Some of you may know that I visited the Seattle area this past weekend. Mark sent me to a women’s retreat at Beit Tikvah, our home congregation. I was excited and a bit apprehensive about it, being that it was the first time I’d ever left my big kids overnight (yes, ever!). I also had with me a heavy feeling – not in a negative…
Author: Judy
Grace and Law – Opposites or Complements?
I saw a post on Facebook last night that caught my eye. It was a quote that basically pitted law and grace against each other, showing just how awful law is and how wonderful grace is. It broke my heart. God wrote those words of “law” for His people whom He loves with an everlasting love, and who He chose to have a relationship with. …
Four Months of Grace, Thanks, Joy
“I run my fingers across the pages of the book. I read it slowly. In the original language, ‘He gave thanks’ reads ‘eucharisteo.’ I underline it on the page. The root word of eucharisteo is charis, meaning ‘grace.’ Jesus took the bread and saw it as grace and gave thanks. He took the bread and knew it to be gift and gave thanks. But there…
Cultivating a Peaceful, Purposeful Home
Home management is something really important to me. I’m pretty sure I would have completely lost my mind by this point if I wouldn’t have picked up these tips along the way. I originally prepared this material for a La Leche League enrichment meeting, knowing how valuable this sort of advice can be, especially for new moms. I thought I’d share it here in hopes…
As A Man Thinketh
“The aphorism, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he,” not only embraces the whole of a man’s being, but is so comprehensive as to reach out to every condition and circumstance of his life. A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.” -James Allen, As A Man Thinketh As I said the other…
Today We Are Celebrating!
Today in our home we are celebrating something special – the birth of the man who God has given to us as a husband and daddy! Mark is one of the most amazing men I have ever had the privilege of knowing, and I feel so blessed to be his wife. He has integrity, passion, and loyalty. He is an incredible daddy, who adores his…
When the Blues Come Knocking
I struggle with depression. I used to think that it was something that I’d eventually master it, and never struggle anymore, but since then I’ve realized that’s probably not going to be the case. I have a strong family history of depression, and I’m married to someone who struggles with it as well. I used to think it was mostly due to living somewhere that…
On the Doorposts
Yesterday morning, our family put up our mezuzah. We have had a mezuzah on our front door for several years now, and while I’m used to seeing it, it’s impact on me has never faded. The mezuzah is a small, thin case that holds a tiny scroll of scripture with two passages written on it – Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21. These passages contain the Shema…
Attachment Parenting… and the Bible, Part 1
Today I am going to start an 8-part series on attachment parenting and the Bible. I haven’t directly referenced attachment parenting on this blog before now, partly because I don’t want it to be the focus of this blog, and partly because I don’t like labeling myself as one “type” of parent. But, nonetheless, attachment-style parenting is really important to me. It has laid a…
My Baby is One!
Watermelon instead of cake for this baby! Yesterday, my baby girl turned one year old. It is a bittersweet day for me. I am so ecstatically happy that the Lord gave us Avigail – she is such a gift! Her sweet smile and gentle snuggles melt our hearts. Her love for her siblings brings a smile to my face on a constant basis. But her…