1. A good decision made this year was to shut off the screens in house, full stop. I'm not sure if this is a permanent decision, or just a season we are going through, but it has been one of the best resets for our family dynamic that we've had since we became a family of five back in 2020. We have rediscovered so many activities and things in our home, and in a lot of ways, I think my boys have rediscovered each other.
2. For years since COVID, I have wanted to get back into leading in-person women's Bible Study at my church, and for lots of reasons, both personal and within the church, it just wasn't happening. But this fall I taught Hebrews with a group of a dozen women, and I was so, so grateful that the Lord graciously aligned my life and the leadership at our church to make that happen!
3. Next weekend, I'll be singing Handel's Messiah (first time singing with a choir since college!), and it's just a beautiful way to experience the scriptures about Jesus, especially in the Advent season. I've had to really scale back on what things I can do that are "just me" things in this season of motherhood, and this short commitment to the Messiah was another beautiful gift from the Lord over the last six weeks.
Danielle, I love all of this. I especially love hearing the things you're doing to fill yourself in order to have the capacity to care for your family. Enjoy singing the beautiful Messiah!
One good decision I made this year was to read directly from the Bible with my girls during our morning devotions. It started with Psalms and Proverbs. We went to James then read a couple of Paul's letters. Then we went through the gospels and read through the entire New Testament. Unintentionally, I have read the New Testament with each of my children during the 5th grade. Well, I'm sure it was the Holy Spirit guiding me. I don't have all the answers or always know what to say or what they need, but reading the Word will always result in blessing for all of us!
A goal I reached was starting a monthly Adoptive/Foster/Kinship moms group at my church. I am so grateful to share the journey will others moms who get it. I missed the group I was a part of in the last state I lived and wanted others to have a place to be honest and encouraged! We are going through Created to Connect (along with sharing from The Connected Child and The Connected Parent)!
Despite the expense I travelled from Asia to the US to visit 2 of my children studying there and helped one transfer to a new school. They both new how much I loved them and that I have their backs. No regret over spending the money!
One beautiful thing that happened is attending our annual missions conference. Standing in a room with hundreds of others from around the world worshipping, praying together, and hearing from God together was so beautiful and spiritually encouraging.
1. A good decision made this year was to shut off the screens in house, full stop. I'm not sure if this is a permanent decision, or just a season we are going through, but it has been one of the best resets for our family dynamic that we've had since we became a family of five back in 2020. We have rediscovered so many activities and things in our home, and in a lot of ways, I think my boys have rediscovered each other.
2. For years since COVID, I have wanted to get back into leading in-person women's Bible Study at my church, and for lots of reasons, both personal and within the church, it just wasn't happening. But this fall I taught Hebrews with a group of a dozen women, and I was so, so grateful that the Lord graciously aligned my life and the leadership at our church to make that happen!
3. Next weekend, I'll be singing Handel's Messiah (first time singing with a choir since college!), and it's just a beautiful way to experience the scriptures about Jesus, especially in the Advent season. I've had to really scale back on what things I can do that are "just me" things in this season of motherhood, and this short commitment to the Messiah was another beautiful gift from the Lord over the last six weeks.
Danielle, I love all of this. I especially love hearing the things you're doing to fill yourself in order to have the capacity to care for your family. Enjoy singing the beautiful Messiah!
One good decision I made this year was to read directly from the Bible with my girls during our morning devotions. It started with Psalms and Proverbs. We went to James then read a couple of Paul's letters. Then we went through the gospels and read through the entire New Testament. Unintentionally, I have read the New Testament with each of my children during the 5th grade. Well, I'm sure it was the Holy Spirit guiding me. I don't have all the answers or always know what to say or what they need, but reading the Word will always result in blessing for all of us!
A goal I reached was starting a monthly Adoptive/Foster/Kinship moms group at my church. I am so grateful to share the journey will others moms who get it. I missed the group I was a part of in the last state I lived and wanted others to have a place to be honest and encouraged! We are going through Created to Connect (along with sharing from The Connected Child and The Connected Parent)!
Blessings upon blessings!
So wonderful that you started a group, Tonya. You will be such a blessing to those moms.
Despite the expense I travelled from Asia to the US to visit 2 of my children studying there and helped one transfer to a new school. They both new how much I loved them and that I have their backs. No regret over spending the money!
One beautiful thing that happened is attending our annual missions conference. Standing in a room with hundreds of others from around the world worshipping, praying together, and hearing from God together was so beautiful and spiritually encouraging.
Kathleen, I bet you made so many memories and built connection with your kids. Such a treasure.