Being a wife and mother has always been my heart’s desire in life. Other women thrive in careers outside the home, careers inside the home, or a combination of the two.
There is no right (or wrong) way of living our life as long as we put God first and our family second. However, since marriage and family is so important to me, it’s only natural our family would publish some devotionals on the topic of parenting itself.
Spoken from the Heart: Parenting 101 and the subsequent books following aren’t “how to” manuals. Far from it. If anything, the more I wrote these devotionals, the more God showed me how much I still have to learn.
These stories were written while my husband and I were in the trenches of parenthood, and quite frankly, we still are there. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Parenting is by far the hardest, and yet most rewarding job I will ever have. I feel blessed that we have three children here on earth and one waiting for us in Heaven. They are great kids … not perfect (thank goodness) … but honestly terrific kids.
I think they have taught me more than I have tried to teach them.
Since each volume was written during a different parenting period in our lives over the course of five years, they are slightly different and today and in the next few weeks, I will try and explain the differences so you are sure to pick up the one that suits your preferences best.
The picture we picked for the cover of this book was taken during a spontaneous family hike on a lazy Sunday afternoon. We were wearing old clothes and it reminds me of lazier days, relaxed schedules, and making memories.
Spoken from the Heart: Parenting 101 was written as our family was just starting out in this ministry, and as a result, it talks about some of the challenges that come with balancing work and family, how to get it all done, and mom guilt.
However, it also shares some of the fun activities our family did when our children were younger to make memories and build those connections. My favorite story is found in Day 10 when I describe Family Spirit Week.
It has been many years now since we celebrated that family tradition but it’s still one of my favorite weeks ever. If you ever find yourself at my house, I will show you I still have the memory verse from that week taped up on my filing cabinet.
Do you have children? If yes, do you have special family traditions or celebrations “just because?” What are some of your favorite memories? Please share with us by hitting reply. I’d love to continue this conversation with you.