It's September - which means back-to-school for lots of us, and first-time-at-school for some of us. Whether your child is just starting, or returning after many years, here are some ways that your school will be blessed for counting you amongst its families this year. Be actively … [Read more...] about FIVE WAYS TO BLESS YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL THIS YEAR
Faith
Here are loads of resources and ideas to support you in your own personal discipleship, as well as building faith in your kids. In fact, it's your one-stop shop for all aspects of parenting, faith and church life!
ADOPTION: ACCEPTING UNCERTAINTY
It is a phrase that my husband and I are becoming all too familiar with. "This child requires a family who can accept the uncertainties surrounding his future." Any child who has been placed for adoption has an uncertain future - and this is truer the younger they are. Of course, none of … [Read more...] about ADOPTION: ACCEPTING UNCERTAINTY
IS FAITH A DISADVANTAGE IN THE ADOPTION PROCESS?
It's something several people have asked as we've headed down the adoption path recently. "What do they think about your faith?" "Do they mind that you're Christians?" I guess they have in mind horror stories like this one, where a Christian couple were not approved as prospective adopters, … [Read more...] about IS FAITH A DISADVANTAGE IN THE ADOPTION PROCESS?
ADOPTION IS NOT PLAN ‘B’
Although there was a time when I thought it was. Back in my idealistic youth, before we had kids, adoption was our Plan B. "If we can't have children, we'll..." and all that. Truth be told, I was bloody scared that we wouldn't be able to have children - because then we'd have to face the messy … [Read more...] about ADOPTION IS NOT PLAN ‘B’
5 UNCONVENTIONAL SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES OF A NEW PARENT
There's been a plethora of new babies born to my friends recently and it's making me reflect upon my own experience of becoming a mum - in particular, how my faith has grown. The last five years of my life have been the most exciting ones faith-wise, yet this isn't because I've been extra holy - in … [Read more...] about 5 UNCONVENTIONAL SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES OF A NEW PARENT
NITS AND THE SACRIFICES OF PARENTING
Missy has had nits. I've dealt with a lot of grossness in my 5+ years as a mum: poo in epic proportions, wind which factors on the Richter scale, and vomit to make our house resemble a University halls of residence in Fresher's Week. I've been drenched in wee, baby sick and blood; wiped noses, … [Read more...] about NITS AND THE SACRIFICES OF PARENTING
THE MINISTRY OF A MESSY HOUSE – REVIEW
My wonderful cousin Naomi, general fountain of knowledge when it comes to books, especially Christian ones, recently sent me a copy of 'The Ministry of a Messy House' by Amanda Robbie, after reading my blog How does God bless others through our mess? Well, blow my socks off if it didn't just put … [Read more...] about THE MINISTRY OF A MESSY HOUSE – REVIEW
MEMOIRS OF A PRESCHOOL MAMA (OR LETTER TO A NEW MAMA)
Tomorrow, the boy in my belly in this photo starts school. I'm not anxious for him - he'll be fine. It's me who has to adapt. You see - my baby boy, who was born approximately five minutes ago, is starting school. He's got a uniform and everything. He'll be learning important, grown-up things - and … [Read more...] about MEMOIRS OF A PRESCHOOL MAMA (OR LETTER TO A NEW MAMA)
WHY I’M SENDING MY CHILD TO A SCHOOL IN SPECIAL MEASURES
It was never meant to be the case. The kids and I often walked past the fag-smoking, obscenity-shrieking parents at drop-off or pick-up time, but I knew we'd not be living here when the time came to make a Decision. As a teacher, the school did provoke my curiosity - but there was no point wasting … [Read more...] about WHY I’M SENDING MY CHILD TO A SCHOOL IN SPECIAL MEASURES