Mentoring, Leadership, & Homemaking
It’s easy for me to show kindness to friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. It’s harder for me to show kindness to the people I live with day in and day out. It seems like my patience often runs thin—especially with my children. Constant arguing, fighting, and yelling—it all gets to me, and too often I react in unkind ways. Lately and not coincidentally—I’m sure, Colossians 3:21 has been on my mind: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children….” Chances are if {Read More}
I gave birth to our fifth child a few months after my 40th birthday. She was the first girl to be born into my husband’s family in almost 70 years, and her arrival greatly altered the landscape in what was once “boy kingdom.” There are many things I look forward to doing with her and for her, such as holding tea parties, teaching her to cook, star gazing, and playing dolls together. Most importantly, I want to pass on to {Read More}
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, as is my birthday. This is the time I usually drag out my big bag of regrets about my multiple mammoth, mortifying parenting mistakes. I take out each memory and pain, one by one, hold it up and turn it around, examining every facet. My kids are grown and out on their own. The memories of words said and blunders made trickle into my thoughts. The trickle picks up speed until a flood {Read More}
On the first few days my husband was gone for business, the kids and I would do some fun things. We ate special meals. We watched fun movies. Sometimes I’d let the kids sleep in Papa’s spot in our bed. Then life returned to normal, and for a week or two everything would go smoothly. After a few weeks though, I’d be tired. The kids would miss their dad more–especially if he called and talked with them. Bedtimes became tear-fests, {Read More}
As I prayed at the table, my Bible before me, I opened my eyes to find my eight-year-old son copying me—head bowed and eyes closed, his Bible before him. Not having had our children very long—we adopted them mid-last year, my heart filled with joy at the sight of him taking his first steps toward Truth. It reminded me of 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” Dear {Read More}
Most people who have teenagers have been the recipient of disrespectful remarks. In our own teenage years many of our moms and dads may have used some kind of corporal punishment to help us with an attitude adjustment. But in our kinder-gentler-society, it is rare for this type of discipline to be used. Many parents just endure the sassy back-talk (with no consequences given) and try to speak truth into the child. I am not sure we are being effective. {Read More}
1. Read the Bible aloud to your kids. Let them hear your voice and daddy’s voice. Missionary biographies, stories of great Christians, and stories with people of strong character. “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 2. Slow down and talk. Draw a bath for your young child and sit on a towel on the floor and listen. Let them tell you about {Read More}
Most working parents have been there. You drop your child off at the home of your childcare provider or daycare center and she cries, “Mommy, stay with me! Don’t go!” “Is this really the best place for her?” You struggle over your decision, your options. To help you be sure you have made the best choice for your child, consider asking the following questions when interviewing a home provider: 1. How many children of your own do you have? Ages? {Read More}
With November 4th around the corner, you might think this is about elections. It’s not. This is about when our children do not make the team, get a part in the show, or earn first chair in the orchestra. What do we do? The biggest disservice we pay them is crying “Politics!” There may be times when the reason could be a poor coaching choice or a director’s bad decision, but as someone who has sat in the director’s seat, {Read More}
We all need good mentors offering practical advise, wisdom, encouragement, and friendship. Here at MMCW you will find a storehouse of mentoring between generations, just as it should be.
