Author: Nancy Ann

Clear as a Bell

By Nancy Ann | Filed under Christian Living

If you’ve had a two-year-old in the family, you know that the heart of man is prone to disobedience.

“Don’t ride your big wheel in the street,” my husband said to my son.

“But I want to,” replied the two-year-old.

“You may not,” answered the voice of authority.

“I’m gonna,” was the reply as he sailed off on his big wheel across the street.

We laugh about this story, which is a family favorite, and we laughed at the time, even though justice was meted out in such a way as to teach our son to be wise in the future.

(No, that’s not my son in the two-year-old picture above, but my grandson Judah at age two.)

But the thing that I want to bring to our attention is not that our young children need to be taught to obey, but that we grown ups must be taught to obey as well. All the time.

Think about the children of Israel as they followed Moses into the wilderness. God provided manna for them to eat, but gave very specific instructions, kind of like, “You may not ride in the street.” And they replied, “I’m gonna.” Read More

Witty Discontent

By Nancy Ann | Filed under Christian Living | Tags:

“The sin of discontent is very witty with its apologies” (Thomas Watson).

I sometimes think that since I have read enough over the years about contentment that surely I must be doing it. But then God opens my eyes to some discontent that has not only slipped into my heart and mind, but has positively set up shop there. Usually I have been listening to myself complain or worry about something, and the quickest way to be free of the discontent is to replace the complaints with gratitude.

A new difficulty or affliction or hardship takes us into new territory, opening up new possibilities for discontent, or giving us new opportunities to learn to be content.  You were doing just fine until…

A new family moved in next door and their dog is barking all hours….or they park their car in front of your house….or the kids are always in your yard….or…..

My friend has broken a confidence….or has never returned my phone call….or forgot my birthday….or….

I had to empty out my savings to pay my taxes….and now I can’t go on vacation ….or buy the new furniture I was wanting…or..

You get the idea. What seems to me to be something that I am perfectly right to be indignant about turns into a discontent that begins to fester until I am noticeably unhappy. Then when I go looking for the culprit, it’s actually not the neighbor or the friend or the taxes causing the problem but my very own heart. The happy news is that my heart can repent and be cleansed.  And this new cleansed heart is much more comfortable to live with.

 

A Little Post for Daughters

By Nancy Ann | Filed under Dear Girls

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Lots of space on this blog has been devoted to the subject of mothering , so I thought I would write a little something to the daughters, particularly daughters who are still living at home, who might be reading.

The problem of writing to daughters about their duties toward their mothers is that the mothers might read this and become critical or discontent. This article is not for the mothers to rub their daughters’ collective noses in. In other words, this is a word of encouragement to daughters, not a set up to stumble moms. Given that little word of caution, here are a few suggestions to daughters.

First of all, the obvious: Remember that your mother is a lot like you. Not only is she a woman, like you are, she is also a daughter. So take note of how she treats or speaks of or remembers her own mother.  Remember, it’s not just your mom speaking; it’s another daughter speaking to you about her mom. Sometimes we let position (mother, daughter) or age difference create distance between us. But the mother-daughter relationship is one of the closest, so we should do all we can to keep it healthy and strong.

Mom is your role model, so pay attention. What does she do well? Imitate her. Read More

Six Sisters Christmas Gifts

By Nancy Ann | Filed under Family Stuff

(Edited to include a coupon code!)

Our friend Michelle Bisesto and her sweet daughters have a lovely online business called Six Sisters Beadworks. Not only do they sell personalized jewelry for grandmas, mamas, and babies, but they have great ideas for gifts for every occasion, even including gifts for the bridal party. If you go to the Christmas page, you’ll see some sweet earrings for little girls as well. Happy shopping!

Enjoy 15% off your entire purchase with the following code: 
FEMINA15  
Good through Sunday December 4th; no minimum purchase required.

Another Give Away

By Nancy Ann | Filed under Book Plugs

Since you all were so eager for the last Christmas giveaway (congratulations, Melissa!) here’s another one, very literally hot off the press. This time it is for the older woman on your Christmas list. Leave a comment, and we’ll draw the winner on December 5!