‘Please pray, a truck just drove over Lily!’ – A Miracle Story

‘Please pray, a truck just drove over Lily!’

This was the text I received on a Friday afternoon from my sister, Krista, about her 4-year-old daughter.

After receiving that horrific text, I immediately called my sister. She did not answer. Her husband Nate did not answer. They were camping in Michigan and I didn’t know who else to call to find out what had happened and if my niece was alive.

I tried not to panic as I said a prayer for God to heal little Lily.

I asked for a miracle.

Krista finally called me back and said Lily was alive and they were in an ambulance, headed to the hospital. Lily wanted to talk to my son Luke.

I tearfully and happily handed the phone Luke.

Here is Lily’s story in Krista’s words:

It was a great day in South Haven. We had breakfast and enjoyed the morning together. Later, I had a bad headache so I laid down to try to sleep it off. While falling asleep, I dreamed of Lily being hit by a car (not normal for me to imagine anything traumatic). I prayed about it and fell asleep. I woke up and went for a run.

I came back to the kids playing and Lily chalk-coloring next to our camper.

I went inside to change clothes, leaving the door open. I looked out just in time to see a truck drive right over Lily. The front and back tires of an extended cab hauling truck drove over my daughter. The truck laid Lily flat – TWICE. It rolled over her head and back.

I screamed and was in shock. I couldn’t move. Nate (my husband, Lily’s dad) went running towards the kids. Nate did not know what happened until after he picked Lily up. She was spraying urine through her clothes.

I had to tell myself to keep it together, to think, to breathe, to be strong for Lily and my other kids. Lily asked me to sing the “Jesus” song.

I’m on the worship team at church and she attends practice with me. She has her own little microphone and hopes to play drums one day. The “Jesus” song is called Tremble, and is our favorite song. All she wanted was for me to sing that song.

Kate (Lily’s 11-year-old sister) laid hands on her and prayed. So simple, so powerful, our only hope.

It was hard keeping Lily awake through the ambulance ride to the children’s hospital (a 45-minute ride). We FaceTimed the people she wanted to see: Papa, grandma, Luke (her cousin), and eventually she asked to stop talking and just sing.

We arrived to a level 1 trauma children’s hospital. There were 20 people of all of different pediatric specialties in the room moving around quickly. A social worker was on me like honey in a hive. Once the social worker assessed Nate and I, she let the other kids in the ER room. She helped care for the kids, getting them snacks and settled. Jack (9-year-old brother) said she was the nicest lady he’d ever met. The social worker was so good with Lily, getting her excited about a blanket she would get to keep, that she would have breakfast in bed, and get special jammies.

While wheeling Lily to her room, Lily said “all the doctors are so nice.” There were lots of concerns over her, one being her bladder and bowels since she wet herself when the truck rolled over her. There was blood all over her vulva . She refused to use the bed pan or the portable potty . She was put on bed rest until morning when the pediatric orthopedic surgeon looked at her x-rays and injuries.

The next day, the pediatric orthopedic surgeon came in.

He said to Lily, “Where do you hurt?” She said so sweetly “I don’t really hurt anywhere”.

He said “Well, aren’t you super woman.” She giggled. Nate and I said,

‘She’s a miracle.”

He agreed.

They found one broken pelvic bone that would heal on its own. They gave her a walker and released us. The only medicine they gave her was a dose of Tylenol.

I had a burden to go back to camp as a family to hopefully close the door to fear and find the woman who ran over her and let her know Lily would be ok. I would never want to be in her shoes and I would personally have a hard time living with myself never knowing the end of the story.

Going back was hard, and healing. Seeing Lily’s chalk art drawings, the smashed chalk, reliving the horrible memories.

Thankfulness and gratitude gets me through. I don’t try and push them away, I let it come in waves. Knowing I get to hold her makes the healing salve of gratitude cover the horror and pain of memories and thoughts of what she endured.

That night, Lily slept great. She woke up and played monopoly with all of us (a game we started the day the truck drove over her).

She said, “I have no pain. I don’t even feel like I have a broken bone”.

I can’t tell you what a miracle this feels like when I saw the accident and see her bruises, tire marks across her shirt, road rash, and bruised swelling all through her back and spine.

When we got back to Indiana, Lily’s dance pictures were waiting for us in the mail. I reminded her she would be back dancing in no time! She fell asleep watching Dancing with the Stars with me and Kate.

Nate and I were taught in counseling to ask God where He was in traumatic times or wounding memories. Nate and I both prayed and we both had pictures and answers. I saw and heard God say:

“I was holding her head in the palm of my hands.”

Nate felt like God said:

“I was moving her out of the way.”

Lily is all smiles and says she has no pain, even though her body tells a different story.

Today when I asked her if she felt anything when the truck rolled over her. She looked at me and pointed to her head and said:

“I felt God here. It felt like feathers.”

I was in tears when she spoke these words. I pray Psalm 91 over my children.

Psalm 91 tells us..

“He will cover you with his feathers, under his wings you will take refuge.”

I’m grateful to God, the One who not only holds the world in His hands and moves mountains, but holds my daughters head and moves her little body.

Here’s our favorite song, Tremble:

Today Lily is seven years old. It’s been exactly 3 years since her accident. She dances, runs, smiles constantly, and brings joy to all who know her!

I share this story to reinforce a few things:

1. Pray scripture over your children.

Psalm 91 is a collection of verses that our family has prayed for generations. It specifically says, “He (God) will cover you with his feathers, under His wings you find protection.” God answers our prayers! It’s especially powerful to pray Scripture.

2. Sing songs of faith.

Find songs to sing with your family that will build your faith.

Below is a song called ‘Lily’s song’ – it was one of her favorites because it had her name. She would sing along to these words:

I will not die, I will live. I will tell of the works of the Lord and sing of his wonders.’

There is power in what we speak and what we sing!

Find your song. Your verse. Your declaration. (Click here for a declaration we use in our house.)

3. God still does miracles.

4. Choose faith over fear.

The Bible tells us that our days are appointed. We don’t have to live in fear of the future. God has a plan for your life and the lives of each of your children and His plan is GOOD.

“Your eyes saw my body even before it was formed. You (God) planned how many days I would live.”
Psalm 139:16

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Thank you for the miracle you performed for Lily and for the ones you perform in my life (and the lives of my children). Help me to trust you and not fear the future. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Psalm 91 – Insert your name and pray this for yourself and your family members. I challenge you to memorize it.

Psalm 91

¹Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.^[a]
²I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

³Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
⁵You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
⁷A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
⁸You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

⁹If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
¹⁰no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
¹¹For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
¹²they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
¹³You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

¹⁴“Because he^[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
¹⁵He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
¹⁶With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Thank you for reading this beautiful, miraculous story! I hope it encouraged you. Please share.

October 18, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Inspiration/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

15 Old-fashioned ways to stand out – in business and in life

Ted found this list on Twitter, copied it to a word document and printed it out for each of our boys. After they read it, we talked about what stood out to them. We also discussed which of these we do well, and which ones we could work on.

I thought you might enjoy reading this, and perhaps you’ll want to print it to read and discuss with your family. Feel free to share this post!

15 “old fashioned” ways to stand out in life:

1. Handwritten Notes:

Handwritten notes have sadly become a rarity in the digital age. Emails and texts lack personality—handwritten notes exude a raw authencity that fosters connection. Use them for: Thank yous, follow ups, letters to loved ones…AND nice penmanship is a plus!

2. Be True to Your Word:

When you say you’re going to do something, follow through. Being true to your word builds trust and deep relationships—personally and professionally. The recipe is simple:

(1) Say what you’re going to do

(2) Do it

(3) Repeat

Your word is your bond.

3. Be on Time (or early):

Take pride in punctuality. Being on time (or early) for your commitments is a clear show of respect to the other people involved.

4. Good Posture:

Strong posture is a physical and mental unlock for life. It’s linked to a variety of health benefits, including healthier muscles and joints, higher energy levels, and more. It also improves self-confidence—and how others perceive us. Stand tall to stand out.

5. Smile at Strangers:

It used to be considered common courtesy to smile and say good morning to people on the street. But somewhere along the line, it became “weird” to do so. Smile at people, say hello, give a warm head nod. It might even make them more likely to pass it on.

6. Hold the Door:

Holding the door for others was a simple point of good manners taught to many of us as children. Sadly, it seems like a lost art. It’s a habit worth reviving: When you go through a door, hold it for the next person—smile and say hello. Small acts go a long way.

7. Express Gratitude:

Life gets so much better when you really lean into gratitude. Create a daily gratitude practice—write down 3 things you’re grateful for every night before bed. Tell someone how much you appreciate them. Don’t wait to show gratitude until it’s too late.

8. Help Someone in Need:

When I was a kid, I was always taught to offer up my seat for anyone in need. The lesson extended to other areas of life. It’s easy to do—and so important. Help someone with their suitcase, walk someone across the street, buy someone a donut and coffee. (Click here to read 21 small ways to make a big difference)

9. Listen More than You Speak:

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” — Epictetus

If you want your words and ideas to be heard, start by talking less and listening more. You’ll find more power in your words. Talk less to be heard more.

10. Say Someone’s Name:

Calling someone by their name is an easy way to build a bond. When you meet a new person, make a point to remember their name. If it’s a difficult one, ask how to pronounce it. Say it back in conversation so it sticks.

11. Eye Contact:

Eye contact builds trust. When you’re listening, look them in the eye. It shows presence, focus, and respect. When you’re speaking, eye contact can be organic (to avoid being intense). It’s ok to gaze off to think, but use eye contact to emphasize key points.

12. Apologize Effectively:

When you screw something up, be accountable and own it. Admit you’re wrong and apologize. All apologies should be direct and specific—acknowledge exactly what you did, why it was incorrect, and how it will be remedied. It’s the only way to move forward.

13. Work Hard:

Hard work stands out in a world where everyone wants to call it overrated. Take pride in working hard—show up and do what you say you’ll do. Always look for ways to work smarter, but if you’re striving for great things, you have to work hard.

14. Confident Handshake:

Handshakes fell out of favor due to COVID—some said they would never return. I don’t believe it. If handshakes are a trust-building part of your culture, take pride in them. Look the person in the eye, smile, and deliver a confident (but not hard) grip.

15. Be Kind:

Kindness is somehow severely underrated. It fosters relationships, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves overall happiness. When you are consistently, genuinely kind, you become a magnet for the highest-quality people.

Questions to consider:

Which are your currently doing well?
Which do you want to try today?

July 20, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Christmas/ Family/ Food/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

These are a Few of My Favorite Things: Winter Edition

Christmas lights, music, & cards

Thanks to every single person who took the effort to put up Christmas lights this year or send out cards. It definitely brought Christmas JOY to our family.

The new Hawkeye series on Disney Plus

When Ted asked me to come watch Hawkeye with him and the boys, I brought a book to read. I’m not really in to the “Hawkeye” character, and didn’t want to watch this new show, but I did want to hang with the boys while they watched it.

Little did I know how much we would ALL enjoy it. The storyline was so engaging and the characters were endearing. We just finished the final episode on Disney. I said to Ted. ‘Let’s watch that series again’ (I never say that. It was truly THAT GOOD)!

Good and Gather Kettle Chips and Everything Dip

If you are near a Target – get THESE CHIPS and THIS DIP. Thank me later.

The Heads Up app

In The Wild sticker book

This sticker book that makes the most beautiful creations. It’s fun for kids ages 6-10 (and their moms).

Lactaid Egg Nog

Fun fact: I never tasted Egg Nog until college. Since then, I’ve tried lots of different flavors, and this one is my favorite. Have you tried it?

The Fa La Latte from Caribou

The Fa La Latte is an egg nog latte. It’s SO good. I’m making the most of the season with all this EGG NOG, and making up for lost time I suppose?!

Luke’s drawing

I read the Christmas story from Luke 2, and asked Paul and Luke to draw what they thought the story looked like. I’m saving this one!

Wrigley in the snow

Wrigley is a kid in a candy store when there is fresh snow on the ground. I can hear him thinking: BEST DAY EVER!!!

This miraculous e-collar

Wrigley is the SWEETEST DOG. However, when he’s outside and not on his leash, he doesn’t always come back when you call him. If he’s not done playing, he will run AWAY from you when he sees you coming toward him.

This became a HUGE problem two times in December. Once when I had to go to work and couldn’t get him inside. Another time when he ran onto the pond and we weren’t sure if it was thick enough to hold him. Paul was a wreck thinking his dog might go through the ice and there was nothing we could do.

Enter the world’s best invention. A collar that beeps, vibrates or shocks. (We don’t use the shock)

The very first time I gave Wrigley a gentle vibrate and beep and said “COME,” he immediately came and sat next to me. I was shocked and overjoyed how well it worked then, and how will it continues to work. I only needed to use the vibrate twice, and now he obeys when he just hears the BEEP!

This device is usually $50, but they are currently 20% off. This was the best $40 I ever spent.

YouTube videos the whole family can enjoy

There are so many ANNOYING YouTube Channels. However, there are a handful that we can all enjoy together.

Mark Rober – a former Nasa scientist who makes entertaining videos by creating gadgets and fun experiments.
Dude Perfect – a group of guys that met at church and now make trick shot videos and a ‘game show’ called Overtime.
Fantastic 2 – I can’t NOT mention the channel my son’s created. 🙂

The Love of a Dog

Sweet Wrigs loving on Paul when he was sick

Click here to read the story of how we got our dog.

And most of all…spending time with my family!

Thanks for reading! Happy New Year to each of you.

December 26, 2021 By Kathryn

1 In 2021/ Christmas/ DIY/ Inspiration/ Recipe

Christmas on the Stove Top

Who loves the smell of Christmas?

I’ve got this potpourri simmering on my stove right now, and I WISH you could smell it through the screen.

My boys asked with delight: WHAT are you making? My answer didn’t thrill them.

You can share the delightful scent of Christmas with friends and family by making them a bag of Stovetop Potpourri.

I made these for my sons’ teachers (and attached a Target gift card – which is what they REALLY want!)

Here is what you’ll need to make the potpourri:

Cinnamon Sticks: You can find these in the baking or Christmas aisle.
Cranberries: They sell bags of these in produce.
Oranges: If you plan to used slices, buy large oranges. If not, clementines fit well inside the small bags.
Pine: I cut some from a tree in my yard.
Plastic Baggies: I found these at the Dollar Tree, Hobby Lobby sells them too.
Red Ribbon: In the gifting aisle or Hobby Lobby.
Labels: Linked here and below.

Inside each bag, place an entire orange (or dried slices), about a half cup of cranberries, 1-2 sprigs of pine, and 2 cinnamon sticks.

Tie the bag with ribbon and add a tag.

Last year, to save time, I just put a clementine in each bag. This year, I bought oranges and dried them. If you want to make these pretty orange slices, here’s how to do it.

How to Make Oven-Dried Orange Slices:

Preheat oven to 175° F.
Slice oranges about ⅛-inch thick.
Set slices in a single layer on baking sheets with wire racks (this will allow oranges to dry on both sides).
Cook for 4-6 hours, until dry to the touch. You may want to rotate halfway through for even cooking.
Cool completely.

Click here for some super cute labels

Christmas on your stove:

Add 4 cups of water to a saucepan or slow cooker.
Add a sliced orange, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1/2 cup cranberries, and some fresh pine to the water.
Simmer on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Check the water every hour or two, adding more as needed.
Enjoy the scents of the season!

Thanks for reading! Merry Christmas!

December 13, 2021 By Kathryn

2 In 2021/ Book Review/ Inspiration

Five Fascinating Books I Finished in October

I’ve been in BOOK HEAVEN this month and can’t wait to tell you about it! Here are five fantastic books I devoured this month:

The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garret Graff

Rating: 10/10

Review:

This book was captivating. Since the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, I’ve been binging on shows and books about this day in history.

What I loved about this book is that it gives so many different stories of the people who were directly impacted that day.

Love Does by Bob Goff

Rating: 10/10

Review:

I read this book about five years ago and loved it SO much. I saw it on my free Hoopla app and decided to listen to it this time. Bob Goff reads the book and it’s fun to listen to him tell such fascinating stories about growing up, his teenage and college years, meeting his wife, adventures with his kids, and interesting stories with friends. Each chapter has a little life lesson as well – all about living a life of LOVE.

Clara Barton by Janet Benge

Rating: 10/10

Review:

I’d heard of Clara Barton in connection with the Red Cross, but never knew much about her. Wow, what a fascinating life!

She was a SUPER SHY young girl, so her parents encouraged her to become a teacher. Though she was INCREDIBLY nervous at first, she learned that she was really good at it! She quickly learned how to connect with her students, and they loved and respected her. Clara taught for many years, and even helped get free public education started in states that didn’t have it yet.

Reading (or listening to) stories like this gives me hope for each human. Clara was a simple girl that noticed a gap/problem, then filled the gap and helped solved the problem. We can do great things by starting small.

I’m thankful for women like Clara. She carved the way for a woman like me! She was a leader before women were allowed to lead. She was hard-working, creative, respectful, but bold.

I listened to this book on my free Hoopla app and recommend it for moms and their daughters. Listen to it together.

Anonymous by Alicia Britt Chole

Rating: 10/10

Review:

As I closed this book, I held it in my hands with deep appreciation. I am so grateful for this author and her words. Oh, how I needed to hear them. I wish I would have read this book 3 years ago when I moved to Minnesota and felt completely…anonymous.

Jesus lived 90 percent of his life anonymously! And yet, look at the impact He made in the world and for eternity.

Don’t despise anonymity. Learn during that season, grow in that season. God has not forgotten you.

I underlined almost half of this book. It was so incredibly powerful. I was in tears many times.

This is one of the best books I’ve read all year. I read it slowly to savor the words. It’s a book I’ll go back to because the message is so important and so beautiful.

Read this if you feel anonymous, if your dreams haven’t been realized, or if you are in a new town and feel unknown.

Here are a few points that I loved from this book:

Why would Jesus announce the birth of his precious son with a full angelic choir, then hide this priceless gift for three decades? Because what is hidden is not unimportant.
God’s first public words to Jesus were not directional (go there) or instructional (do this) it was relational: THIS IS MY SON! And He spoke affirmation before Jesus had ever done any good works.
Every day, we invest in a future we cannot see. Time is not really spent. Instead, it is invested in a future we cannot see.
Choosing what is right not only makes a difference today, it makes a difference that compounds exponentially to bless our future.
Jesus could stand strong in public because he stood still in private. He intentionally pursued quiet places.There is healing in stillness.
Strength is not given, it is grown.
Savor the anonymous season. Respect it’s potential.

Funny How Life Works by Michael Jr.

Rating: 10/10

Review:

WOW! What a funny, yet powerful book! I couldn’t put it down. Michael is such a great performer and storyteller. Each chapter tells a (usually funny) story from his life with a POWERFUL life lesson or action step for the reader.

Micheal Jr. included great quotes throughout the book:

Sometimes, would tell a story, then say, “Scan this to watch it.”

Thanks for reading the reviews of these great books! Have you read any of these or another good one? Leave a comment and let me know what to read next!

Click here to read my favorite books of last year.

Each of these books are affiliate links which means if you purchase on, I may get a small commission. TIA!

October 31, 2021 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Faith/ Family/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Minnesota/ Raising boys

Our Focus Determines Our Feelings

Do you want to have a better day? Then let me ask you a question: What do you see when you look at this image?

Did you say a black dot?

You’d be right.

HOWEVER, do you notice anything else besides the black dot?

If you thought: “white space,” then you’d be right again! There is actually more WHITE space than black.

Very few people point out the WHITE space. It takes a little more effort to even notice it.

Let’s say this dark spot represents the problems in our world. The white space is the GOOD stuff happening. There is ALWAYS good stuff, we just tend to overlook it. The black dot GRABS out attention. It’s EASIER to notice, and it’s TALKED about more!

If you watch or read the news, the focus is almost exclusively on the ‘black dot.’

We need to PAY attention to what we are PAYING Attention to!

We can’t control the negativity in the world. We can’t prevent the ‘black dot.’ We CAN control what we watch, what we listen to, what we talk about, and what we FOCUS on!

What we FOCUS ON determines how we FEEL!!!!!

Let me say that again in a different way…

Our focus determines our feelings

A couple of months ago I told my boys we were going to the arboretum. In typical kid fashion, they were like

“The arboretum…to look at trees? Mom, that’s BORING!”

So I turned it into a game. I let them bring their school iPads and I said: “Whoever takes the best picture, gets $1.”

Suddenly, their attitudes changed. It was a competition! They had a goal. They had something to focus on.

Look at these incredible pictures and the beauty they found that day:

Paul was on the hunt for flowers and found some!

We got home and my boys proudly showed their dad the pictures they captured. My husband pointed out that our boys would have missed this beauty if they weren’t on the lookout for it.

They FOUND beauty because the LOOKED for it!

You FIND what you LOOK FOR!

Beauty and goodness aren’t hard to find, they are just overlooked.

What’s wrong is ALWAYS available, but so is what’s right. We find what we look for.

Change your FOCUS because: Your FOCUS determines your feelings!

Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing.

Click here to see more pictures and read about our day at the Arboretum.

Here’s the YouTube version of what I wrote above:

Please share this post with whomever might benefit from it.

July 22, 2021 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Inspiration/ Raising boys/ Saving money

Six Super Simple and Budget-Friendly Gifts for Teachers!

Most teachers deserve a million bucks and an all-expense paid trip around the world.

What I WANT to give my sons’ teachers, and what I’m able to give them are two different things.

You don’t have to break the bank to show your child’s teacher some love and appreciation. As a former teacher, it’s often the least expensive things that are the MOST appreciated!

Here are 6 simple gifts ideas. Perhaps you could give your child’s teacher one item every day on the last week of school? Or one item each day on the FIRST week of school. No matter what you give and when you give it, your teacher will enjoy a simple surprise.

1. A special drink

Get your teacher hydrated:

2. Candy or gum

What teacher couldn’t use a little sugar boost most days?

Click here to order chocolate bars.

Click here to order peppermint patties!

Click here to order gum 12 packs of gum for $10:

3. Special hand soap

Teachers are always washing their hands, so some fancy or pretty smelling soap comes in ‘handy!’

Click here to read some benefits of hand washing.

4. A healthy snack

Clark heard his teacher talk about her love for Brussel Sprouts, so he insisted we bring her a bag – and she LOVED it.

Another teacher loves protein bites, so I’ll send some to help her get through the last week of school. Click here for recipe.

5. Lunch

Whether you make it or buy it, your child’s teacher will LOVE not having to eat their sack or school lunch for a day.

Just send a note to school letting your child’s teacher know that tomorrow’s lunch is on you. Send a menu to a local restaurant and ask them to circle what they’d like for you to order, or let them know what you’ll be making! Either way, this will be a SPECIAL treat and they will LOVE IT!

6. A hand-written note

Most teachers would LOVE to know they are making an impact – so write and tell them how they’ve made a difference in your child’s life!

Of all the ‘teacher gifts’ I received over the years, this is the one that I’ve kept through many years and many moves, and it STILL makes me smile:

A heart-warming note from a student who struggled in school.

All these gift ideas would be great for the bus driver, the specialists, the school nurse, the custodian, the principal, as well as the office staff!

Would you like a few more ideas? Click here for what to give and what NOT to give!

Thanks for reading, please consider subscribing!

May 24, 2021 By Kathryn

0 In 2020/ Faith/ Finding our place/ Inspiration/ Marriage/ Motherhood

Focus less on ‘WHAT’ and more on ‘HOW’

Most of the time when we think about our lives we think…

“WHAT does God want me to do with my life?”

“WHAT should I do for work?”

“WHAT are my talents?”

“What am I doing with my life?”

We usually think in terms of “What.”

Say…WHAT!?

However, SCRIPTURE suggests to us that the HOW is more important than the WHAT.

²³Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24

In other words…

God’s will is more about “HOW” we live than exactly WHAT it is we do.

What if we found out God’s big plan for our lives is that we wouldn’t spend so much time trying to figure out a big plan for our lives? Perhaps He just wants us to love Him and each other.
Bob Goff

This thought should recalibrate how you approach your day.

“HOW” you work has an impact on your:

attitude,
work ethic,
integrity,
reactions.

HOW you go about your day and HOW you do your work is MORE important than the specific job you are doing.

Maybe we will never get to what we are hoping for, until we learn how to have the right attitude about where we are right now.

Why would God get you to the where…if HOW isn’t working for you?

What if HOW you get your work done and HOW you interact with others were the most important things?

The HOW is critical in your marriage and parenting.

What if WHO you are married to is not as important as HOW you are married to that person?

Maybe if WHAT your kids are doing is less important than HOW you are responding to them.

You can love them well. You can serve them well.

Sometimes when we are not doing WHAT we want to be doing, we aren’t paying attention to HOW we are doing it. But, the HOW is more important than the WHAT.

I had a job I loved before becoming a mother. When my 3rd child was born, I became a full-time homemaker. I was no longer recognized or rewarded for the work I was doing. My kids never said “Good job mom! Thanks for waking up so early. Thanks for always doing the dishes, washing our clothes, playing with us, changing our diapers, making all that food and cleaning up our messes.” In spite of this, I asked God for strength and JOY in what I was doing. I wanted to enjoy my kids and my role in motherhood. I wanted to savor these years and keep a grateful heart and a good attitude. I knew God saw me.

I did wonder if I’d even have any marketable skills after taking care of babies for so long. And guess what, when I went back to work, I found that I hadn’t lost the skills I had before parenting. In fact, I was probably more efficient and a little more effective.

Wherever you are…whatever you are doing…approach it with gratitude and the right attitude.

Perhaps you are a full-time mom, wishing you could escape that roll some days. God has you there, ask Him for strength and allow Him to use you.

Perhaps you are a full-time employee, wishing you could quit. God has you there, ask Him for strength and allow Him to use you.

GOD WANTS TO GET INTO THE FABRIC OF OUR EVERYDAY, SOMETIMES BORING LIVES!

You may not be doing WHAT you want to do. But you still need to think about HOW you are approaching what you do.

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
I Peter 3:8

Let’s look at this verse:

For we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10

Maybe the questions we need to ask ourselves are:

HOW am I working well in my job?
HOW am I living well in my neighborhood?
HOW am I loving well in my marriage?
How am I modeling well in my motherhood?

Maybe for you, a simple exercise is writing down areas that you can improve, with God’s help:

Talk to your spouse about “how” to love or serve him better…
Get feedback from your neighbors, co-workers, or boss on “how” you can be of support to them…
Have your kids write down 3 or 4 things that you can do to help your relationship with them (reading a story, putting away your phone so you can stay engaged, listening better when they are talking about their day, or investing in areas that you see they are gifted in)

Looking at “how” you are living a significant life is a great exercise in self-reflection.

Remember, life is less about WHAT we are doing than HOW we are doing it!

This post was adapted from a sermon my husband gave many years ago when he was a teaching pastor. Thanks for reading!

March 14, 2021 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Food/ Inspiration/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

Guest Post: Budget-Friendly Ways to Encourage Your Kids to Make Healthy Choices

According to the American Heart Association, one in three children in the United States is overweight or obese. Children will carry the eating habits they learn at a young age into their adult years, so it’s important to equip them with the ability to make healthy food choices. What’s more, it’s important to teach your child to make healthy choices in all aspects of their lives, from safety to fitness. Here are some budget-minded strategies that work.

Be a Good Role Model

Parenting, as you well know, means shifting priorities in order to meet the needs of your young loved ones. This may mean fitness goals, education pursuits, career choices, even healthy sleeping habits all get “back burnered” — gladly and without hesitation — in order to make room for children and their needs. But if you find yourself now getting better sleep and with some time on your hands (within reason), then it may be time to pursue that online business degree you’ve always wanted to get back to. It’s never too late to recommit to a goal, especially with flexible schedules and deadlines. It’s one way to model the behavior you expect from your children — making learning a priority throughout life. Plus, it has the potential to help you along in your career pursuits.

Keep Healthy Snacks in the House

You don’t want to deprive your children or yourself of delicious food. However, having a constant store of unhealthy food on tap creates a habitual pattern of eating. Some kids will go looking for it, some will pester you for it, but all will be expecting chocolate, chips, or sugary drinks at some point. Leave these as occasional treats, and when you do choose to
enjoy them, buy only what you’ll be eating that day. Don’t buy multipacks or two-for-one offers, and throw out whatever’s left over at the end of the day. Besides, you might be surprised at how tasty — and affordable — a healthy snack can be.

Fruits and nuts, for instance, can be easy on both your wallet and your waistline. And to give your child a sense of ownership over their snacks, allow them to use things like toaster ovens and microwaves to prepare their snacks — with supervision, of course. (Click here for more healthy snack ideas)

Teach Your Kids the Importance of Physical Fitness

It’s often a lot easier to have the kids lose themselves in online activities and video games instead of encouraging them to go outside and get some exercise. However, maintaining a healthy weight involves staying fit, and that means stepping away from technology and finding ways to get moving. For example, if your child likes to play basketball video games, encourage them to take up the sport in real life. And if you need gear, look around online to see where you can pick up used sporting goods.

With a little exploring, you can find places to pick up store returns for a song, or websites like eBay offer both new and used equipment at affordable prices.

Discuss Safety When Home Alone

Are your kids old enough to leave at home while you pop out to the store for something? If so, then you need to discuss the importance of not answering the door when a stranger comes calling. Thankfully, technology allows us to see who’s at our door without setting foot outside.

Most modern-day security systems — even budget-friendly models — allow us to use cameras inside doorbells to safely see who’s on the other side. Discuss the dangers of answering the door for strangers with your children, and teach them how to properly use your home security system for those times when you’re away.

Your Overall Strategy

This is not the time for a firm hand because using pressure and coercion can actually have the opposite effect on eating habits and fitness. Your goal is to encourage your children to make healthy choices, using positive reinforcement, shared experiences, and role modeling.

It will take some time, but eventually, this creates a pattern of behavior that persists even when you’re not there to enforce it. As long as you take your time, plan ahead, and keep a cool head, you can instill healthy habits in your children that will last for a lifetime.

Thank you Amanda Henderson for writing this helpful parenting post today! Find more at SafeChildren.info

February 8, 2021 By Kathryn

0 In 2020/ Christmas/ Free stuff/ Inspiration/ Joy

Elf on the Shelf: Kindness Edition

This year, I’m having our Elf encourage my kids to show KINDNESS. Couldn’t we all benefit from a little more Kindness?

Here are TWO WEEKS worth of ideas to use in your home.

Each of these can be written on a card beside your elf, or use a dry erase marker and leave their daily ‘kindness’ task on the mirror in the bathroom or on a window.

Day 1: Smiling’s my Favorite. Your mission: Smile at every person you see today!

Day 2: Make a card for your school bus driver, garbage man, or someone who serves you.

Day 3: Hold the door for people behind you today.

Day 4: Help your sibling do their chores today.

Day 5: Write a note or draw a picture for your grandparents and/or for someone in a nursing home.

Day 6: Leave a treat in the mailbox for your mail carrier.

Day 7: Put one of your coins in the Salvation Army bucket.

Day 8: Leave a treat or gift at your neighbors door.

Day 9: Go through your toys and donate one to charity.

Day 10: Write a note of thanks to your parents or teacher.

Day 11: Make someone laugh today.

Day 12: Do something helpful WITHOUT being asked.

Day 13: Clean up a mess you DIDN’T make.

Day 14: Say something kind to each of your siblings today.

Happy Holidays! May these will bring a little more joy to your Christmas season.

Click here to read other simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Do you have a kindness idea? Leave a comment!

December 1, 2020 By Kathryn

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