A week ago, my husband was gone before the kids were up. We have a clear division of responsibilities when he's home and it's definitely helpful. So, I was feeling pretty proud of the fact that on my solo morning, we were leaving on time with everyone having done their morning responsibilities and with all that we needed for co-op (them to learn and participate and me to teach).

 

But, right as we were backing out of the driveway, my 3yo announced that he needed to poop. During the time it took for him to poop, a car accident happened, and we were stuck in traffic for about 40 minutes. Needless to say, we were quite late.

 

Here's something you should know about me: historically, when I have done all that I need to do for us to be on time, and my kids cause us to be late, I am angry. I have wrestled with the Lord about this. I have asked him to help me to love my littlest neighbors more than being on time. And in this moment, as we are backing out of the driveway for a glorious on time arrival, for which I have make up on already and will not be attempting red-light applied mascara, I experienced temptation to be angry. But, God flooded my heart with his truth, and I want to share what that looked like with you… just in case peeking behind the curtain of my inner life might make a difference in your next moment of temptation.

 

Here’s how a biblical world and life view made a difference in my life on that morning.

 

 

The gospel and the word of God make a difference in our lives as moms. This is why I read the Bible and study it and set aside time to pray (and humbly participate in therapy)… There is life in this relationship. I hope that encourages you as you walk into the holidays, as you interact with extended family and are off of routine.

 

I would LOVE to celebrate with you as you see God at work in you. Share a story if you have one of how you see him transforming you by his grace!

 

 

with humble gratitude,

PS… I had another solo morning yesterday and it didn't look like this at all. There was a lot of conflict between my kids and not a lot of cooperation and willingness to help. And the gospel was still good news. Christ's forgiveness was a balm in my failure. The Spirit's presence was a help in my efforts. God's word was still a sure foundation to move forward after a hard morning.

1. Our dog's ears. We have a vizsla with abnormally large ears for the breed. They are incredibly soft and I think pulling and stroking them probably counts as a hobby for me now.

2.  Nate Bargatze (the stand up comedian). We're not TV people… but David and I will sometimes listen to comedy sketches together. It's a great way to bring in some levity… and I love laughing with him. We love Nate the most.

3. Fort building. We recently removed a built in in our laundry room and gave the scraps to our kids with some hammers and nails. They have built an extremely impressive fort (complete with surrounding trench). I miss them (I never see them anymore) … but I love this activity. Imagining them remembering and reflection on this season of play when they're older delights me.

4. I just had to add this one in when I came back to edit. Using “You Read, I Read” books from the library with my little have provided the sweetest occasion for quality time lately. Basically, I read the left side, and he reads the right side, which has a lot fewer and a lot of repeated words. I don't rush my kids with reading, and it's all clicking for him right now and he's gaining confidence and I am thrilled to pieces by getting to sit beside him in this non-pressured outside school time way.

 

In last month's newsletter I failed to address those of you who were wrestling with infertility. I realized this almost immediately after hitting send. I want to apologize to those of you for whom me talking about making a decision to not have more biological children was emotionally disruptive. 

 This question comes from Proverbs 15:18, which says, “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.” I want my kids to consider that their words, provocations, and reactions to one another affect the climate of our home. They are brothers… and often resemble puppies in the way they roll around and metaphorically nip at one another. Sometimes, it's playful, but other times, they're letting out bitterness or resentment with a biting comment or touch. This question is one I pose to both boys involved in an incident like this, inviting them to consider if they are stirring up strife with an action, or if they are quieting contention with their reaction. I want them to both avoid actively stirring up conflict, and take time to respond to being provoked instead of being reactive. Thinking about the effect of their actions is a skill that requires some assistance from a more developed frontal lobe, but I want this verse and question to ring in their ears as they consider their interactions in interpersonal relationships and community.

Personal Devotional:

 

Family Worship:

*the price may seem high on these, but we have used them every year for 4 years. It's a  simple and sustainable practice for us… the kids love hanging the ornaments, and it cements the story in their hearts. if the bundle is too expensive, just get the ornaments and use a Jesse tree guide for scripture… or just get the cards and DIY some ornaments or coloring sheets!

 

 

A: Growing up, we always made Moravian sugar bread using the leftover potato water from Christmas Eve Dinner mashed potatoes. We'd divide and package the bread and then go caroling, delivering it to the families we visited with song. We always started with “Hark the Herald Angels Sing!” and ended with “Joy to the World!" We always chose a family friend with kids our age, but Mama and Daddy usually made the list based on who needed encouragement. Many times we'd walk into homes with hospice beds, or sing to widows who had lost a spouse as tears streamed down their faces, parents whose child was deployed or estranged,… This tradition shaped me in powerful ways. Two years ago we revived it, though none of us chose spouses with spectacular singing voices, and giggled our heads off piled in the pick up going house to house in my parents neighborhood. I felt like a little girl as people opened their doors. But the tears hit different as a mom. The gospel is good news, friends. Far as the curse is found.

 

A: First of all, I know the ache and wrestling behind this question. And I'm sorry. Lots of you emailed to ask about this in response to my last newsletter In my own wrestling, this book was extremely helpful. It won't give you a definitive answer about your particular circumstance, but it might provide you with helpful considerations and challenges, as well as thoughtful next steps.

 

A: I am so overwhelmed by the plans that have you reading multiple books in a day with a ton of check boxes. And, when I have fallen behind, it's felt really cumbersome to try to catch up. That's why I loved the legacy bible reading plan. It divides readings by month instead of my day, so you have the ability to read more on the days you have more time and less on the days you have less time. And, if it takes more than a year, it's easy to just keep going. But I love being “IN” a book… and really studying it in context. There are some fabulous options for listening to the Bible through Crossway's podcasts or the Dwell app. If you want to explore other options of PDF reading plans, here's a great list. 

 

“The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you… Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure."

-Dane Ortlund

 

I'll save my best work and thoughts for this list, but I'll still be posting on the gram. If we're not connected there, I'd love for you to come follow along! Just click one of these “lately” photos below!