. Mexican Shredded Beef: Combine tomato or tomatillo salsa and beef mixture, as desired. Place in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover, vent and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve in warmed flour or corn tortillas topped with pico de gallo, sliced avocados, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro and/or chopped white or green onions, as desired.

2. BBQ Shredded Beef: Combine prepared barbecue sauce and beef mixture. Place in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover, vent and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve on whole wheat rolls topped with creamy horseradish sauce, coleslaw, Cheddar cheese slices, chopped green bell pepper and/or canned French fried onions, as desired.

3. Asian Shredded Beef: Combine prepared hoisin or teriyaki sauce and beef mixture. Place in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover, vent and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve in lettuce or cabbage cups topped with shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, chopped fresh cilantro or mint, sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes and/or chopped peanuts, as desired.

4. Indian Shredded Beef: Combine prepared Indian cooking sauce, such as Tikka Masala or Vindaloo. Place in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover, vent and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve in naan or pita bread topped with toasted chopped pistachios or coconut, raisins, Greek yogurt or mango chutney, chopped fresh mint or cilantro and/or sliced cucumbers or green onion, as desired.

Alternate Cooking Method:

This recipe can be made in a 6-quart electric pressure cooker. Place beef roast, onion, garlic and 1/2 cup beef broth in pressure cooker. Close and lock pressure cooker lid. Use beef, stew or high-pressure setting on pressure cooker; program 90 minutes on pressure cooker timer. Use quick-release feature to release pressure; carefully remove lid. Continue as directed in Step 3. (This recipe variation was tested in an electric pressure cooker at high altitude. Cooking at an altitude of less than 3000 feet may require slightly less cooking time. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.)

Springtime for moms can sometimes feel a little frantic as we try to do the best we can for our families. Cheerleader, chef, chauffeur, tutor, nurse, housekeeper, the list goes on and on. With our many roles and responsibilities, let’s try to leave a little room to breathe and enjoy the gifts that spring brings. More meals with our kids, more walks on breezy days, and just maybe, enjoying a few cups of coffee while they’re still warm. Wishing you and your family a blessed spring full of sweet memories, satisfying dinners, and many moments of calm throughout the storms!

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]]> https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/four-way-slow-cooker-shredded-beef-for-versatile-spring-meal-options/feed/ 0 https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/easy-roast-beef-potluck-rolls/ https://www.allmomdoes.com/blog/easy-roast-beef-potluck-rolls/#respond Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:14 +0000 Maria Magee 2026-06-10T14:22:42+00:00 https://d955.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=59631

This post is sponsored by the Washington State Beef Commission.

For example, if I know we’re going to be at a track meet or t-ball practice, I try to find a convenient meal I can prep ahead of time. Sometimes that means getting a few things ready the night before or throwing together a crockpot meal that will be waiting for us when we get home late. I also find it helpful to double up on a recipe or two for the week so I know that the leftovers will take care of dinner the next day.

A great make-ahead option for a busy spring sports season, are these tasty beef potluck rolls! They’re convenient, satisfying, and they make a good amount of food for your hungry crew. Knowing you’ll have these delicious, savory rolls to come home to will be such a relief after a long day. They can be thrown together the night before and only need to bake for twenty minutes once you pull them out of the fridge, so by the time you’ve gotten everyone’s cleats off and tossed the muddy uniforms into the washer your kitchen will smell amazing, and dinner will be served!

An added bonus is that the beef in these rolls contains protein, which can help build and maintain muscle. It’s also full of essential nutrients and helps you feel satisfied for longer, which is perfect for active, growing kids and busy parents alike! Serve them with some fresh veggies, sliced up fruit, or a salad to complete the meal. Try these convenient weeknight rolls for an easy and delicious meal that will please even the pickiest eaters on the busiest nights!

Easy Roast Beef Potluck Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. thinly sliced reduced-sodium deli roast beef
• 1 package (12 ounces) Hawaiian rolls
• 1/4 cup cream-style prepared horseradish
• 6 slices reduced-fat provolone or Havarti cheese
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley leaves
• 2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Cooking:

1. Coat 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cut rolls in half, horizontally. Place bottom halves of rolls in prepared baking dish; spread horseradish on cut side. Top with Deli Roast Beef, cheese and top halves of rolls.

Cook’s Tip: You may substitute Dijon mustard for prepared horseradish.

2. Combine butter, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, sugar and onion powder in small bowl; mix to combine. Pour mixture evenly over sandwiches. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and rolls are golden brown.

Tip: Mustard or Dijon mustard can be used in place of the horseradish.

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