Today is the Sabbath – the seventh day of the week. We usually refer to it as Shabbat, the Hebrew word for Sabbath. Sabbath/Shabbat means “rest” or “cessation.” Sabbath-keeping has been a big part of our lives since we began walking down this path of Messianic observance almost 8 years ago. We have discovered such beauty in the Sabbath! This morning, Mark and I had…
Category: Family Life
This Crazy, Beautiful Life
It’s been a crazy, busy month here in our home! In the past month, I have taken 3 trips out-of-state, leaving my kids (except Avigail) for the first and second times. It has been challenging, but it has been good. Even my trip to Minnesota for my uncle’s funeral was a good trip – getting to be there with my family for this difficult time…
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…
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…
Getting Through the Dry Times
Internet has a funny way of altering reality, doesn’t it? I enjoy the outlets of social media such as Facebook and blogging, especially now that we’ve moved and I’m physically away from most of my friends. It’s great being able to stay connected online. But we all have a tendency to present only the best part of ourselves online, don’t we? It’s really not reality. …
A Little Challenge for Today
A short but intensely-powerful challenge for you today: I like to read inspiring and challenging book as part of my quiet time every morning. Currently I am re-reading “The Mission of Motherhood” in preparation for the MomHeart group I hope to be starting up soon. I read chapter three today, entitled “The Undivided Heart,” and was reminded of something very important. When we are mothering…
Getting Started in Homeschooling – A Few Thoughts
I have had a few moms lately who have asked me for advise in getting started homeschooling, so I figured it would make a good blog post. 🙂 So, I’m going to share some of my thoughts with you, and hopefully you’ll find this encouraging and informational! *Disclaimer: I’m mostly speaking from the perspective of a mom who has decided early on to homeschool, and…