Category Archives: Kerri Young

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Focusing on Who He Is Rather Than What I Am

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“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
 he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” Psalm 23:1-3

By: Kerri Young

This is a big month, and particularly an eventful week, for my family. My husband finished his job March 1, so we are now without significant income until we depart for our new home, Lord willing, in May. I am in the process of wrapping up my coaching job and passing on the mantle to my assistant coach. We are down to our last few days in our house and preparing for a big moving sale Wednesday through Friday to—hopefully—get rid of most of our belongings. We are moving across the world and cannot take it all with us. We are also gearing up for our going away party that will take place on Saturday. And, on top of all that, we are trying our best to give our children some sense of normality in the midst of our lives getting turned upside down.

I’m going to be honest with you….

I am overwhelmed…because there is so much that needs to get done in the next two weeks before we roll out of town that I’m just not confident we’ll get it all done.

I am exhausted…because for the few short hours I am able to lie in bed at night I find myself unable to sleep because my brain is constantly thinking of all the things that need to get done.

I am sad…because we have to say goodbye to the bed my daughter sleeps in that belonged to my granny, the dishes we’ve had since we got married and the Kitchenkitchen shades I so painstakingly worked to find on ebay after they were discontinued at Pottery Barn…not to mention all my cheer peeps, our friends, and the church family we have grown to love here in Northwest Arkansas. Continue reading →

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Bluff Dweller’s Cavern Review

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“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40

By: Kerri Young

IMG_8883I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for fun, family-friendly places to take our kids that might also provide an opportunity to learn or take in some of God’s magnificent creation. So, in the fall I purchased some discounted tickets on Living Social to Bluff Dweller’s Cavern in Noel, Missouri because it sounded like it might be a great homeschool field trip.

We had the opportunity to go check out Bluff Dweller’s Cavern today with some sweet friends who also homeschool. And, I am here to say that if you live anywhere near Northwest Arkansas or Southwest Missouri you should definitely go experience this spectacular cave for yourself.

All of our kids, even my extremely busy toddler who was confined to me in the moby wrap because I didn’t trust him to walk by himself and not get into trouble, ooohed and IMG_8882aaahed over the incredible formations and mineral deposits throughout the cavern.

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The tour, led by an extremely friendly and knowledgeable guide, took about 45 minutes and there weren’t any times during the trip through the cavern that our kids whined or complained about being bored or wanting to be done.

 

IMG_8890IMG_8885IMG_8902As a matter of fact, after leaving, my four year old repeated all afternoon that he wanted to go back to the cave tomorrow.

We got to see a few critters, like salamanders and hibernating bats (that were tiny and IMG_8892adorable and hanging in random places…sorry we couldn’t take any pictures of them with a flash, but trust me, even my 7 year old daughter thought they were cute and not scary) up close and personal.

IMG_8889At the end of the tour there is a museum and gift shop that are always free to the public and I would say the collection of rocks, fossils and antiques in there are almost worth the drive themselves.

IMG_8908It was a memorable way to spend the morning and I would say that even without the living social vouchers it would be worth the price of admission (which is $12 for adults, $6 for kids 4-11, and free for 3 and under). They do have a group discount and said they love it when homeschool groups come to visit.

March – October, Bluff Dweller’s Cavern is open daily from 9am to 5pm. November – February it’s open daily from 9am to 4pm.

Road-Map-to-CaveGo check it out and tell them Mosaic of Moms sent you!

 

 

Have I Told You Today That I Love You?

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By: Kerri Young

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14

I’m a little short on words today. Yesterday at the university where my husband and I work a young girl was found dead in her dorm room. I won’t go into the particulars of how she died, but I will say that when her parents sent her back to school in January for the second semester they had no idea she would never return home or that they wouldn’t get to hug their sweet girl one more time.

As a coach of young people her age, it makes me want to call each of them and tell them how special they are and how much I care about them. But more than anything, as a mother of young kids still blessedly untouched by the harsh world we live in, it makes me want to hold them a little closer today.

Tomorrow is not promised, friends. I want to challenge you today, just for a few moments throughout the day, to forget about the household duties that are beckoning you. Forget about the clothes that need to be put away, the dishes in the sink, the piles of paper on the counter that need to be sorted, and even the dinner that needs to be made. All of these things can be dealt with later.

Go love on your kids.

Go give them hugs and kisses and engage in what they are doing. Sit and watch “Dinosaur Train” with them snuggled in your lap and actually talk to them about the show. Plop down on the floor with them and make believe with their dolls or build a train track. Curl up on the couch with a good book and read it out loud together. Take the time to sing and pray with them before they go down for a nap or bedtime and be sure to kiss their foreheads and whisper in their ears that you love them.

When your bigger kids get home from school, take time to really see them and interact about their day. Ask them questions and listen to their answers with undivided attention, even just for five minutes. Hug those big kids, even if they say they don’t like it. Pray with them and for them as many times during the day as they’ll let you.

Above all, just be sure your children know how much you love them…through your actions and your words. If tomorrow doesn’t come for you or your kids, may there be no question how much their mommy/momma/mom/mother loved them.

Praying the giver of all good things will fill you to overflowing with the grace, patience, and energy you need to love your kiddos the best you can today!

And would you please join me in praying for peace that surpasses all understanding for the grieving mom of this sweet girl who passed away yesterday? God knows her name.

One Little Word:It’s Not Too Late to Choose Your Theme for 2013

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In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.        Proverbs 16:9

By: Jennifer Mullen

On New Year’s Day my friend, Stephanie McCratic, at Evolved Mommy posted this amazing article about choosing your One Little Word for the year.  The idea is that you chose a word that helps you focus your goals for the year.  Or sometimes, like in my case, the word chooses you.  Before I even finished reading the article, I knew that my word for 2013 was going to be transition.  Having this focus has really changed the trajectory of my year because, I already felt like I was spiraling out of control with all the changes I knew I would face.

I must confess, I was really disappointed that my word would not look pretty on the necklaces that you can purchase to remind you of your One Little Word.  Let’s face it, transition sounds like a word that you read in a technical manual, not that you would find etched on a beautiful piece of jewelry.  I frantically searched the thesaurus for a more eloquent word, but there was no word that fit my situation better than the word that chose me.

I was so moved by this concept that I asked the MOMS on our writing team to share with you all their One Little Word.  Enjoy!

Jennifer’s Word: Transition

I need to stop fighting the change and embrace the transition.

  •  Transition out of the baby phase of motherhood: no diapers, no crib, no high chairs…
  • Transition to having a school aged child.  My oldest starts kindergarten this year!
  • Transition how I study the bible, in what setting, and with whom.  I have felt lead to pursue the LORD though other means beside my Thursday morning studies with my church.  Once I gave in to the leading, the LORD has blessed me…that is a whole other post. :)
  • Transition back to working outside home.  I took a part-time job and am loving it.
  • Transition with the blog…stay tuned! :)
  • Transition to other ministries as the LORD is leading me out of some beloved work into other areas.
  • Transition for my family as some close family members are preparing to move away.
Gretchen’s Word: Engage
My goals are to:
  • Engage my kids and husband in conversations. I want to be more present with them when we talk instead of always multitasking while talking with them.
  • Engage in the study of God’s word.
  • Engage in friendship. I want to talk to my close friends more. I need to be more intentional in all my relationships.
  • Engage in a healthier diet. Less sugar, more REAL foods.
  • Engage in exercise.
  • Engage in the present instead of always looking ahead.
  • Engage in my responsibilities and work as if working for The Lord.

Kerri’s Word: Breathe 

This year I hope to…

  • Breathe when the changes all around me are overwhelming and I just want to curl up in a ball and cry.
  • Breathe in the laughter and sheer delight of my children as I play alongside them
  • Breathe in the new culture and language I will be living in.
  • Breathe when I’m doing sit-ups and lunges and training my physical body
  • Breathe in Scripture and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit as my Source in my time alone with God.

Sarah’s Word: Intentional

In 2013 I will be intentional in the following areas –

  • Reading God’s Word – Bible Study – Daily
  • Prayer – Daily, Continuous, Focused.
  • Loving/Supporting my Husband -  date nights, communication.
  • Caring for my health and the health of my family  – exercise and healthy eating.
  •  Loving my children – have fun, help them stay on task, be supportive, be kind
  • Caring for my home/finances – simplify, organize, upkeep
  • Homeschooling – prepare, participate, achieve.
  • Serving – as called by God to glorify Him and further his kingdom
Sarah was so intentional about this she even made this poster for herself to post around her house to be a reminder to be intentional. :) Click here: Intentional

Melissa’s Word: Deliberate 

  • I will be deliberate about planning time with each of my daughters.
  • My Bible reading and prayer time will take place – deliberately.
  • Character training will be deliberate this year.
  • I will continue to exercise deliberately.
  • Pictures will be organized and scrapbook albums updated deliberately.
  • I will encourage my husband and deliberately work at being his help meet.

And Introducing Dana!  Look for her bio next week!

Dana’s Word: Abide

This year I want to:

  • Abide in Christ as I read, memorize, and meditate on His Word and maintain a running dialog of prayer throughout my days.
  • Abide in my relationship with my husband, making an effort to be truly present during our time together, to serve and encourage him, to “bring him good, not harm all the days of [my] life” (Prov. 31:13).
  • Abide in my new role as a mommy, allowing myself to make mistakes and learn from them, cherishing each moment with my baby girl as the days fly so quickly by us.
  • Abide in my home with happiness and contentment, making an effort to simplify, organize, and beautify our dwelling place so that it is our haven and a blessing to all who enter it.
  • Abide in my physical body, learning to love and accept my new “mommy shape” while striving to stay healthy and strong.

As Stephanie mentioned in her article, Ali Edwards is offering a great online workshop to help you creatively document your year with your One Little Word.  It is not to late to sign up.  Click here to see the details.  Also, there is a Facebook group of women in NWA who are encouraging each other to work through the workshop.  Message me if you would like to be apart of this group. They have been posting some great project ideas and are even planning some meet-ups soon.

Even though it is February, it is not too late to think about what you want out of 2013 and where the LORD may want to take you.  I encourage you to consider identifying your One Little Word.  Share with us your word and some of your goals.  We would love to hear from you!

Who Doesn’t Love Free Books?

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“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6

By: Kerri Young

I love to read and I want my children to love reading. We started homeschooling our oldest last Fall in preparation for our upcoming move to the Middle East, so I am always looking for inexpensive and easy ways to get more books in front of her without having to take a trip to the local library several times a week.

My mom stumbled upon this great website where you can not only get free children’s books, but also donate books to world literacy programs while doing so! As far as I’m concerned, that’s a win-win. It’s called We Give Books and is found at www.wegivebooks.org You do have to register and give your email address to gain access to the entire library, but I promise you won’t get bombarded with spam.

Here’s a blurb from the website that explains how it works:

Have you heard about the latest We Give Books cause? This winter, We Give Books is supporting world literacy and encouraging readers to get into the spirit of giving. Every time you read a children’s book online at wegivebooks.org, you can donate a book on behalf of your friends and family, for free!

At We Give Books, each time a reader enjoys free children’s books online, they donate a hardcover or paperback book to a child in need through their great campaign partners. From now through the end of January 2013, you can help support world literacy initiatives around the globe with partners Room to Read, Books for Asia, the Harlem Children’s Zone, and more! These amazing nonprofit organizations work to build libraries, fund schools, provide education to low-income children, and share books with those in need.

We Give Books is a fantastic resource for parents, teachers, and anyone who loves to read children’s books. They have a free online library of over 150 outstanding children’s books available at www.wegivebooks.org, including some of our favorites, like the Llama Llama and Skippyjon Jones books, and DK science books. The best part is, your reading will directly impact the great work of non-profit organizations around the world!

So, head over to www.wegivebooks.org to find out more about this wonderful initiative, and start reading and giving!