When you think of the “perfect family” that you desire to have, what do you see? I see the eight of us sitting on a hill looking out at the still lake with the sun setting. Danny and I are in the middle. He has his arm around me, and our kids are all pressed…
Essentials in Biblical Parenting — Part Two
It was a lovely, sunny spring morning when we decided to go for a family bike ride. We got our bikes out, our helmets on, and the littles strapped into the bike trailer. Our two oldest excitedly mounted their bikes, and off we went. We enjoyed the blue sky, singing birds, and a family activity…
Essentials in Parenting — Part one
Leaving the hospital with my newborn daughter, I felt extremely unprepared for what lay ahead as a new mom. How could I know all that I needed to keep this little human alive? How was I to train her in Biblical Truth? Wasn’t there a manual on Amazon that could be delivered next day or…
Mommy, Teach me to Pray
Does that title remind you of the story of Jesus and His disciples? In Luke 11 the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus shared with them what we call the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer was not meant to be copied or recited, but it was meant to show us an outline for…
Must Have Christmas Books
One of our favorite traditions when our children were young was wrapping up our Christmas books. I would number them one to twenty-four. For each day in December, we would unwrap the one that matched the date and read it. It was like being reintroduced to an old friend. “I remember this one!” “I love…
Curriculum to Use when Homeschooling on the Mission Field
The question that I get the most from homeschool moms everywhere is, “What curriculum should I use for homeschooling?” This question has too many layers to unpack in a simple conversation. But my answer gets doubly complicated when talking with fellow missionaries. From these conversations this article was born. There are many great curricula to…
Thanksgiving Verses
Thanksgiving is one of the top holidays in Christianity, not because there is a significant spiritual event that is celebrated that day. But I believe that it is an important day in our own spiritual lives to evaluate our hearts and remember all that the Lord has done for us. Thanksgiving refocuses our hearts on…
Considerations Before Homeschooling on the Mission Field
The table was cleared from all the breakfast dishes. The children regather after brushing teeth, getting dressed, and collecting their school supplies. Sitting at their assigned seats, they rise as you enter the room and joyfully begin singing their favorite hymn from hymn study — in English and in Swahili . A large smile extends…
Why We Homeschooled on the Mission Field
The move to the mission field is full of decisions — where to live, what to bring, what to do, what church to attend, where to shop, what vehicle to get. The list is quite long. This time is full of transitions for the whole family. While some of the transitions are easy others are…
Supporting Missionary Families
Imagine leaving your friends and family to live in another country. Feeling the call of God on your life, you pack up all that you know and venture out for the great unknown… unknown people, unknown grocery stores, unknown culture, unknown language, unknown streets. Living on mission for God is a test of faith. Following…