Ministry of Mothering

For years, I bought into the excitement of New Year’s resolutions. Every January 1st, I would grab a notebook and write down my ambitious goals for the year. Lose weight. Organize the house. Read more books. Be more patient. The list went on and on. I loved the idea of starting fresh, of becoming a “new me.” But as time went on, I noticed a pattern: I rarely stuck to those resolutions. By mid-February (sometimes even earlier), the goals would quietly fade away, replaced by guilt and frustration. Eventually, I decided to stop making New Year’s resolutions altogether, and I’ve never looked back. Why Resolutions Didn’t Work for Me They Focused on My Weaknesses Resolutions often highlight what we think is “wrong” with us. Instead of being grateful for who God has made me to be, I was fixated on all the areas where I felt I fell short. This mindset didn’t motivate me; it discouraged me. They Were Unrealistic I tended to set big, sweeping goals without thinking about the daily steps needed t...

 

As homeschool moms, we live in the rhythm of lesson plans, meal prep, extracurriculars, and endless to-dos. But this Christmas, I’m challenging myself—and you—to take a *true break*. Not just a step back but an intentional pause from parts of our routine that keep us in constant motion.   **What Does a True Break Look Like?**   For me, it means putting away the homeschool books, shelving the projects, and not feeling guilty about it. It’s about resisting the urge to use the “break” as extra time to catch up on math lessons or finish that science unit. Instead, it’s creating space to slow down, breathe, and focus on what truly matters this season.   Here are a few ways I’m intentionally making this happen:   1. **Unplugging from Academics**      No worksheets, no flashcards, no “just one more chapter.” Our family is pressing pause to enjoy the beauty of the season. This doesn’t mean learning stops entirely—it just looks different. Baking Christmas cooki...

  Mommas, as I sit here writing to you, it’s a beautiful Texas day. The sky is clear, the air crisp, and the kind of day that invites you to pause and soak it all in. My kids were diligently working on their school assignments when they looked at me with that hopeful gleam in their eyes and asked, “Can we go outside?” I told them to finish what they were working on first, but then, yes, they could go outside together. Did I just cut our school day short? I absolutely did. And let me tell you why. Because it’s beautiful out in God’s creation today. Because part of the reason we homeschool is for the flexibility it offers us to take advantage of moments like this. And because the greatest lessons aren’t always found in books. Today, my kids will learn from the feel of the sun on their faces, the sound of the wind in the trees, and the freedom to run, laugh, and marvel at the beauty of God’s handiwork. They’ll bond as siblings, create memories, and maybe even learn something new about...

  Some of the best meals come from throwing together a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients. That’s exactly what this tuna salad on rosemary sourdough bread is all about—quick, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s the perfect recipe for busy moms who want to whip up something hearty and nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. This isn’t your average tuna salad. The addition of creamy dill pickle mustard spread, fresh veggies, and shredded cheese gives it a flavorful twist that pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of rosemary sourdough bread. Whether you're serving it for lunch, a light dinner, or even packing it for a picnic, this recipe is sure to please the whole family. Why Moms Love This Recipe Quick and Easy:  With just a few minutes of prep, you’ve got a delicious meal. Nutritious:  Packed with protein, fresh veggies, and calcium from the cheese. Versatile:  Serve it on bread, crackers, or even over a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option. Tuna Salad...

One of the great honors of recent days has been mentoring a Stars and Stripes candidate in American Heritage Girls (AHG). This experience has been such a blessing—getting to know her family, working alongside her, and watching her blossom as a leader has been truly inspiring. For those who might not be familiar, the Stars and Stripes Award is the highest achievement in AHG, similar to the Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts. It requires a girl to demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication to her faith, and a commitment to service through a significant project that benefits her community. This award is a reflection of everything AHG stands for: faith, service, and fun. The candidate I’ve been mentoring is truly rising to the occasion. One of her recent milestones was leading her work day, a key part of her Stars and Stripes project. Watching her plan, organize, and confidently guide others was incredible! It was a proud moment for her, her family, and for me as her mentor. This came afte...

It’s funny how life can throw us curveballs, isn’t it? It was never in our plans to buy not one, but two new cars in a single year. But looking back, it’s clear that while this wasn’t part of our plan, it was exactly part of God’s plan—and His timing is always perfect. Just one month after my accident, God provided our family with a beautiful new car. It’s everything this momma could ever need or want, with all the bells and whistles I could have hoped for. To me, it’s a direct gift from our loving Heavenly Father, a reminder of His provision and care. In moments of uncertainty, I’ve often found myself questioning what God is doing. But He always has a way of gently reminding me that His ways are higher than mine. My dear friend Julia pointed out something that brought me a lot of peace: the very day of my accident, we had our first major repair on the van we had relied on for years. Maybe, just maybe, God was sparing us the stress and expense of ongoing repairs for a vehicle that wa...

Marriage takes work, and one of the best ways my husband and I prioritize our relationship is through regular date nights. Every Saturday evening, we carve out time just for us, no matter how simple or elaborate the plans. It’s not about creating picture-perfect moments—it’s about connecting with each other in the midst of busy lives. Sometimes, we keep it low-key. Grocery store sushi or dinner delivered to our door becomes a chance to sit, eat, and catch up without interruptions. Other nights, we fire up the grill together or share a favorite dessert after the kids are in bed. These moments might seem small, but they mean everything to us. Once a month, we splurge for a babysitter and head out on the town. Whether it’s dinner at a local spot, a movie, or just strolling through a bookstore hand-in-hand, these nights remind us that our marriage is worth the extra effort. Date nights aren’t always glamorous, but they’re always fun. They allow us to laugh, dream, and reconnect as husband ...

This year, as we planned our Thanksgiving menu, our oldest daughter made a special request: she wanted sausage balls for breakfast. It warmed my heart to see how much this simple, savory dish has become a cherished part of our family traditions. How could we say no? Sausage balls are the perfect start to a holiday morning. They’re savory, cheesy, and have just the right kick of spice to wake up your taste buds. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead, so you can focus on preparing the rest of the Thanksgiving feast without extra stress. Our Family’s Favorite Sausage Ball Recipe Ingredients: 2 pounds spicy sausage (uncooked) 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 2 cups Bisquick baking mix 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar works great) Instructions: Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, softened cream cheese, Bisquick, and shredded cheese. Using your hands works best to mix everything evenly. Form Balls: Roll the mi...

Mothering is one of the most beautiful callings, but if we’re being honest, it’s also one of the hardest. It’s a daily mix of joy and exhaustion, of life-giving moments and moments that leave you feeling drained. I started Ministry of Mothering —my blog, Facebook page, and Etsy shop—because I know what it’s like to be in the trenches of motherhood. For years, I felt like I was drowning under the weight of expectations, both my own and others'. Social media only made it worse, showing picture-perfect homes, elaborate crafts, and moms who seemed to have it all together. But my reality? It was loud, messy, and far from Instagram-worthy. And yet, amidst the chaos, God reminded me of this truth: Children are a blessing from the Lord. He didn’t call us to be perfect moms; He called us to be faithful. He called us to love, to nurture, and to point our little ones to Him, even when the floors are sticky and the laundry is piled high. That’s why I created Ministry of Mothering . I want to ...

Mommas of littles, I get it. I’ve been there, and in some ways, I still am. With a three-year-old in the house, I know how much time and energy goes into managing the daily chaos. Between homeschooling, cleaning, cooking, and the endless “Mommy, can you help me?” moments, it can feel like there’s never a second to spare for yourself. I need space and time to get things done—whether it’s completing a project, running an errand, or just taking a breather for my sanity. You probably do, too. But here’s something I’ve learned in this season: while we’re juggling all the demands of motherhood, we can’t forget that our husbands need space and time too. Our husbands carry their own burdens—providing for the family, managing work stress, and wanting to be present with the kids and us. But they also need a chance to recharge, just like we do. Whether it’s working on a project, enjoying a hobby, or simply having some downtime, their mental and emotional health matters just as much. So, mommas, l...

With all the busyness of the season, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lose sight of the peace that Christ offers. In Luke 2:14, the angels proclaim, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." This peace comes from Jesus, not from a perfectly orchestrated holiday. This season, prioritize rest in Christ. Set aside time for prayer, devotionals, and reflection on the meaning of His birth. Let His peace fill your heart, and remember that Christmas is about celebrating the Prince of Peace, not about completing an endless to-do list. Connect with me on Instagram at @ministry.of.mothering for daily encouragement, easy recipes, and support. We’re all in this together!

  Gift-giving can be a source of stress, but it doesn’t have to be. Simplify by reducing the number of gifts or opting for meaningful, homemade, or experience-based presents. Teach your children that Christmas is not about material things, but about the ultimate gift—Jesus. You can also make giving a family activity by serving others together. Whether you donate to a charity or make gifts for neighbors, showing generosity reflects Christ’s love and helps your family focus on the true spirit of Christmas. Connect with me on Instagram at @ministry.of.mothering for daily encouragement, easy recipes, and support. We’re all in this together!

The holiday season is a wonderful time to weave the Gospel into your family traditions. Whether you’re lighting Advent candles, reading the nativity story from Luke, or singing Christmas hymns, these traditions can help point your family back to the true reason for the season—Jesus Christ. As Christian moms, we have the opportunity to counter the commercialization of Christmas and teach our children the beautiful truth of God’s love. He sent His Son to save us, and that’s a message worth celebrating above all else. Connect with me on Instagram at @ministry.of.mothering for daily encouragement, easy recipes, and support. We’re all in this together!

One of the biggest holiday stressors is an over-packed schedule. Holiday parties, shopping, and endless to-do lists can pull us away from our families. But the best gift we can give them is our time and presence. Say “no” to the non-essentials and instead focus on creating meaningful family moments. Consider simple activities like reading the Christmas story together, going for a family walk, or baking cookies. These moments build lasting memories and give you opportunities to share the Gospel with your children in meaningful ways. Connect with me on Instagram at @ministry.of.mothering for daily encouragement, easy recipes, and support. We’re all in this together!

The pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday season can be overwhelming. But when we think about the first Christmas, Jesus wasn’t born in a palace surrounded by luxury—He came into the world in a humble manger. This season, we can learn from His example by letting go of the need for perfection and focusing on what truly matters: sharing love and gratitude with our families. Instead of striving for flawless decorations and gourmet meals, simplify your approach. Choose joy over perfection. The time you save can be spent with your family, reflecting on the miracle of Christ’s birth. Connect with me on Instagram at @ministry.of.mothering for daily encouragement, easy recipes, and support. We’re all in this together!