So last week it was a little quiet here on my peaceful blog home, and it might be for the next week or so … but not because I’ve stopped writing. A little explanation of where and what I’ve been writing:

Where I’ve been writing

1. A few coffee shops
2. A quiet porch swing
3. A hundred year old bedroom
4. A friend’s dining room table
5. A generous friend’s office
6. A passenger seat of a car
7. A kitchen counter
8. A church building
9. A wicker couch
10. A rocking chair

What I’ve been writing

1. Facebook posts for Do Not Depart and Come Have a Peace
2. Emails to friends
3. Notes in my journal & devotional
4. A post for A Woman Inspired
5. Plans in my planner
6. Two articles about mothering
7. A book proposal to take to a conference next week (would you pray for me?)
8. A one sheet about EXPECTANT to take to the conference
9. A post for The MOM Initiative (Check it on the 19th)
10. A post at Do Not Depart to share a Family Vacation Faith Journal

When you love to write, when you must write, the settings change frequently and sometimes the projects do too. This coming week I will write at a picnic table, a campfire, an airport, a river, another friend’s house, and who knows where else? One thing does not change, regardless of where and what I write, and that is my writer’s prayer: 

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” ~ Psalm 19:14

Becky Kopitzke happens to be the team member at The MOM Initiative who has a pink trampoline in her living room. She is also a freelance writer, dreamer, potty trainer, lunch packer, snowman builder and sidewalk chalk artist. Doesn’t she sound like the kinda gal you wanna meet for lunch? Me too.

She lives with her devoted husband and their two young daughters in northeast Wisconsin, and she is a gal who believes parenting is one of God’s greatest tools for building our faith, character, and strength—and it’s not always pretty. Becky leads a women’s small group Bible study at her church, where she also sings on the worship team. She and her husband are grateful for God’s grace and wisdom as they spend their days tripping over stuffed animals in the hallway, cutting crusts off of peanut butter sandwiches, and watching countless Dora re-runs. It’s a beautiful, ordinary, blessed-beyond-measure life.

I created a potty monster.

The first time my toddler tinkled in the potty chair, I cheered. For months I’d been desperate to slash the diapers from our grocery bill, and at last my daughter agreed.

“I’m a big girl!” She raised her hands above her head and clapped.

“Yes, you are!” I jiggled a happy dance on the bathroom tile. “And now you get a jelly bean!”

She earned six more jelly beans before that day was through. And again the next day, and the next. Forget the diapers—now suddenly I dared to imagine scratching Pull-Ups from the shopping list, too. What a deal!

But then. About a week into our potty adventure, I lounged on a cozy chair in the family room. Kids were in bed, lamps were dimmed, and I reached for a book on the ottoman when a button nose poked around the sofa.

“Mommy, I have to go potty.”

“Okay, thanks for telling me. It’s past bedtime, though, so let’s make tinkles and go straight to sleep.”

“Yep, Mom, I sure will.” She smiled, squatted, and shuffled back to bed.

The next night, it happened again—twice. The following night, three times. Soon she was tapping my pillow at 2 a.m. insisting she had to go potty. Nature called on playground dates, shopping trips, chiropractor appointments, and car rides across town. One morning my daughter yanked down her pants every five minutes, expecting me to assist and cheer.

But I didn’t feel like cheering anymore. That potty chair was interrupting my life. And I had asked for this?

Potty training is hard work, I grumbled. I should just slap a diaper on her bum and give up. Life was easier before the potty chair! Do you ever feel that way about marriage?

At first, newlywed life is exciting. Surely I’ll be happy now, we think, with this man by my side. But then one day that man leaves his socks on the floor. He forgets a birthday. He works late while his frazzled wife swaddles colicky babies at home. And we discover—marriage is hard work. It begs forgiveness and self-sacrifice. It demands our attention, our agenda, and the deepest places of our heart.

Until sometimes we just don’t feel like cheering anymore.

• He didn’t like my casserole? Fine. No more new recipes. He can eat hot dogs all week.
• We’re tripping over laundry baskets, and he hasn’t offered to fold a single towel. Am I the maid around here? Well, this maid is keeping her uniform buttoned tight tonight, if you know what I mean.
• I told him how I feel, and he laughed. Forget it. I won’t share my heart anymore.

Do you see? Giving up seems easier at first. But the risk of withdrawing is to wake up one day and realize our marriage hasn’t grown. It’s still in diapers.

Which brings me back to my potty monster. Of course I won’t let her go to kindergarten a few years from now still stashing Pampers in her backpack. Potty training is a necessary growing pain. Without it we’ll never reach the next stage of maturity. And so it goes with marriage. When we persevere through the tough spots, our relationship grows up.

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything,” (James 1:4).

So I decided—I’m ditching the diapers and the Pull-Ups. Can you guess what’s on my shopping list now?

Disney princess undies.

Oh, yeah. Bring it on.

  Read more from Becky at Time Out Devotions for Moms.
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Waking Up

I had been praying about it for a couple of months, and God answered in the most unusual, but faithful way. This is what I prayed, “Lord, please wake my Chris up—make him fully engaged in life again–for he is sleep-walking. Wake him up, Father.”

So God did. He sent a friend first of all. The friend offered a challenge and invitation for my Chris to participate in a mission trip to India—to design something, life-giving and life-saving for these people. That spoke Chris’ language. I saw the tears and I saw the awakening gradually begin.

That evening came another type of news from our mortgage company. We were behind in payments and if we did not get things in order, we would be on the road to foreclosure. Now let me say it plainly. Chris did not intentionally let us fall behind. He was not fully aware. But he also was not fully awake. And when we stop watching, guarding and being on the alert, we miss important choices. To fail to choose is to not choose.

He was fully awake that October day! We got back-to-back in the fight. I believe this is key in any marriage issue. We choose to be on the same team. We choose to fight against all forces together. We choose to forgive. We choose to love.

The overflow is that God took this awakening opportunity to raise up not only miraculous help that was beyond our ability, but also He awakened the giant in my husband—the one who fights for family, who is fully alert and who wants other families to not miss one opportunity.

It was a gift in disguise.

Today we are on the last month of paying the missed payments back. By month’s end, we will be fully out of debt, except for a very small mortgage payment. We will also be on the road to saving – for the first time in our marriage of 22 years! We have seen God’s provision and we are making Him known in the way we share our story—the good, the bad and the ugly.

Chris is now leading a men’s Bible study in our home. He’s sharing our testimony. He has been invited to serve as a deacon at our church. He is leading our family with eyes wide open. No more is he sleeping. He is in God’s Word, prayerful and watchful—our family’s point man. Every step he takes is purposeful and under the Holy Spirit’s leading. He is also watching over our finances in a way unlike he has ever watched before—he has learned and grown so much!

I, too, am fully awake. I have found freedom in forgiveness, in choosing to not say—it’s your fault. But what shall we do together now? For I know this is OUR problem and we shall face it together. “Two are better than one for if one falls down the other can help them up,” the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9.

Most of us live like we have fallen asleep. We try to satiate the aching holes in our soul by feeding on mindless things. I am guilty of this for sure. To relax, I want to watch something that will not make me think–maybe laugh–but thinking is something that I try to turn off. I want to accomplish the things I have to, while doing something I like that somehow entertains me. As a nation, we rely on empty entertainment. Silence is a lost art.

Silence can be a springboard for waking up. For we use noise and entertainment to numb the pains of life. I know. For I have done it myself.

Recently my Chris traveled out of the country for the week with work. During that time, I made myself be silent rather than turning on the TV, radio or calling somebody. In the silences, I found a refuge of strength and healing in my spirit. I would be on the cusp of tears, as I missed my Chris so much. But also, I realized that some of our usual daily habits (staying up too late, falling into a mindless routine) were not happening. Perhaps as a couple–as a family even–we need to mix it up a little. We need to wake up!

For the groundwork we are laying in our families—it is of utmost importance. It may seem trivial now. But one day, we will find it was the means by which God did the most effective and active works we have ever seen. Those works will count throughout the generations—they will be told and re-told. And it all began with a prayer, obedience, watchfulness and silence. It all began with God, who invited us from the start.

About Holly Smith

Holly loves her job as wife to Chris and mom to Noah, Kylie, Tabor and Sydney. God has gifted Holly with a love of all things creative ~ from painting and wall papering to scrap-booking and design work. In addition to co-founding and managing A Martha Heart, she designs web pages (www.crownlaiddowndesigns.com) and marketing pieces. She also participates with a wonderful team of moms in writing at The M.O.M. Initiative. Holly and her family make their home within site of year ’round snow-capped mountains in Colorado. She can be reached by emailing Holly@amarthaheart.com or connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HollyGorinSmith.  Read more from Holly’s heart at:  www.amarthaheart.com

So let me inspire you with a recent side dish from our family grill. Summer zucchini boats are simple to make, and you can watch this cool slideshow of how-to photos below! To make a side dish that feeds 4, here’s what I did.

Summer zucchini boats

2 zucchini (each cut in half, seeds cut out, and then a “notch” cut in each slab)
1/2 sweet onion (or more if there’s no smooching to follow), cut in rings
1 medium tomato, chopped
3/4 cup cooked rice (brown or white) – great use for leftover rice!
olive oil
sea salt
about 1/2 cup shredded cheese of your choice (I used Mexican)

• Put a little piece of foil on the grill where you’ll put the onions.
• Heat the grill to medium-high.
• Grill the onions with a little drizzle of olive oil.
• Lay the zucchini on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes.
• Flip the zucchini and brush/drizzle each with a little olive olive.
• Sprinkle zucchini with a little bit of sea salt.
• Grill all for 5 more minutes and remove with tongs.

Breath in big whiffs of grill smoke while you wait. Say “mmmmm,” close your eyes, and think of the beach!

• Mix together the rice & tomatoes.
• Lay grilled onions into the zucchini boats.
• Pack rice/tomato mixture in a slight mound over the onions.
• Top with shredded cheese of your choice.
• Return the boats to the closed grill (on a top rack if you have it, but not right on the grill) OR even better, broil for just about 4 minutes on medium heat until the cheese melts.

Serve as a fresh and healthy side dish OR as a main vegetarian dish. This works great for a Feed Me Friday, Saturday, Sunday … or any week day in between!
Be sure to watch the slideshow of how-to steps and enjoy!
Click to view slideshow.

Is it just luck when kids behave well in public? Do all the stars have to be aligned just right for excursions with kids to go well? I hope you’ve read these posts to help you prepare for success if you’re “out” with little ones of your own or “out” next to the little ones of someone else.

• Managing Little People in Public
• Survival Guide for Taking Kids to Restaurants
• Why it’s worth it: little kids in a big world
• Godliness, grace, and kids meals

Non-kid friends, don’t feel left out. You need to know the first steps to take in handling life in public with little people.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask a solo parent if you can help them; you may be the answer to their prayer!
2. Smile.  At the parent and the child. Let them know it’s okay; they’re working hard and doing their best.
3. Pray for them. Really. They need you to pray for them to have wisdom, patience, and obedience.  God listens.
4. If their practice poses a lot of stress to you (hearing/ stability/ confusion), that’s okay.
5. Be honest, but be kind. Choose another seat, another pew, another restaurant, or another day.

You model gracious behavior as you respond. If you see a parent struggle time after time, week after week, and you have a relationship with them, it may be time for you to graciously and lovingly ask the parent if you can have coffee … at your house … or at the park. They might be longing for someone to give them honest feedback (or they might just need it) or for someone to care enough to ask if they need help or prayer or a babysitter! Be ready to help them if they are open and willing.

Here are some tips by age group to give parents a start in the right direction when planning the next restaurant outing with little ones.  And as for church services and meetings? That’s a whole different list, but there’s definitely some overlap!

Tips for taking infants out

1. Babes are you-dependent. Plan well with well chosen items, including a blanket for cool rooms or nursing times.
2. Babies need to practice grasping. Take or order food/utensils you are comfortable letting them handle & try.
3. Ask for a table in a quiet area or choose a quiet restaurant.
4. Feed baby right before you go.
5. Baby is social. Even as you talk, give some eye contact to your infant.

Tips for taking toddlers out

1. Involve little one in praying at the table.
2. Use your touch to wordlessly manage their movement & provide attention.
3. Baby is practicing fine motor skills, so have a fork/spoon/cup baby can use.
4. Provide items from your meals that baby can “work” with in the dump/fill stage.
5. Be prepared with a board book you can use to point to and talk about.
6. Movement is the challenge here. Be reasonable and provide varied seating (booster to lap to booster to lap), but teach baby about “time to sit” and “quiet talking.”

Tips for taking elementary children out

1. Help your children learn to listen and respond in conversation. Coach them beforehand, during, and after.
2. Provide a small spiral notebook and baggie of pencils for writing; encourage them to draw what they see/hear.
3. The menu is a great resource for practice reading, playing I Spy, and playing trivia games.
4. Elementary children need to be engaged, without being egocentric. Talk to them.
5. Involve children in come beginning decisions about ordering, serving, and paying for food.

Tips for taking middle schoolers out

1. Keep them engaged by including them in ordering, conversation, and observations of other people.
2. Use the setting, style of food, and other customers to talk about variety of cultures and people groups.
3. Ask your child to pray before your meal, or ask them if there’s anything you can pray about as you lead.
4. Expect your child to put into practice the courtesy they’ve been learning.
5. It’s definitely time to “dress for dinner,” whatever that means for where you’re going. They will be more likely to act in a polite way if they take time to dress (even if it’s just clean clothes) for the outing.

Tips for taking teens out

1. Involve your student before you go; include them in choosing a destination, or inform them about where you’re headed. Talk about the dress/manners that suit the occasion.
2. Ordering is an opportunity for learning about parts of a meal, cost of food, budgeting, and considering others.
3. The table provides a setting for learning; model how to use the tableware more than you explain it.
4. Use the outing to invite your student to share their life and thoughts; give them a taste for enjoying relationships over meals out.
5. Invite their observations and inferences about the setting, the staff processes, and the overall experience; teach them to think like Jesus about the world around them.

You may be getting the message that taking kids out in public, especially restaurants, means you are “at work.”  Yes, you are. Children don’t do well on auto-pilot; they need your supervision and engagement. If things start to go downhill, don’t be afraid to step outside or into the restroom to re-train/remind/re-set your child’s understanding and behavior. Be prepared to maintain standards of obedience in public, as an extension of standards at home. If you need a night “off,” that’s the night to get a babysitter. Work hard when your children are young, and the dividends will pay off in children who are enjoyable to take out. 

Are you in a season of life status where you’re training kids in public places? Do you have a tip that works for you? Other parents want to know what you’ve discovered, so feel free to share it here in the comments or on the CHP Facebook page.

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And then life taught me some things. A lot of things. And now I would say, “Yes. Sometimes butter painting is the most godly thing you can do at a restaurant.” Godliness and grace often collide and end up on display over a kids meal.

We were missionaries (of all things) traveling to supporting churches. Our kids were 5 and 3, and they had the church visit routine down. They peddled dry banana chips at our display table and talked about the “fwoot bats,” while we explained our strategy of ministry and the passion burning in our hearts.

After a delightful day of serving at the church of friends we hadn’t seen in years, the church leaders took us out to lunch (Red lights in mother’s heart flashing with a deep voice shouting “abort, abort!”).  The pastor had a daughter the same age as ours and the same age as JoHanna’s little friends she left behind every week for many weeks. The fellowship was so sweet for grown ups and kiddos alike that we just lingered past dessert and far into coffee. The troop of toddlers exhausted their imaginations with my baggie of dinosaurs, crayons, and books, and they ate their weight in sprinkles.

After two hours, the pastor’s wife asked if we minded if the kids opened a pat or two of butter to “paint” on the place mats. Jo was drinking up the friendship and the play and the companionship of her new blond BFF. From inside my memory, my mother’s face frowned at me, and I waffled in uncertainty. The pastor’s wife smiled and told me it was really okay with her; I gave in.

And for another heavenly half an hour we exchanged grown up stories of God’s work and His call and our passions, while our kids drew letters in the creamy butter and erased it again to create shapes and pictures (and listened). They were quiet. They were creative. We were filled up. We cleaned up. I would do it again.

No one around us knew our story or cared that our little one was lonely or that our hearts were full.  Thankfully, our table was tucked away, customers were few, and our waitress was sweet. Parenting a child requires godly wisdom, like that of the pastor’s wife, to know what’s most important for the moment.  God says He’ll give us wisdom (James 1:5). Painting with butter might be cause for a reprimand in some settings and seasons, but that day, it required no correction. It was allowed, embrace, encouraged, and smiled upon. Godliness naturally flows into grace, because sometimes a couple of pats of butter and a paper place mat are a small price to pay for a child to learn valuable lessons like:

1. people matter more than things
2. fellowship is worth drinking up
3. talking about God’s goodness takes time
4. God gives us out of the way tables as a gift
5. creativity doesn’t have to be rude or loud
6. we always clean up
7. our attitude makes a difference
8. being with followers of God is a gift
9. God knows what we need and cares
10. even children can act like Jesus

When we take children to a church service or a restaurant or other public setting, there’s no doubt we need to have a godly attitude towards others:  think of others more than ourselves, lace grace through our response, and show kindness with our conduct. Our kids are watching and needing to see that our compass points to godly behavior.  Little ones aren’t ready to mimic our manners in all their fullness yet, but they are on their way to a place of Christ-like courtesy.

Carefully choose and prepare for settings where you can take your children and guide them into the “big world” to develop a “big heart” for people and “big dreams” for the masterpiece God will have them paint with their lives.

• Kid-less? How will you extend grace to children and parents in your world? 
• Parents? Where will you take your children to guide them in godliness tomorrow?

Stop in this weekend or subscribe in the sidebar for email updates to get a list on Saturday of age appropriate tips/ideas to help manage kids in public settings.

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But it’s so much work to take young kids “out.” I know. But sweet mom who has restaurant nightmares and church service premonitions, it’s worth it. You are giving it your all and going the extra mama-mile, and you will be so glad you did. But what if there was a way to use less energy, get better results, and actually enjoy yourself while doing it … if only in single digit minutes at a time? Would you do it? I’m about to tell you something that will change everything.

Help for those with children

First, know why you’re going to all the trouble; putting your purpose into words will empower you. You are doing the work of taking your kids to church or restaurants or libraries or stores because you are exposing them to variety:  Variety of people other than you. Variety of situations they will learn to navigate. Variety of opportunities to meet new foods, smells, sounds, and feelings they should understand. And as their world is widened, they watch you model a wide open armed response filtered through a heart of discernment.

As children “meet the world,” you prepare them to understand that “God so loved the world that He gave,” (John 3:16) and the soil of their heart is plowed and prepared to have compassion planted there. If you stay home all the time out of fear or exhaustion or dread, your child’s God-given purpose will struggle to take root and thrive. They will be under-equipped to manage the world on their own, because the day will come when they will have to. In familiar places like your local library, the deli counter at your store, or the nursery window at your church, your little one will learn to see the world beyond her own family’s table. It’s worth it to get out so your child can have a heart for the world.

And before we move on to those without children, understanding your purpose in getting the kiddos out is not just for you to know.  TELL your kids.  Tell them when they’re in the car seat.  Tell them when they move up to the high chair. Tell them when they start to use the coloring paper. Tell them when they’re old enough to order. Tell them when they graduate from the kids menu. TELL your kids the REASON why you go to the trouble of training them out in public.

Help for those without children

Non-kid-toter, inviting children into the world of big people means some added noise, some random crumbs, some unexpected outbursts, and some spills. But by welcoming little ones into your space with a smile and a whispered prayer for their family, you are following in the steps of the Prince of Peace who commanded, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew 19:14). Without a child currently dangling from your own finger, you are a divine foster friend and parent, helping the next generation to blossom in a world that would just as soon crush them.

For many of us, we have watched children be “dedicated” by hopeful parents determined to do their best; we affirmed that we would pray for them and help them and support them. We just didn’t think it would mean having toddler toes kick the back of the seat, split the quiet of a meditation, or change the atmosphere of our dining table. But it may. You, as well as the parents, have a part in teaching the children of today to be culture-wise grown ups of tomorrow.

What’s Next

And speaking of tomorrow, that’s when I’ll tell you where godliness meets grace over a kids meal. Until then, sweet parents, embrace this purpose! Like everything else you have tackled as a well-informed, skilled parent, dive in to being skilled at managing kids in public places.

Here’s a Survival Guide to Taking Kids to Restaurants. Those of us around you are cheering for you, praying for you, and ready to help you wipe up your spills. Together, we are training little ones to be ready for the big world.

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Let’s kick off this summer of wedded wisdom from my girlfriends with a visit from my West Coast-moved-South girlfriend Joanne Kraft.  Come sit on the couch, Joanne, let me get you a latte, and tell us what you’ve learned!

You Can’t Do it On Your Own

Marriage is hard. Understatement of the millennium, right?

Two very different human beings brought up by two different people in two different households. Two people with two different personalities, two different life experiences, family traditions, ideals, goals…then God does the unthinkable. He puts us together as one.

Makes me wonder if God doesn’t have a warped sense of humor. It’s a crazy recipe for disaster if you stop and think about it. I love musicals. Paul hates them. I love social interaction. Paul is fine alone with a book. I was raised by a U.S. Marine who served in Viet Nam. Paul was raised by a father who left the country during the Viet Nam war. My parents didn’t encourage college. Paul’s parents valued education greatly. On and on it goes. There’s almost no chance for marriage success. Statistics prove my point.

But God…

He created each one of us. He knows how we fit together. We fit together because there’s a third piece needed: Him. When Christ is included my husband and I are a perfect, unmovable, unstoppable union.

You can’t do it without Him. Sure, you’ll try in your own strength, but when you do it yourself it’s not long before you’re discouraged and disappointed and bitterness takes up residency and signs a lifelong lease with your heart.

• Stop beating your head against a wall.
• Stop reading the self-help books. “Self” anything is the first step on the wrong path.
• Stop listening to Oprah. Goodness, girl, she isn’t even married.
• Stop thinking there’s some three-step plan to marriage bliss. There isn’t and there never will be.

There’s one step to success and it’s Jesus. Always has been. Always will be. Forever and ever Amen. We love because He first loved us, remember?  “We love because He first loved us.” (1John 4:10)

Are you going through a rough patch with your husband today? Then bring your vanilla latte to the couch and kick off your shoes. I’m about to share two exceptional and necessary parts of the nature of Jesus that are a must-have to create a marriage that rocks your world.

Surrender.

Each time you are frustrated and annoyed, each time you’re angry or agitated– you’re trying to be in control. That’s not your job, it’s His. Surrender. Give the Lord your marriage today. Let go of the bitterness, frustration and aggravations holding you back from all He has for your marriage.

Sacrifice.

Dictionary.com defines it this way: to surrender or give up, or permit injury or disadvantage to. It’s like surrender on steroids. When was the last time you let go of something that was bothering you, a word he said, or something he didn’t do to help? When you lay your life down and give up the bitterness and vengeful thoughts, Jesus will take it from there.

“For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son.” (John 3:16) Jesus gave when we didn’t deserve it. Jesus surrendered His life for us. Jesus surrendered to His Father’s plan for us. He sacrificed.

Surrender and sacrifice, they work hand in hand. Nothing could be more difficult. I should know. I failed at my first marriage because I didn’t understand. But, I didn’t make the same mistake twice.

From someone who’s been there, let me say this one more time: You can’t do it alone. You need Jesus alongside you.
Remember that.

Joanne Kraft is a busy mom and the author of Just Too Busy—Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical. Joanne has been a single mom, divorced mom, full time working mom and stay at home mom. She understands the heart of a mom. She and her husband now live in Tennessee where they’re raising their four children and have happily traded soy milk and arugula for sweet tea and biscuits. Joanne’s articles have been published by Chicken Soup for the Soul, Thriving Family, In Touch, ParentLife, Today’s Christian Woman, Kyria, P31 Woman and more. She’s appeared on CBN, Focus on the Family, Family Life Today and The Harvest Show. joannekraft.com

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(Excerpt from EXPECTANT: 40 Devotions for New and Expectant Moms)

Strengthening Your Heart: Getting On a Schedule

How do you feel about a schedule for yourself? A mother has basic needs of her own that must be met in order to grow into mommy hood and lay a firm foundation for a lifetime of good parenting. She needs filling of her spirit, feeding of her heart, and finding of wisdom for her new world experiencing so much change. During the months of growing a baby and then adjusting to baby’s life outside the womb, a mother cannot leave out God’s Word, any more than a baby could leave out human touch and milk.

More than ever before, you need an intimate relationship with your wise and loving Abba, Father. The enemy would love an opportunity to discourage, depress, and disable you in your new role as a parent. A mother starved of bonding with God and His truth will quickly show signs of mommy malnutrition and will stop thriving.

Be sure to hop over to The MOM Initiative today where I’m posting a Survival guide to taking kids to restaurants, a follow-up to yesterday’s post about Managing little people in public.

Some of my favorite summer recipes that have found their place in my May kitchen are Scioto Hills Peanut Butter Bars and Jeff’s favorite pasta salad. If you want to kick back and use your “home manners” or teach your kids how to behave at your own table, summer is the perfect time to grill some burgers to serve with this pasta salad and PB bars for dessert!