Skills for Children ::: What kind of skills do you think are most powerful when experienced at an early age?

Fair Trade is for Hippies. And Maybe the Rest of Us Too. ::: it was this conversation with a man that works with farmers in the hilltribes of Thailand that changed my perspective and understanding . . . .

Seven Ways to Keep Your Home Strong ::: Again, the return always to this: "It is written," he said to them, " ' My house will be a house of prayer'" (Luke 19:46).

The Only "What If" Worth Asking ::: And all those ‘what if’s’ questioning His goodness are answered here.

The truth {about "fine"} will set you free ::: It's powerful when a friend steps out from behind fine and looks you in the eyes.

How to Have Perfect Children: A Digital Public Service Announcement ::: Whether we blog, Tweet or Facebook, it’s not a bad idea to say a prayer before we post and ask ourselves, “Will this encourage or discourage those who read it?”

You are More than Your Swimsuit ::: This body has seen life that the adorable taut, toned and tiny lifeguard girls on duty couldn’t possibly dream of yet.

Motherhood is a Calling (And where your children rank) ::: Stop clinging to yourself and cling to the cross. There is more joy and more life and more laughter on the other side of death than you can possibly carry alone.

Amazing Grace: From Generation to Generation? ::: There are folks who are full of bravado, disdaining their need for a Saviour, thinking that there is nothing beyond.  I wish they could have seen my grandmother.  Hers was a faith worth having.

how death brings us to life ::: Heaven is touching earth right now. But sometimes it takes endings for us to see it.

A little peek into the happenings and thoughts of my average day…

I have a new nightgown. It's incredibly comfortable and very bright, and as you can see covered in fruit. My kids think it's the greatest thing ever. 

Again with more clothes… I pulled this dress out for my youngest to put on the other day. It's a size 4. I contemplated memories of this dress belonging to the oldest girl in the house, and looking completely gigantic up next to size 2's and newborn clothes. I thought it was cute then, but very grown up; the same thoughts I had about my girl that it belonged to. Now as it comes through the laundry with size 6's and 10's, it's the small, sweet little clothing in the house. It feels much more baby-like than grown up.  Just like my girl that it's been passed down to.

My blissfully peaceful summer reading. I was so excited to discover these at the library.

Early one morning last week… I was sitting in bed with my Bible and journal, reading and then pausing to write. My middle girl came in to say good morning, left quickly and was back. With her princess Bible and the journal she begged for at Christmas. She hopped in bed next to me, opened her Bible up to the middle, and started copying down verses into her journal.

And I was struck and a bit shaken by the proof that everything I spend my days doing really matters. Because I can say all that I want, but in the end it's what they see me doing that is really leaving an impression.

My reasons why you should follow the Compassion bloggers in the Philippines.

• Some of my favorite bloggers are on the trip.
• Though I've never been to the Philippines, I have a husband who has been there twice on short term mission trips, and good friends who spent several years there planting a church. So I have to say that the country holds a personal interest for me.
• Our family started sponsoring a child through Compassion this past Christmas and it's been such a privilege. It's really great to get this inside peek into the workings of the organization. 

So quit wasting your time here and go check it out!