By Jessica Wolstenholm
“Uh-oh Mom!! Something really bad just happened here!!” My son’s words from upstairs reached me down in the kitchen where I was frantically trying to tidy up breakfast so we could make it out the door in time for our appointment. They were, quite possibly, the most unfortunate words I could have heard in […]
By Jessica Wolstenholm
I ushered my son quickly out of the dentist’s office, head down and face flushed. After the spectacle we had just created I felt a hundred pairs of eyes staring at me. Just keep walking, I thought to myself, just get to the van. Once we had retreated to the van where I […]
By Jessica Wolstenholm
Most of us have fallen prey to idle gossip. It’s something that is often times subtle and rather ambiguous in and of itself. Perhaps it’s not the blatantly hateful water cooler discussions at the office, but the few words spoken in “concern” about someone’s appearance, actions, or short-comings with another friend or co-worker. Gossip derives […]
By Jessica Wolstenholm
The Pixar film, Inside Out, follows the story of 11 year old Riley’s emotions after her family moves across country. Fear, anger, and disgust take over as Riley tries to navigate her new life in San Francisco. We can all relate to feelings of insecurity and isolation and the journey of Riley’s emotions is a great […]
By Editorial Team
Some of my earliest memories are of our home being filled with people…family, friends, those in need…my parents are the most relational people I have ever met. We were always taught the value of people, of our connection to them. We watched my mom and dad nurture and serve and love. My family was built […]
By Jessica Wolstenholm
I don’t know where it came from. I had only planned to pop into the elementary school office, pick up the hefty Kindergarten registration packet for my son, and proceed with my day – which included a trip to Target alone (#winning!). The hot tears that burned in the corners of my […]
By Jessica Wolstenholm
My youngest son is 18 months old, and he has a sincere dislike of shopping carts. Actually, he hates them. Every time we go to the store, he summons all the strength in his tiny body to try and escape the seat strap. I, on the other hand, summon all the strength […]
By Jessica Wolstenholm
Salvation is based on the unmerited grace, i.e., forgiveness, of our heavenly Father. So the single best way to give your children a solid foundation for understanding salvation is by talking to them about forgiveness. Here are some ways to explain what forgiveness is (and isn’t). Forgiveness is… Given: You don’t have to wait on […]
By Jessica Wolstenholm
Last week as I was folding clothes in the downstairs laundry room, I heard running water. My first thought was, “Why is someone taking a shower at 3:30 in the afternoon?” I had just been upstairs ten minutes prior to this and both boys were playing quietly in their rooms. As I started walking towards […]
By Jessica Wolstenholm
This past weekend, my family disconnected from technology and reconnected with each other. Two days at a state park was just what our little crew needed to rest and strengthen our relationships. It wasn’t all bliss. We still dealt with attitudes, misbehavior, and boundless energy, but I noticed that by being intentional and spending time […]