-
8 Comments» Continue ReadingIf you love Sandra McCracken and folky music, you’ll be interested in Rain For Roots: Big Stories For Little Ones, an album for children (and their parents), written by Sally Lloyd-Jones, author of The Jesus Storybook Bible. It is a collection of 10 folk songs for children about classic Bible stories. The full album is available for download on May 15. Until then, you can download four free preview songs: Do you struggle with guilt in motherhood? Let the truth be balm to the soul for mothers who fail, from The Resurgence. Our school reached a milestone this week, and received full accreditation from CSI and NCA-CASI! We are thankful to have been given such high commendations for being a 4 yr. young school; and yet, we know that it’s not standards, but vision that drives us. This post on how classical education shapes us as God intended, from The […]
-
» Continue ReadingA year ago today, I fell in love again…for the fifth time. Mancub #5 has been the joy and wonder of the last 365 days, a year that has been more challenging than any other. But where we have been weak, the Lord has been strong. Where we have shed tears, the Lord has brought laughter. Where we have felt hopeless…the Lord has given a glimpse of his sovereignty, faithfulness, and amazing love through Christ. And in His sweet care, He’s shown us all this in the gift of our littlest son as well. Happy 1st Birthday, Boo.
-
» Continue ReadingMy dad was an unbeliever when I was a girl. I have a very distinct memory of an exchange he and I had once that truly affected my thinking then…and now. I was a loquacious young lady and he was a typically taciturn Chinese father. I sought his affection by asking lots of questions. He gave simple answers, if any. This particular time, I found myself asking a question that had gone unanswered. Unacknowledged, in fact. He simply ignored whatever it was that I had been talking to him about. Discouraged, I blurted out, “Why don’t you answer me when I talk to you?” He had an answer. It was deafeningly poignant as he retorted simply: “I didn’t answer you because you haven’t finished the dishes.” I remember finishing the dishes after that, and thinking on what it was that made me worthy of a response. My father was not in […]
-
» Continue ReadingI remember reading about how author Sally Clarkson took time to have tea time with her children for the purpose of spending intentional discipleship time with each of them. As busy as life can be, there is something precious about tea time, about the conversations and time shared over simple but special treats. Though often seen as a girly event, I’ve enjoyed having afternoon tea with my boys for years. If you’ve been reading here for any length of time, you also know that I teach an art of tea class on occasion, and appreciate the subtleties of a perfect scone. Some of this enthusiasm for tea has trickled down to Number 4, who recently requested (unceasingly) to have a tea party with his 3 yr. old pals. I admit I tried to appease him with a pretend party or a tea party just between us…to no avail. Thus, an […]
-
» Continue ReadingBefore I became a wife and mother I would have considered this chapter from Feminine Appeal, by Carolyn Mahaney, the least relevant in my life. Kindness and goodness seemed to bubble up effortlessly as I (foolishly) sought the reward of being needed, appreciated, and liked by all my friends and colleagues. Yet, almost 14 years of marriage, 5 kids, and 10 years of ministry later…I dare say I need this chapter more than ever! Author Jerry Bridges explains that while kindness and goodness can often be used interchangeably, it is helpful to distinguish between these two traits. “Kindness” he says, “is a sincere desire for the happiness of others,” and “goodness is the activity calculated to advance that happiness.” (p. 119) Most of us would characterize our love for our families as truly desiring their happiness; and yet, that is not always what is felt or heard in our tone, our […]
-
» Continue ReadingA few weeks ago, I became the mother of a ten year-old. Number 1 is such an easy boy to celebrate. He is unassuming, humble in heart, thoughtful, genuine, responsible, teachable, and down-right charming. How could I not grant him his birthday request for a party including all his favorite things… Here’s how it came together: My father-in-law owns several copies of Popular Mechanics magazines dating from the early to mid 1900s. They are amazing to read…oh how much has changed! (and…how much hasn’t…) Scanned pages from these antique copies (with a little help from Photoshop) made for great decorations: …and laminated placemats: …and a Happy Birthday banner: The birthday boy requested a fave-food menu: grilled cheese homemade tomato soup huge assortment of pickles chex mix twizzlers salt and vinegar chips cantaloupe krispy kreme donuts After some Grandpa-led fun with pulleys… …and motors… …we ended the party with a build-your-own catapult […]
-
» Continue ReadingCan you believe this littlest Mancub is almost a year old? He climbs up to the top bunk by himself (supervised of course), up and down the stairs, into the bathtub, onto the dishwasher, over the dogs, and out of every diaper change. It is constant cub-on-the move…mountain-man style. Every moment with this kiddo reminds me that God is in the details– in the funny, everyday chaos of life with boys.
-
» Continue ReadingThis weekend’s entertainment is brought by Number 2, who does not eat raisins, does not eat blueberries, does not eat pears… …but was willing to eat a scorpion today: (Disclaimer: Scorpion was embedded in a lollipop, if that makes you feel any better. It doesn’t change how I feel about it!) Okay, okay…that’s left a bad taste in your mouth? How about this oldie but goodie: Number 2 at 4 yrs old, telling his favorite joke…the one about The Duck. One of my all time faves! Enjoy!! Hope to see you back here on Monday for GraceLaced Mondays! Have a blessed weekend!
-
» Continue ReadingNumber 1 has been sick all week with a ferocious stomach bug. He’s been looking forward to this week at Grandma and Grandpa’s for Spring Break for quite some time, and so far, he’s spent most of it on the couch and in the bathroom. My mom-heart breaks for my miserable boy, for his disappointment in dashed vacation hopes, and for all the delicious meals he’s missed out on. We’ve been praying for him to return to health, and for the other four boys to not be next in line. I see the discouragement in his face, and I don’t blame him. How do we as parents, offer perspective and encouragement when our kids (and we ourselves!) are sick and frustrated in the sickness? Here are some ideas that I’m working through myself, as I point my child and my own heart heavenward… 1. Remind our kids that God is […]
-
» Continue ReadingWhen you describe the craziest-coolest-most-awesome Lego spaceship ever… I will listen and mirror the wonder in your face. When the questions you ask seem to have no end… I’ll help you make sense of it all instead of shush-ing you away. When you go off imagining you are hiding from pirate ships… I might just join in and be your shipmate. When you sing the first four words to your favorite tune over and over again… I will teach you the rest of the song. When you serve up green playdoh noodles… I won’t placate you with an obligatory “nibble.” I’ll tuck a napkin under my chin and ask for more. When you’re in need of correction and training… I will not say in one word (“Stop!”) what I should explain with several. When you want a friend… I will teach you how to be a friend by example. When […]
-
» Continue ReadingThe boys are always outside storming a castle, hiding in the trenches, rallying the troops, or chucking grenades. Each new baby boy is always swiftly initiated into the games, and it’s been no different with Number 5. Big brothers build up forts and what they lovingly term “The PPD”: private playing deck, a specially designed and barricaded fortress for their baby brother to stay out of harm’s way while joining the allied forces. Baby brother keeps watch, guards the gates, and tries to figure out which side he’s actually on…really.
-
» Continue ReadingMy littlest mancub turns 9 months today. It has passed more quickly than any other. If only I had nothing to do each day but to oogle over his deliciousness. Today he is crawling…straight to the backdoor every chance he gets, climbing…all the way upstairs by himself, munching…chicken nuggets and bean and cheese burritos, giggling…hysterically at his brothers’ antics, fascinated…with the toilet and the dishwasher, growling…to show hearty approval and excitement, waiting…eagerly for bathtime, loving…his family. Happy 9 months, Precious. You are more than we ever hoped for, more than we deserve.
Welcome!
Hello, friend...I'm Ruth. Welcome to GraceLaced, where you will find my imperfect, but grace-filled musings on the Gospel, motherhood, crafting, art, domesticity, cooking, and the often-times overlooked joys of finding grace in the everyday of life. Read my full profile here.
Sponsors
Please take a moment to visit the kind sponsors of GraceLaced. Please contact me if you are interested in more information about advertising.
Affiliated
Share GraceLaced
Find Me Here
Recent Series
