"Why doesn't God ever answer my prayers?" Her anguish rolls down her cheeks in large, salty droplets. I gather her shaking body into my arms and hold her close. It was a little thing that set off the flood of tears, but I know the question stems from something much bigger. Why, Lord? I've asked … Continue reading When Your Child Wrestles with Big Questions
As I spotted the sweater on the other side of the clothing rack, I knew. She was going to choose that one. It was blue camo. Old-school style fleece and massively oversized. It was everything I didn't like and everything she loves, and I'm trying to let her be herself. So when she picked … Continue reading Confessions of a Former Helicopter Mom: How Letting Go Has Changed Our Lives
Embracing wonder. If I were to choose a phrase or theme for this year, this would be it. The wonder of learning. The wonder of living. The wonder of simply being together. In all the heaviness and nitty grittiness of life these days, there is loveliness to be found. Even if it's sometimes hard to … Continue reading Embracing Wonder
In the noise and in the hustle, there’s a voice that whispers, “Come, My child, and rest.” In the twirling, whirling chaos of life, there’s a place of quiet that beckons. Peace, Even in the midst of it all. “Come away with Me.” Words so sweet, so full of promise. Words so soft, they … Continue reading Rest for the Overwhelmed Mom
Despite the early hour, the latest pop music blares through the coffee shop speaker system. My seven-year old sits across from me, happily eating a chocolate-banana muffin and spooning whipped cream off her maple hot chocolate. She's going to be wired later. I'm not sure if it's the muffin or the prospect of hanging out … Continue reading Book Review: Memory Making Mom
Slips of white paper curled and blackened as flames licked the edges. We gathered round, my three daughters and I, and watched our handwritten words fade into fire. And then they were gone, and all that was left were a few glowing embers and a bowl full of ash. I added a little bit of … Continue reading The Grace-Filled Homeschool: Rituals that Touch the Heart
I don't remember an evening that we didn't gather around the dinner table growing up. My dad would sometimes come in a bit late, tired after a long day of physical labour, but always, we ate together. Our lives, our day, revolved around our evening meal. After dinner, my dad would pull out the big … Continue reading Family Rituals: The Key to Happier, Healthier Kids
It's crazy to think that there are less than three weeks until Christmas. We've been having a lovely time going on brisk walks and cozying up indoors with hot chocolate and stories. I hope you've been enjoying these weeks leading up to Christmas as well! Below, you'll find out what's been happening on The Grace-Filled Life … Continue reading The Week in Review
Yesterday, we got a Christmas tree. A real one. The first real Christmas tree that our little family has ever had. We went to a tree farm, picked it out in the field and cut it down ourselves. It's beautiful. And it smells amazing. We also baked a cake yesterday. This wasn't so beautiful. The springform … Continue reading The Week in Review
Every December, I pack in the activities: Christmas parties, homeschool get-togethers, crafts, free concerts/plays, local Christmas events, and on it goes. If I can make it, I'm there with my kids in tow. By the time Christmas arrives, I'm exhausted. Don't get me wrong. I love Christmas. But a few days before it even … Continue reading Why We’re Slowing Down this Christmas
The Grace-Filled Life 