There's something about a new year which motivates us to adopt new habits, change an aspect of our lives, or turn over a new leaf in some way. But so often we fail, don't we? Habits die out after January, changes are short-lived, and we find ourselves falling back into our old cycles, old … [Read more...] about HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD GROW SPIRITUALLY THIS YEAR
10 FAITH-BASED NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS FOR EXHAUSTED PARENTS
To start talking about personal growth and improvement when you're either stuffed so full of Celebrations and mince pies that you can hardly move, or you're entirely burnt-out from yet another busy year of parenting, work and other commitments, will either come across as annoyingly trite or … [Read more...] about 10 FAITH-BASED NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS FOR EXHAUSTED PARENTS
WHAT WE TEACH OUR ADOPTED CHILDREN ABOUT SANTA
I never formulated my ideas about Santa because of our adopted children, in case any of you think I'm more thoughtful about these kinds of things than I actually am. As a child, I enjoyed writing to Santa, sending my letter up the chimney of our open fire by making a draught with the door (a … [Read more...] about WHAT WE TEACH OUR ADOPTED CHILDREN ABOUT SANTA
TWO FABULOUS CHRISTIAN ANIMAL BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
I'm delighted to feature a couple of books today which would make excellent Christmas presents for your child if they love animals! And - even better - allow me to help you with your Christmas shopping - read till the end and you'll discover how you can win both of these wonderful animal books … [Read more...] about TWO FABULOUS CHRISTIAN ANIMAL BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
WHAT TO GET YOUR HUSBAND OR WIFE FOR CHRISTMAS: A FOOLPROOF CHRISTMAS GIFT!
Do you struggle when it comes to buying gifts for your other half? I'd love to hear from you if you don't! I always find it difficult, and I suspect I'm not alone. We can find it hard for all sorts of reasons, not least because our money and possessions are shared, so it sometimes feels like … [Read more...] about WHAT TO GET YOUR HUSBAND OR WIFE FOR CHRISTMAS: A FOOLPROOF CHRISTMAS GIFT!
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TIPS: HOW TO DO (ALMOST) ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN ONE DAY!
There are thousands of Christmas shopping tips on the Internet about saving money. Posts about buying second-hand, spreading the cost through the year, utilising sales, and so on. But how about saving time? Don't get me wrong, I'm not rolling in cash either. But this year, with four kids, … [Read more...] about CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TIPS: HOW TO DO (ALMOST) ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN ONE DAY!
WHEN YOU CAN’T BE THE PARENT YOU DREAMT OF BEING: THERE IS HOPE
From the emails I've received from lots of you - as well as my own parenting experience - I know that many of our parenting struggles have, at their core, a root problem: We haven't met our own sky-high expectations. We went into parenthood with images and ideas … [Read more...] about WHEN YOU CAN’T BE THE PARENT YOU DREAMT OF BEING: THERE IS HOPE
4 THINGS WE CAN LEARN ABOUT MARRIAGE FROM THE CROWN
I don't know about you, but I'm a huge fan of The Crown. I came to it very late, just a few months ago actually, when we took a one-month Netflix trial - and ended up on a paid Netflix plan, just so that we could finish watching this fabulous, edge-of-your-seat drama. Of course we know that … [Read more...] about 4 THINGS WE CAN LEARN ABOUT MARRIAGE FROM THE CROWN
A FAMILY ADVENT: TWO CHRISTIAN WRITERS SHARE THEIR FAMILY ADVENT TRADITIONS
My friend Amy Scott Robinson is one of the deepest, most poetic Christian storytellers and writers that I know. She's the author of the marvellous Gladstone Tales, the first of which I reviewed right here. And guess what? She and I have both released Advent books this year! … [Read more...] about A FAMILY ADVENT: TWO CHRISTIAN WRITERS SHARE THEIR FAMILY ADVENT TRADITIONS