Author Archives: Jennifer

The True Meaning of Memorial Day

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

By: Sarah Smith

As a child, I can recall spending Memorial Day weekend with my grandparents. And that weekend always ended with a trip to the cemetery where most of our relatives were buried. I remember seeing the names of ancestors I had never met. It was a time of honoring those who had gone on before us.

It wasn’t until I married into a military family that I understood the history behind Memorial Day. Continue reading →

An Open Letter to My Mom: A Joyful Song

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Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2

By: Sarah Smith

For my Mom’s 70^th birthday in 2006, my sister created a scrapbook to celebrate her life. It contained pictures from my mom’s childhood, young adult years and beyond. I love to look at that book and remember our time together. Several pages were a collection of letters written to my mom from those who loved her. Below is the letter I wrote. Next to it was a copy of the song “Sing” by Joe Raposo (made popular when the Carpenters performed it on Sesame Street.)

All of my memories of you, Mom, are accompanied by one song or another. I now know that you had to sing to keep your sanity! It’s hard to be grumpy with a song in your heart. This song really brings back the memories and it seems to summarize the way I feel I was raised. Continue reading →

My Favorite Mother’s Day Tradition

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But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16

By: Jennifer Mullen

Pardon my messy bathroom. I had more important things to do than clean mirrors and toilets.

Last Saturday I rolled out of bed while my family still slept. I packed one of my many Thirty-One bags with some of my journals, my Bible, and my favorite book. Threw on some jeans and a scarf and escaped to a corner booth at Panera.

I sat in that booth for FIVE HOURS! I enjoyed both breakfast and lunch during my stay.

You may wonder what on Earth could I be doing for FIVE HOURS?

Well this is one of many things Gretchen has taught me about taking time to get focused as a mom. Click here to read her article about this amazing tradition I think all mothers should consider.

Summer Read Aloud Challenge

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This entry is part 1 of 3 in the series Summer Read Aloud

“Hold on to instruction; don’t let go. Guard it, for it is your life.” Proverbs 4:13

By: Jennifer Mullen

My daughter graduates from pre-k tomorrow! ***sigh*** Aside from the bitter-sweetness of this milestone, I am realizing that the rest of the kindergarten prep is up to me now. In three months she will step foot out of my car and enter the world of grammar school. Every parent wonders if their child will be ready socially, emotionally, and academically.

So what am I going to do to ensure readiness? Continue reading →

Reflections in the Night: Shadows and Light

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“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night…” Psalm 91:4-5a

By: Jennifer Mullen

Courtesy of Cavalier Photography

One night from a deep sleep, I was awoken by bright light. Standing at the doorway of my bedroom was my two-year-old son with his hand on the light switch. I told him to turn off the light and crawl in bed with me. He snuggled up close and whispered in my ear, “I scared of da shadows.”

I asked him the question I always ask my kids when they are scared: “What do the angels always say?” And without hesitation he said, “Don’t be afraid.”

I tried to explain as best I could to a two-year-old that shadows are created when something comes between an object and light. As the object moves in relation to the light it makes bigger or smaller shadows. I tried demonstrating by waving my hand in front of the lamp.

It got me to thinking… Continue reading →