The Proverbs 31 woman has long been admired as the standard of godly womanhood. She is diligent, wise, compassionate, and strong. She tends to her home, supports her husband, raises her children, and extends her hands to others in need. For many of us today, living this out also includes caregiving—whether for aging parents, grandchildren, or others entrusted to our care. While the call can feel overwhelming, the beauty of Proverbs 31 is not about perfection—it’s about living faithfully and intentionally. Here’s how we can apply these timeless principles to our modern lives as wives, mothers, and caregivers. Wife:...
Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman: Balancing Wife, Mother, and Caregiver Roles with Grace
September 29, 2025 in Devotionals, Faith & Family Life, Faith & Heart, Family Life, Marriage & Relationships, Raising Kids, Raising Parents
The Proverbs 31 woman has long been admired as the standard of godly womanhood. She is diligent, wise, compassionate, and strong. She tends to her home, supports her husband, raises her children, and extends her hands to others in need. For many of us today, living this out also includes caregiving—whether for aging parents, grandchildren, or others entrusted to our care. While the call can feel overwhelming, the beauty of Proverbs 31 is not about perfection—it’s about living faithfully and intentionally. Here’s how we can apply these timeless principles to our modern lives as wives, mothers, and caregivers. Wife:...
When Circumstances Get in the Way of Drawing Closer to God
September 22, 2025 in Encouragement & Prayer, Faith & Heart
Have you ever noticed that the closer you try to draw near to God, the more life seems to fall apart? Maybe the moment you commit to reading your Bible daily, unexpected busyness fills your mornings. Or when you decide to start praying consistently, distractions suddenly multiply. Sometimes it feels like everything around us rises up to pull us away just when we want to press in the most. This is no coincidence. Scripture reminds us that “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Whenever you pursue intimacy with the Lord, you will encounter...
Helping Our Parents Age Gracefully: Faith, Compassion, and Practical Support
September 14, 2025 in Caregiver Checklists, Faith & Family Life, Faith & Heart, Family Life, Printables, Raising Parents
Aging is a season none of us can escape, yet it brings with it both beauty and heartbreak. For me, this truth became very real recently when my mom suffered a fall that led to two brain bleeds and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Overnight, our world shifted. Doctor appointments, rehabilitation plans, and daily caregiving became part of our rhythm. But woven into the difficulty is an opportunity to honor our parents, lean on God’s Word, and walk this road with grace. Walking Through the Unexpected When my mom fell, I remember the moment of fear that washed over...
Talking with Kids About Tough Topics
September 10, 2025 in Faith & Family Life, Faith & Heart, Family Life, Printables, Raising Kids
Talking with Kids About Tough Topics: Gentle Guidance for Hard Conversations As parents and caregivers, we want to shield our children from the pain and uncertainty of life. But the truth is—kids face loss and change too. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the declining health of a pet, or another tough topic, children need honesty, comfort, and reassurance from us. These conversations aren’t easy, but they’re opportunities to nurture resilience, deepen trust, and remind our children that they are not alone. Why Honest Conversations Matter Children are incredibly perceptive. They notice changes in routines, moods, and...
From Kennel to Coop: How We Turned a Dog Kennel into a Charming Chicken Haven
September 2, 2025 in Chickens, Chickens & Animals, DIY Projects, Farmhouse Remodel, Homestead, Repairs & Builds
CoopChecklistWhen we bought our farmhouse earlier this year, we inherited more than just creaky wood floors, wide-open fields, and a to-do list that never seems to end — we also inherited a sturdy dog kennel sitting just off the back pasture. At first glance, it was nothing fancy — chain-link sides, a sloped roof, and a concrete floor. But to me, it wasn’t just an old kennel. It was potential. I could already see happy hens scratching around, fresh eggs in the nesting boxes, and a little farm charm in a space that had been purely practical before. Why a...
When Your Parent is Manipulative: Navigating Caregiving with Grace and Boundaries
August 21, 2025 in Uncategorized
Caring for an aging parent is already filled with emotion, sacrifice, and hard decisions. But when that parent also has a personality disorder—and uses manipulation to get their way—the role of caregiver becomes even more complicated. Many adult children feel torn between guilt and responsibility, love and self-preservation. If you’ve found yourself here, you are not alone. Understanding Manipulation in a Parent-Child Relationship Manipulation is when someone tries to control or influence another person unfairly, often by guilt, exaggeration, or twisting the truth. With a parent, it can sound like: “After everything I’ve done for you, you can’t do...
Back to School, Back to Reality: Finding Grace in the Chaos
August 14, 2025 in Family Life, Raising Kids
It’s that time again. The backpacks are being dusted off, lunchboxes are reappearing on kitchen counters, and school supply lists are stretching longer than my grocery receipts. (Seriously, do glue sticks multiply every year?) Whether you’re sending off littles to kindergarten, navigating middle school hormones, or prepping teens for early college classes—this season is always a mix of emotions. If your house is anything like mine, August means earlier bedtimes, more structure, and more laundry. It means standing in the Target aisle debating whether the fancy mechanical pencils are worth the extra $2, and trying to keep a straight...
Meal Planning for a Family of Three Generations
August 11, 2025 in Faith & Family Life, Faith & Heart, Family Life, Homestead Planners, How-to Guides, Raising Kids, Raising Parents, Uncategorized
Meal planning is a lot like herding cats—except the cats are hungry, have dietary restrictions, and argue about green beans. If you’re juggling meals for a multigenerational household, you already know it’s part chef, part nutritionist, and part magician. Whether you’re cooking for kids who love nuggets, parents who need low-sodium, or teens who live on snacks, having a flexible plan can restore some sanity and save serious time and money. Here’s how to take the chaos out of mealtime and find your family’s happy place—around the table. The Challenges of Cooking for All Ages Elderly parents may require...
What Happens When There’s No Will: Lessons from the Probate Trenches
August 4, 2025 in Uncategorized
Why estate planning is an act of love your family will thank you for I never imagined I’d spend so much time in probate court. But here I am—signing papers, chasing signatures, and sorting through legal mazes that feel more suited to a courtroom drama than real life. All because my parents didn’t have a will. If you’ve ever thought estate planning is just for the wealthy or the elderly—or something you can put off until “later”—please let me be the cautionary tale that says: Don’t wait. The Emotional Weight of “What Now?” When my parent passed, grief wasn’t...
When the Parent Becomes the Child: Loving Through Defiance and Entitlement
July 29, 2025 in Faith & Family Life, Faith & Heart, Family Life, Raising Parents, Uncategorized
There are some things I never imagined I’d say to my mother. “Because I said so.” “Stop yelling, or we’re leaving.” “No, you may not have dessert for dinner.” And yet, here I am—saying the kinds of things she once said to me, only now I’m saying them to her. When people talk about caring for aging parents, the stories tend to focus on the physical demands—medications, appointments, mobility. But what no one prepared me for was the emotional whiplash of parenting someone who once towered over me in strength, now lashing out like a tired toddler who skipped...