I have been part of a women’s weekly bible study for the last two years and loved it. I loved getting to know several women who were in the same place in life as I was. We grew, connected and saw each other through life’s ups and downs. Sadly, this summer was our last summer…
Advent + Christmas Traditions
Every year I look forward to celebrating Advent with my boys. Since Matthew was born, we have had some sort of Advent calendar. The first year I picked up an organic, fair-trade chocolate advent calendar at the natural food co-op while shopping for our Thanksgiving meal. Allan and Matthew tore open the doors each day and Allan…
Brave Mom: Building Community
I have been a MOPS mom for 2 1/2 years. I found MOPS when I was in a very lonely, fragile place emotionally, spiritually and paternally. Luke was 6 months old, he was feeling healthier after figuring out his health problems and was finally sleeping for more than 40 minutes at a time. After spending so…
Shopping With Kids
Happy Tuesday, friends! I hope that you had a productive and restful weekend. Since Thursday we have been going nonstop from sun up to sunset! It all started two Thursdays ago with an email from an incredible blog, who happens to be a fan of my husband’s design work. But, let me start at the beginning of…
Storyteller
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a calling on my life to tell stories through the written word, art and music. Since becoming an adult I have pretty much pretended that these callings didn’t exist. I have found other interests to take their place and have honed my skills in other areas….
Into the Tumbler
Oh friends, for the last year I have felt like a caterpillar awaiting transformation. Knowing full-well that God had something more in store for my life – cocoons and wings, not simply milkweed. I have felt God working closely to shape and form me. To smooth out my rough edges, like an agate waiting in line…
Visions from God
Do you ever experience visions from God? I do. I guess I never really thought about it as being that unique or special until last weekend at MOMcon when Jennie Allen spoke of the vision she had when praying about her keynote speech. It felt a little odd to hear that she had a vision about us…
Are green coffee beans a weight loss miracle pill?
As I am sure you have noticed, the internet has been all abuzz lately about Dr. Oz’s recent run in with the Senate’s Consumer Protection panel. If you have no clue what I am talking about, then count your lucky stars. And if I’ve piqued your interest, head over to CNN for a concise article that details the…
Operation Christmas Child
Every year my Mom organizes the Operation Christmas Child event at our church. On Sunday morning we got together as a congregation to wrap and fill 40+ shoe boxes to send to children around the world. This is just one way that we can help to spread the joy of Christmas to others who may…
Forgiven
On Tuesday mornings, Matthew and I attend a bible study at a nearby South Minneapolis church. This is time that I commune with my sisters in Christ, who are soon becoming close friends, and Matthew can socialize with other little ones his age. It is an invaluable time for both of us to learn and…
I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas…
“…yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42 As Christmas nears I find myself getting more and more strapped for personal time. There are so many things that I would like to do, people I would like to visit and experiences I would like to enjoy with Matthew. However, it seems that there…
Monday Afternoon Encouragement
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be…
Thankful in the Waiting Room
I just read this wonderful post on being being Thankful in the Waiting Room by Passionate Homemaking monthly contributor, Natalie Didlake. This is a must-read for anyone who is feeling discouraged by playing the waiting game with God. Sometimes it’s difficult to feel thankful and positive while you are waiting for God to show you…
Operation Christmas Child
Every year, my Mom organizes a shoe box packing party for the Sunday School children at our church. Yesterday we wrapped and packed 58 shoe boxes full of toys, books, office supplies and hygiene items to bless children around the world. Every year we have an amazing time gathering as a congregation in fellowship while…
Lord, I Want to Know You
What did you have for breakfast this morning? We had Kefir French Toast with homemade gluten-free bread. It was so delicious and simple! Why don’t I make this recipe more often? — My best friend, Melissa, and I are reading and discussing Lord, I Want to Know You by Kay Arthur, a devotional study on the…
Why Live Clean?
As I was writing this post, sitting on the floor with Matthew. He stood up, using my shoulder and then he let go and stood up on his own for 10 seconds, then sat down. So exciting! Now he and Allan laughing and playing with blocks. The following is a post that I created for…
Happy Anniversary to the Love of my Life
Five years ago today I married the love of my life. Allan has loved me unconditionally through thick… and thin. We have been there for each other through the good and the bad. Every day that we are together is genuinely a gift from God. Having Allan in my life has brought me the most joy…
Happy Mother’s Day
Happy Mother’s day to all of the mothers, soon-to-be mothers, new mothers and grandmothers! I hope that you are enjoying your day. Even though this is my first Mother’s Day with Matthew, I am finding it difficult to think of Mother’s Day as a special day for me. I would much rather focus on the…
Chili and Cornbread for a Crowd
Sunday is our family day. We wake up early and attend church as a family. Spending the morning worshiping God with Grandma and Grandpa Malcolm is always a lot of fun. Sunday is also the day that I make something fancy for dinner. Some weeks I make pork tenderloin with roasted veggies and apples, other…