worshiper, wonderer, writer – seeking to encourage faithfulness in Christian women
Over two years ago, when my oldest was in first grade at a local public school, and I began exploring the idea of homeschooling, the term "morning time" kept coming up in various places where I researched. Some homeschoolers term this "morning basket" or "circle time," but the principle of the concept remains the same, …
As Lent approaches this week, I wanted to share some traditions and resources that we've used for our family in the past. Before you dive into what you'd like to do, though, I encourage you to read this post I wrote last year around Easter. As always, the principles and motivation behind what we do …
Continue reading "Lent and Easter family traditions and resources"
It's February, so maybe the talk of goals and new-year-new-you has died down a bit, but the self-imposed pressure can still linger, right? Those who are successful are sharing about their victories in their goals of weight loss, new habits, new learned skills, etc., and the temptation to do something and do it well is …
Before I had children old enough to even understand what we were doing, a wise momma suggested this idea of keeping a memory box each year. It’s become one of our family’s favorite traditions, and can really be started anytime! Through this idea developed one of our family values - the art of remembrance. "I …
Continue reading "January Family Tradition: An Annual Memory Box"
Trying to do anything intentional with a two-year-old can feel a bit like walking with them on roller skates, pulling them along while they try to balance and don't yet know how to even pick up their foot and glide! I recently had a friend share with me that one of her goals for the …
Continue reading "Sowing seeds with toddlers; my answer to how to disciple a two-year-old"
The post-Christmas blues. It hit me even harder than usual this year, which is weird because I had it all planned to be the opposite. You know, I had planned on leaving the decorations out until the twelfth day of Christmas, and keeping the Christmas music playing, and other similar festivities. But, for some reason, …
Continue reading "Obedient, cheerful generosity over practicality; some post-Christmas reflections"
The Proverbs 31 woman. When you read those words, what is your first reaction? (If you've never read it, go take a moment and read it first.) Perhaps an anxious overwhelm and biting of nails as you wonder how you could possibly imitate her? Or do you swing in the other direction and smirk with …
Continue reading "Where is joy really to be found? Cheerfulness in our duties"
It’s that time of the year when our schedules fill up quickly, and we usually can slip into one of two ditches if we are not careful. One ditch involves never slowing down long enough to consider and choose family rhythms and traditions due to the feeling of being overwhelmed by all the things. When …
Consider this blog post the "what the Gaineys are doing for Advent and Christmas" post. I simply wanted to get this shared sooner rather than later in case you're considering plans for your own family. However, I have a more important post that will be coming next regarding the principles behind family rhythms in Advent …
One of our pastors preached on the parable of the talents recently, and the truths in this teaching seemed to coincide with several ideas that God has been teaching me lately regarding faithfulness in my work. Be sure to check out the sermon here. If you're not familiar with this parable that Jesus tells, it …
