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Showing posts from September, 2024

Vacation at Emerald Isle: Finding peace and Power by the Ocean

Last week, I had the opportunity of spending time at one of my favorite places in the world— the beach, in Emerald Isle, NC. There’s something about being near the ocean that just speaks to my soul. The warmth of the sun on my skin, the sight of palm trees gently blowing in the breeze, and the carefree feeling of walking around in flip-flops with beach hair—it all brings me so much joy. The laid-back vibe of beach life is refreshing, and I feel like time slows down when I’m there. It's a time to rest, relax, and be still. One afternoon, as I was sitting by the water, just watching the ocean, I felt this deep sense of calmness. It was as if all the chaos and busyness of life had paused for a moment, and there was just peace. There’s no other feeling quite like sitting by the ocean, watching the endless waves and feeling connected to something so much bigger than myself. But as I sat there, taking it all in, I started to think about how powerful the ocean truly is. While it’s peacefu...

Marriage First: Keeping the Connection Alive

  In the busyness of life, especially with kids, it's easy to let your marriage come second. But here's the truth: your spouse should come first. It was just the two of you before children, and one day it’ll be just the two of you again. That’s why it's so important to keep nurturing your relationship. I'm incredibly blessed to be married to a man who gets this. He’s amazing at planning date nights—seriously, some of the best! And he also loves shopping with me, which is a bonus. So when I say he’s my best friend, I mean it!  One of the things we prioritize in our marriage is dating often. We make time to get away as a couple, and thankfully my parents help by watching our kids. These little trips away are such a gift. We get to let loose, stay up late, eat ice cream in bed, blast our favorite music, and just be silly. It takes us back to our early days together, when life was a little simpler. And trust me, it’s a great way to recharge and remember why you fell in love...

My Heart Behind Homeschooling Our Girls

As a mother, I believe my second highest calling—after becoming a wife—is raising our children. It’s a responsibility that weighs heavy on my heart, not because it feels like a burden, but because it feels like an honor. Being a mom is more than just caring for our daughters physical needs; it’s about shaping their hearts, minds, and character in a way that reflects God’s will for their lives. This Monday, September 9th, we start on our 8th year of homeschooling, and what a journey it has been! I can hardly believe we’ve come this far, yet at the same time, I have no plans to stop until all three of our girls graduate. Homeschooling has become a special part of our life, one that has allowed us to nurture our children not just academically, but spiritually, emotionally, and in their character. Why We Homeschool There are many reasons why we chose homeschooling, but at its core, it’s about more than just controlling the curriculum or the pace of learning. For us, it’s deeply rooted in t...

Starting the Day with Jesus: The Foundation for Everything.

Every morning, I try to make it a priority to start my day with Jesus. Before I begin homeschooling, before the excitement of travel, or the routine of daily life, I carve out that precious time to focus on Him. It’s not just a habit or a checkbox on a to-do list, but a necessity. Spending time with Jesus is what grounds me for the rest of my day. That quiet time in prayer, worship, or reading His Word truly sets the tone for everything. It gives me perspective and reminds me who I’m living for. There are so many things that demand my attention throughout the day, but when I begin by focusing myself in Christ, I’m reminded of His purpose for me: to love God and love others. It affects how I treat those around me, from my husband to our girls, even strangers I might meet. When I’ve spent time soaking in God’s love and grace, I find it so much easier to extend that same love to others. On the days when I’m rushed or distracted and don’t make time for Him first, I feel it. My patience wea...