Thanksgiving weekend, my family enthusiastically set out to find our Christmas tree. Minutes after unloading at the idyllic tree farm, a toddler initiated a crying spell that lasted the entire hour we strolled the fields and barn. Meanwhile, another child complained about the cold, a sibling threw a tantrum for more cookies, and another brother... Continue Reading →
How to Find Joy in Hospitality
I was a freshman in college when our dorm mother invited our entire freshman hall to her home for a Christmas party. Twenty nineteen-year-old girls descended on her warmly lit, apple-spice-fragranced home one evening for homemade lasagna. Now, I loved dorm-life—the late nights, the practical jokes, the way there was always someone to talk to—but... Continue Reading →
Great Expectations in Motherhood
Recently, I attended an event with my husband. I had been looking forward to it for awhile, so when we found a sitter for the kids, I went fully prepared to have the time of my life. Instead, despite the fact that absolutely nothing went wrong and the event was lovely, I felt disappointed. I... Continue Reading →
Life is hard, BUT…
The last couple months have been difficult for me. Though I am thankful that nothing tragic or life-threatening has occurred, it has been a season of many small burdens in my life that add up to weightiness. I have felt weary, and as I often do when things are hard, I have gravitated toward the... Continue Reading →
Why Motherhood Isn’t Always Fulfilling
During the seven years I have been a mom, countless moments have left me breathless with joy. The moment each of my babies was laid on my chest for the first time, or the times when they’ve fallen asleep on me and I’ve traced the curve of their soft cheeks in awe, or the instances... Continue Reading →
Mayhem, Mashed Carrots, and Moses: Family Devotions in the Little Years
Family devotion time with little ones doesn't need to be long or complicated to be worthwhile.