Jan 15
Jan 15 Vision That Lives for a Lifetime

I can still remember when I first had aspirations toward writing as an adult, many years before I wrote my first book. I had worked hard on a short essay, and felt deeply proud of my effort toward creative expression. Out of an excitement to receive feedback, I approached a family member with experience in creative writing, to see what they thought. After a quick look over my work, this person said without any hesitation, “This is very low quality. You’ll never be a writer of any merit with this kind of rubbish.”

Frustrated but not deterred, I persisted in stating that my writing was worthwhile.

Jan 14

Jan 14 Dear Moms: Look Up From Your iPhones!

guest

The BetterMom Updates

I didn't take my laptop on my last trip - a six-day visit to Phoenix - which might not seem like a big deal except I don't own an iphone. Our only phone is a flip phone with no internet access, and being Canadian, it doesn't work in the States. So for six days I was screen-free. Hands-free. Eyes lifted at all times - all five senses tuned in to the world around me.

And do you know what I saw?

A world that wasn't seeing.

Jan 13

Jan 13 Marriage And Parenting Make Me Better

Guest User

When I got married just over eight years ago, I thought I was close to perfect. In fact, shortly after the wedding, I questioned who it was I had married. I thought I knew my husband well, but when conflict rose up, I could only assume it was because of him.

Because I was close to perfect.

I knew I had room to improve in some areas, however, I could not comprehend the ways I was contributing to the conflict.

It must have been all his fault!

Jan 12
Jan 12 Five Guidelines for Directing Your Child's Future

Christy Fitzwater

Teens, Parenting

Sunday night my husband set up his laptop in the living room, and we did the scary work of filling out on-line forms and paying $300, to enroll our son at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in central Texas.

Of course, my men turn every activity into stand-up comedy.

When we got to the medical information, my husband asked, "Do you have any bladder problems?"

"Only in AP English," said my son.

Jan 11
Jan 11 Holiness (Sometimes) Begins in the Bathroom

misty krasawski

The holidays have ended for most of us. Garlands bundled into boxes, red lids snapped down tight and relegated back to their usual spots in the garage. Children have returned to their schoolwork, the last of the sugar cookies sent to the circular file, and many of us mamas are staring down our usual to-do lists, full of instructions to declutter and vacuum, wash and fold.

And I’m left wondering … Could these normal days be holy-days, too?

Jan 9
Jan 9 Mom-Courage

Kate Battistelli

Following God, Parenting

My daughter just received two Grammy nominations. I'm as thrilled as any mother would be, but honestly, I'm not surprised at all. I'm not surprised because from the time she was little I knew my daughter was on this earth for a reason and with a divine purpose. She was here, not randomly or by chance, but to change the world.

Your child is here to change the world too!