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...