“Let the wise also hear and gain in learning…” Proverbs 1:5

A few weeks ago, Jocelyn asked me what special treat I’d like her to make for my birthday. I told her I would LOVE a funfetti cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.

Her face fell, and she said, “We ALWAYS have that for birthdays. I want to make something else special for you.” I explained how much I love that cake, and since I don’t eat sugar often, I’d been looking forward to it for weeks.

She heard none of it, and argued with me for a full three minutes, trying to make me change my mind. She had some idea in her head and wanted to push it on me, even though it was MY birthday and should have been MY choice.

Don’t we all do this? Continue reading →

All one’s ways are pure in one’s own eyes, but the measurer of motives is the Lord.    Proverbs 16:2

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com

When I started back to work in November, I told my kids they’d have to step it up and do more for the family. Working as a team was the only way we were going to get through.

But kids are kids, and it’s hard for them to remain mindful of anything when all they want to do is goof off. My response was to create a reminder list for each one of them that I put at their homework stations. Every day, they’re supposed to do their assigned chores right when they get in from school.

I’m sure you know where this is going… Continue reading →

I will rejoice and be glad in your mercy, once you have seen my misery, and gotten to know the distress of my soul.     Psalm 31:8

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com

Jocelyn came to me, last week, very upset after playing a video game on Roblox. Apparently, another player was unkind to her. When she told me more details, I realized the situation was so trivial, and the unkind action so minute, I began to talk her out of her feelings.

My intention was to help her see the bigger pictures. I also wanted to toughen her up a bit. If she was getting this upset over a minor incident, we were going to be in for BIG trouble when something truly unkind happens later.

To show me the error of my ways, in less than 24 hours, a similar situation happened to me. Continue reading →

At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.   Mark 10:22

Published on CatholicMom.com

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com

As Catholic moms, we strive to raise faith-filled children, all while trying to grow closer to God ourselves. But life gets busy, and with that busyness, our best intentions can go astray.

In Mark 10, when the rich man asks Jesus what he needs to do to inherit eternal life, Jesus looks at him, loves him, and tells him to sell what he owns and give the money to the poor. Although the rich man follows every commandment, he just can’t follow this directive. His wealth means too much to him. He walks away sad.

Most of us aren’t wealthy. So we’re not prone to get into the same pickle the rich man did. Yet, I believe this story still applies to us — not in terms of wealth, but, believe it or not, in terms of time. Continue reading →

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.    Psalm 37:7

We had to take our bunny, Oreo, to the vet a few weeks ago to get his claws clipped. Since we go so infrequently, we don’t have one of those fancy carriers. Instead, I line a Rubbermaid bin with an old towel and put a metal grid on top.

Oreo’s always freaked out about being in that bin. So, I went against my better judgment, and let Jocelyn hold the bin on her lap. She wanted to comfort him and asked if she could pick him up. I repeatedly explained it was too risky in the car. I thought she understood.  Continue reading →

“You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”          John 12:8

Our family vacations have always been local and frugal. We figure it doesn’t require spending a lot of money to have time together, make memories, and escape the stress and responsibilities of everyday life. Subscribing to this viewpoint, it took a long time for my husband and me to even begin to consider a trip to Disney World.

When we did finally begin to think about it, we were completely shocked by how expensive the day passes were. Multiply that by five, and we were extremely grateful for the vacation fund we’d started three years before. However, this one trip was going to wipe out the whole thing. We kept asking ourselves whether it was worth it or not. Continue reading →

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.    Proverbs 16:3

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com

With my husband working out of his home office everyday, I come and go with work and kid pick-up, never giving it a second thought. I can because there’s always an adult in the house for my kids. That is, until a few weeks ago when my husband had to travel to Chicago.

I suddenly had to think three steps ahead. Unfortunately, I learned that isn’t enough. Continue reading →