The Reynolds Nation

So, have you seen this book? It came out last year...published by one of my favorite writers, speakers and Christian women. I started listening to her pod casts over a year ago. Three days a week she sends a podcast out in email to thousands of subscribers. Each podcast has a different theme...some are fun and easy...quick dinners, how to discipline your toddlers and lots of homeschooling advice. But some are much more riveting. I love that she encourages you to get in the Word of God. She believes that we have a generation of believers that don't know our bible. And how can we fight the good fight of faith if we don't know what God says. So, she doesn't ask you to follow her...she moves you to find the answers yourself in the bible at home that may have a bit of dust on it. I subscribed also to a monthly scripture writing list and daily devotionals that are for current issues that we deal with as moms. The best part is that Heidi St. John doesn't act like she is ...

So, is that what your Monday look like? Crazy? Tired bodies? Attitudes from the kids? A husband who is trying to get out the door? I know what that looks like. And I try everything in my power to make sure my Monday goes well. Here are some of the ways I have that happen. 1. Go to be on time. Weekends can be so hard and tiring. Get the kids to bed on time, but most importantly put yourself to bed. 2. Wake up to an empty kitchen sink. I hate waking up to a dirty kitchen. The first thing I have to do in the morning is make a meal...I don't like to start behind already. 3. The most important...take some time before anything...even if it's for a few minutes...take time in prayer and the word. Getting myself centered in God makes all the difference. If you have little ones, keep your bible on the bedside table and read a psalm or proverb before your feet hit the floor. Assign a certain day to pray for a particular child. These few things are game changers for your house. 4. ...

When I look at this picture it makes me want to cry. I can't believe that we are 17 years into this. Who knew? Matthew is the one who wanted to homeschool. I never planned on homeschooling. I had total plans to put Bryn in school. I couldn't imagine being with kids all day long without a break. But God had different plans. He knew that to capture my kids hearts that this is what we needed to do. One of my favorite scriptures right now is Luke 6:40, which basically says when you are fully trained the student will be like their teacher. And I know some amazing teachers out there. Some of those teachers are my close friends. But there are a lot out there that I wouldn't want to teach my kids. Their ideas, morals, foundation may not line up with mine. And I want to be the main influence in their life. Does that make me perfect? No. But I know my heart. And my husband's heart. And we hope to pour that into our kids. I told another friend the other day that you are the be...

Hey, how are you doing? It's Friday. Don't you just love the sound of Friday? Yes, I love it! Even though I stay at home, there is such relief knowing my husband will be home...and we can sleep in...and we don't have anything planned for the weekend. I want to use Friday as a day to remember the good things that happened this week. 1. My hip is feeling so much better. It's not all the way healed, but there has been so much more relief. 2. I got to spend the morning with my best friend. School has started for her again, so we don't see each other as much. So, I really enjoy the time we get together. :) 3.  I went on a date with my husband on Wednesday. The kids all go to youth group, so we get to go out and be alone. It was a Chipolte and Starbucks night for us. 4. We had friends from North Carolina come to visit us for two days this week. The kids (and me too) had such a fun time. Time at the beach and time in the pool. It was a blast. 5. I was feeling rea...