parenting | Up from the Muck

a little girl with a ring floatie splashing in the ocean trying to hit a beach ball. A rubber duckie floatie is to the right of her.

Parenting Through Summer with Faith and Grace

It’s easy to think summer should be about big adventures—road trips, beach vacations, perfectly planned outings. But God works just as powerfully in the ordinary. The giggles at the breakfast table. The sticky hands reaching for one more popsicle. The late-night talks when little voices ask deep questions about life. Those small moments build a foundation of love that lasts far beyond summer. Don’t underestimate them.

Jun 302 min read

For Every Worry, There’s Prayer and a Friend

I told my friend that if I take credit for anything, it’s for this: I prayed. I prayed hard, every single day, through tears and exhaustion, through silence and sobs. I prayed for my children’s hearts, their futures, their friends, their spouses, their jobs, and all the decisions I’d never be able to control. I trusted God to step in and handle the pieces I couldn’t fix — and He did.

Jun 223 min read

Capturing Time in a Book

I am thrilled that Cameron has finally come to realize what I’ve known all along. Pictures are wonderful, but you need the stories preserved with the pictures. Memories fade but words last forever.

Jun 223 min read

spread of white blank puzzle pieces not put together

Don’t Mess With the Plan

I wanted the boys to think and pray about their future careers and make plans for them. Doesn’t every parent? Let’s face it—when you’re the child of a planner you have no choice. My kids would make plans for their future.

Jun 222 min read