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The other day I was at work. (Did you know I went back to nursing? I’m working as a floor nurse at our church’s nursing home.) They put me on a hall I had never been on. So a different med cart, different place to hang out and chart at the computer, different place for […]

For months I had been looking for a patio table. Finally, one popped up for sale. It wasn’t exactly what I wanted… but close enough. I got it home, unloaded from the truck, and I walked away.    I heard the glass top of the table shatter from inside the house. There was no wondering […]

I was reading about Jesus burial this morning and it hit me like it hasn’t hit me before.    There were threads from someone’s life woven into that story. Threads that had happened well before the day of Jesus’ death. Threads that wove together to create the story of His burial.    It’s just three […]

The news report struck my heart with fear. The post on facebook filled my heart with anger. The email saddened me. Texts in a texting group stirred me up. Even the mailbox held a postcard that caused anxious thoughts.    All around me the noise was so loud. So loud.    The words to a […]

One of the tricks satan uses on me is to convince me that my words don’t matter. He convinces me to stop writing.   It’s a hard lie to sift through because that lie is partly truth — my words may not matter to anyone else.   But.   I need them for me. I […]

  My heart goes out to all the new homeschoolers starting up this fall. Whether pandemic schooling, totally homeschooling, or a mixture between the two — my heart goes out to you.   Those of us who have been homeschooling for years, my heart goes out to you too. Even though our school hasn’t changed […]

I love reading Heather Holleman’s books. Everything she writes is vivid! (My favorite of her books is “Seated”) This brand new book, Sent is one that she wrote with her hubby, Ashley. My biggest take away is odd I’m sure, but it’s a question I plan to start asking those around me “What do you wish […]

On the podcast today I am chatting with Ruth Adams. Ruth shares five ways to leave a legacy for our children. * pointing them back to the Gospel * having a Word-Saturated home * using intentional discipleship * becoming a prayerful family * adding singing into the day Ruth shares tips for doing these things […]

It was lovely to do something “normal”. 💗 Some laughs were had. Some tears were shed. Lessons learned. Friendships born. It’s pretty amazing how strong the connection is when you all know Jesus. It can feel like we’ve known each other for years. Do you have a group that surrounds you and lifts you up? […]

    Do you feel confused right now? Me too! Here are three tips I’ve been trying to keep in mind We don’t have to understand. We don’t have to look the same. We need to love. Listen in! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-little-lessons/id1484351615?i=1000487434413

  Tuesday was the one year birthday of the Learning Little Lessons podcast!   Doing a podcast has been surprising to me.   I don’t listen to podcasts, I’d rather read. But editing a podcast is way more fun than grammar ever will be. 😂 I guess that shouldn’t have surprised me, but it did. […]

Some of my friends are rolling out things to help the new homeschooler. These people have helped me in many ways and I’m sure that you will find a gem or two in my list. First my friend Toni has a YouTube channel — she’s been doing mostly curriculum reviews and some diy tips. I […]

      A couple of years ago Sherri told me a story that breathed hope into my homeschool mom life. Today I get the extreme honor of letting you hear this same story! I’m so excited to have Sherri as a guest on the podcast today!  I think this episode will remind you that […]

JS Parks is an excellent story teller- and wow he has some fascinating stories to share!   These stories led me to lean in to someone else’s thoughts and experiences, yet really caused to listen a little closer to my own thoughts.   Many of the stories held voices quite relatable to the voices I […]

      Do you ever find yourself distracted by other people or by your own circumstances? In this NEW podcast episode I chat about Martha and something that stuck out to me in her story. I share a couple examples of when I was distracted. (Just think…I’ve only done it twice 😉ha!) I share […]

A while ago I was at a homeschool mom’s night out. A friend of mine had planned a craft for our group. She handed us each a blank canvas and some fancy markers. We were to choose a word, verse, or saying to put on our canvas. When everyone was finished I walked around the […]

  A NEW PODCAST EPISODE is live!   My friend Cheryl and I sat down last month and talked about homeschooling. Little did we know how many of you would be thinking about homeschooling. . . I think this episode is well timed. 😀 #Godknew   Listen in as Cheryl shares about her experiences as […]

    Dear extroverted children,   I love to be home. You know all those weeks that you hated being home? Those days you just longed to be with people? Ya. I know that longing feeling. But it’s opposite for me. I dread going places. Days and days of rushing here and there is so […]

A NEW PODCAST episode is up! Being in the right crowd is not just for kids, us women need to surround ourselves with groups that “get us”. Groups that point us to Jesus. Groups that carry us when we need carried. Go give this episode a listen. And then surround yourself with the right crowd. […]

  This bundle of goodness is Ending Today!! Every year the gals at Ultimate Bundles create the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle.   This year it includes 51 eBooks, eCourses, and printables designed to help you declutter and organize your home, meal plan and serve healthier meals, plus resources for parenting, strengthening your marriage, and much more. . […]

NEW PODCAST EPISODE is here! Join Rachel and I for part three of this series on BURNOUT. Today we are talking about REST. Emotional, relational, and spiritual rest. We chat about how to make a weekly Sabbath rest priority. Rachel retells the story of Elijah and what God did for him when he was burnout. […]

We’ve missed out on several things the last few months.   Events have been canceled.  Kids activities postponed.  Family vacations seem like this far off distant thing of the past.    Disappointments abound in plenty. Showers, weddings, trips, and parties. Spring sports for our kids, school, the last day for seniors, graduation ceremonies and parties… Even […]

Part Two of our series on BURNOUT is here!! In this episode Rachel and I talk about practical answers for dealing with with burnout. The list includes caffeine, diet, exercise, rhythms of rest, and herbs. Don’t expect a list of rules or list of things you use not do. Really, I think you will be […]

For many of us homeschool mamas, we are wrapping up the school year! If you’re like me, summer holds so many promises.  Promises of rest, no grading or lesson plans for three whole months, swim dates, park outings, and reading a book in the hammock.  Summer… moments of peace with nothing to do… Or is […]

    Rachel and I sit down to talk about BURNOUT. We discuss why burnout is a concern, and what it looks like. She shares how our body reacts to burnout and stress by increasing the cortisol levels to help us adapt.  Rachel points us things that we do that also inadvertly add to increased […]

Thanks SO much for sticking around here at Learning Little Lessons. If you’ve been here all five years… AWESOME!! Or just a few short months, thank you! I hope and pray that something of what I offer out to you is an encouragement in some small way. I wonder if you would do me a […]

This new podcast episode is a bit of musings about things I learned in the middle of the night as I dealt with a painful toe. Seems kind of silly to even write that, but go give it a listen. I think you will look at the body a little differently. I speak first to […]

Today marks 5 years since I started Learning Little Lessons.     You know, this is not where I thought I’d be.    I thought surely I’d be someone by now.  I thought surely I’d have a book published by now.  I thought surely I’d prove that I had value by now.    I thought it […]

  This week I am chatting with my friend, September McCarthy. September is a homeschool mom, author, and fellow introvert.   We are talking about the introverted mom life; boundaries and balance at home, in ministry, and social invitations. September gives introverts permission to make time to refuel in purposeful ways.   Fellow Introvert, You […]

  The other day I was watching one of my gals do her language worksheet.  She was finding the subject and verb. The sentence went something like this. . . “In art class, we made animal masks.”   That “In art class” part got a little distracting. It really has nothing to do with finding […]

If there was a lion in your back yard how would you do life? Would you change your back yard habits? I sure would! God’s Word says that satan is like a roaring lion. He is out to get you. On the podcast this week I share seven ways to fight satan.  I also read […]

Our garage has been bursting at the seams for a while. The previous owners had a ramp in place at the doorway to the house. It was handy. Handy when we moved in furniture, carried groceries in, and needed to run our quick for something in the freezer. The kids of course loved it to […]

What is really important? You know lots of people had tag lines for this year “the year of perfect vision” Imagine if God was out to give us perfect vision in 2020. Imagine if He was out to show us the things that really matter to us.     What would He do? Give us […]

Just a little reminder …  

NEW PODCAST EPISODE! My friend Hannah Nitz has been Christian for almost forever, but recently she found out there is so much more. She tells her story of how God wrecked her and took her to a place where she realized there is so much more to a relationship with God. She tells how she’s […]

Holy Hustle changed the way I view work and rest. It came during a very desperate time in my life, a season in which I was drowning in work. Crystal brought a breathe of fresh air with the message of balance found inside her book. I wonder if YOU need the message inside Holy Hustle? […]

The NEW PODCAST Episode is LIVE!   I sure enjoyed recording with author and speaker Crystal Stine! We chatted about her book Holy Hustle and that balance between work and rest. She shared about her new book Quieting the Shout of Should and the message inside it. (Whew! It’s an important topic!) Go listen to […]

The other day (pre-covid-19) I was running a quick errand. It was just a couple miles away, not a big deal. But it was winter. Like the dead of winter type cold out.    As I headed back toward home, I got to thinking about what I was wearing. Socks, no shoes, the light hoodie […]

We all have disappointments. Maybe even more today than we did at the start of 2020. We can’t stuff it all inside us, we can’t give satan an inch. Get the disappointments in the open, grieve them, that way you can move on. Move on and Worship!!   Listen on Anchor  OR  Apple Podcasts.

  Everyday Worship   True Worship is not just something that happens on Sunday or at church. (Which is a good thing COVID-19😂) True worship is not just something you do. It isn’t how you look. It isn’t the list you check off.   True worship is found through relationship with Jesus. True worship is […]

  I found myself looking out of a dirty window. Cleaning it did NOT change my view. But boy… it sure changed my perspective. Maybe you need a little perspective change with COVID-19. Listen in as I tell a couple stories from history that gave me a bit of perspective change.   Give it a […]

  Special Podcast episode that went live during our Online Sister Share Event.   Listen here — Trusting God — Anchor or Apple Podcasts

This is a special audio episode that went live during our Online Sister Share. It is a set of three different stories of how God showed up in the perfect timing. These stories are from Sue Weaver, Larisa Maibach, and Jill Welti.   Listen here. . . God’s Timing Is Perfect — Anchor or Apple Podcasts –

  Hey friend! I am so excited to tell you about this event!  It is sponsored by the Co-op we are apart of and any homeschool mom is invited!!   We plan to have supper together, speakers, games, door prizes, time to visit, a question panel… who knows what all we will come up with. […]

New Podcast Episode is LIVE!   Marriage is such a learning process. I don’t think I’ll ever have it all figured out. This episode I share five little things I’ve been learning. 1. Team. 2. Be a Student of your spouse. 3. Intimacy is glue. 4. Go to bed angry sometimes. 5. The enemy is […]

A New Podcast Episode is LIVE! Join me, as Kira and Kenzie from Alongside Them, chat about discipling our children. We talk about what discipling looks like, why it’s important, and how to go about doing it.   Go take a listen here: Apple Podcasts Or Anchor  

I will trust Your mercy is Greater than all of this And if I bend and if I break I’ll trust the hands that hold me are Greater than all my regrets You are greater than all my regrets You are Greater than all my regrets You are, You are Hallelujah, You are right here with […]

  In episode two of our series on Boundaries we talked about lots of practical things. In episode three Erica shares some advice she learned that helps us deal with these difficult people. We chat about what to do if you are struggling with the first steps of setting boundaries. We end the series by reminding […]

  One of my favorite parts of the year is coming up! I’m so excited to share the details  for this years Sister Share!   Check it out & Register to attend here!  👉🏻 Sister Share 2020   If you want to join the email list to get updates and reminders about this annual event […]

  Last week we chatted about trash dumping neighbors… this week Erica and I are putting some words to this analogy. We paint some pictures of what this looks like in real life. We add some feeling words to how it feels when our boundaries are violated. During the episode, Erica mentions the book Boundaries […]

It was an early morning, the day loomed in front of me. I had several things weighing on my heart. The feelings of anxiety were overwhelming. Relationship drama swirled around me. My heart hurt with the sting of rejection. I had a list of friends to pray for. Then there was the never ending mom-to-do […]

How do you love people that are a negative force in your life??  The answer to that question really begins with learning about boundaries. My friend, Erica Steffen and I sat down and chatted about Boundaries. We talk about the book by Dr Henry Cloud and John Townsend. We talk about how difficult people tend […]

      What have you been asking God? Have you really asked or are you whining? What do you actually want?   I chat about some lessons I’m learning about asking and knowing what I really want. And then, what am I really doing about it? Is my everyday life pointing to what is […]

Are you ever blown away when you see how God keeps pursuing you? This week a door slammed shut in my face. Podcasting became impossible. And as much as I have loved podcasting I knew (by the nature of how imposible things became) I had to stop and be still. I know that there was […]

Timing is everything. You’ve heard that right? OR there’s a season for everything. It’s an old saying that we maybe even roll our eyes at. Picture it with me; We love flannel sheets. When we first “splurged” and got a set we LOVED it. It was winter, they were soft. They were amazing. Just what […]

Isabel Tom came on the show to talk about one of her great passions, the elderly. Isabel is the author of the soon to be released book “The Value of Wrinkles” During the show we chat about all things elderly; their value, the lessons we can learn by watching them, why it’s important to lean […]

This week on the podcast I’m chatting about an idea my friend Becky thought of. It’s about Soul Care; a 30 day focus on Health, Happiness, and Heaven. I think this idea is something that could really work for you!  It sure has helped me. Listen to the podcast episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or […]

Do you take time to look back at last year and compare how you thought it would turn out with how it really did?   It is interesting to see where I thought I would be… how I thought 2019 would look. God had different plans for me. Looking back I can see how bad […]

    Have you thought about the women found in the Christmas Story? In this episode, of the LearningLittleLessons Podcast,  I chat about these seven women.  I share what lesson stuck out to me most in each story. I also share three ways that you and I are called to be a part of the […]

    Last week was a rough one. This episode is an honest chat about some mistakes I made and what I learned.  A lesson in hoping in the Lord.   You can listen on ApplePodcasts, Spotify, or Anchor.  

NEW PODCAST EPISODE IS LIVE! Last week we were chatting about making new brain pathways… this week I wanted to show you what this has looked like in the past for me. Practically. Picture a stack of sticky notes. Putting Truth in our brain in a very intentional, almost elementary way.   You can listen […]

  I hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving!   Here’s a little something I learned this year… read the Instagram Post here.   I’m also remembering a blog post I wrote a few thanksgivings ago… it is still something to be thankful for. You can read it  here

NEW PODCAST EPISODE IS LIVE!   It’s thanksgiving. We are thinking about everything we are thankful for. We are talking about it with our kids. We are making our lists.  We all know we should be thankful all year. We’ve heard it.    Yet can we talk about the opposite? Can we talk a moment […]

I’ve been staring at some big stuff lately. Big dreams, big goals, insurmountable tasks. Looking at that for too long leaves me feeling very needy.   Then I opened up my Bible and James was writing and he said “You do not have because you do not ask God.” My first reaction was … “God, […]

  Have you heard of the ACTS prayer method? . . . I’m excited to have Darcy @HelloJesusCo join me on the podcast again! This week we are chatting about the ACTS method of prayer. We talk about how Nehemiah prayed this method. {or maybe that was just me taking over and talking about Nehemiah… […]

  This is a good question to ask myself… Who am I aiming to please? . . Often when I’m filled with fear, it’s because I’m afraid of what someone else is going to think of me. . . . Am I living for people? Nope. Is my goal to gain their approval? Nope. . […]

  This week my friend Darcy and I sat down to chat about prayer journaling. We chat about how reading Psalms is peeking into someone’s prayer journal, why she started prayer journaling, 5 benefits she’s found by keeping a prayer journal. You can listen to the episode here : on Anchor   or Apple Podcasts Be sure […]

Why did God make moms? Why did He place us in families? Why did He give us little kids that we could influence… and maybe even hurt or ruin??   It’s pretty risky really!  Put a gal with hormones in a house with a group of little people that ask a lot of questions. Surround […]

  This is the last of the four part series on “When Motherhood Feels Like a Wilderness”  We are chatting about why Moses would do a thing like leading 4.5 million grumbling kids through a wilderness… (contrary to possible belief, it was NOT so his instagram post would go viral)   We have a choice, […]

Satan is out to ruin mamas. Any way possible.   One way he tries to ruin mamas is to make them feel like what they are doing is a waste of time.   And it works. At least it did for me. Till I found out his plan.     I want to be a world […]

  NEW PODCAST EPISODE is live! As Moses led 4.5 people through the wilderness. I wonder how often he asked himself; What’s the point of all this work I’m doing? . . . . As a mom, I hate to admit it but I used to  often wonder the same thing… What’s the point of […]

Motherhood is hard!  Motherhood broke me.   It screamed I couldn’t do it on my own. It yelled that I was failing. It broke me to my knees. I was squeezed. And as my sister in law says over and over… when you are squeezed you find out what is really inside you.   The first […]

Have you ever found yourself some where you never thought you’d be? Found yourself doing something you didn’t ever dream of … or never wanted to do. Perhaps it’s you wanted children and didn’t get them, perhaps it’s a job you didnt want and you have it now, maybe a marriage that didn’t turn out […]

    There has to be more to it than this.    I drag myself out of bed, turn on auto pilot. go about the motions. Over and over again. The same things. The dishes, the meals the laundry. Same ole thing over and over. Nothing changes. I’m always bossing the kids around. Reminding them […]

Part one of the new four week podcast series, titled “When Motherhood Feels Like a Wilderness” is up!!!  Go take a listen. It’s a short intro to the whole series. Listen Here >>> And I’d LOVE to know… can you relate?

  The wilderness is a blessing meant to help us see God more fully and completely, to help us love Him more wholeheartedly, and to show us the importance of committing to Him above all else.” Priscilla Shirer   People in the wilderness. Israelites. 40years. Elijah by the brook.Though he had been perfectly faithful. David, […]

    My friend Kara, joined me this week and we chatted about Wilderness Seasons. Wilderness seasons can be tough.  You know, those seasons that God says stay… and really all you want to do is run. Kara’s been through a wilderness season or two. She shares her heart about these seasons here. Please make […]

I was recently driving on a road I don’t normally travel. It was late at night. The moon was full but the road was still dark. It was a road with many curves. It was a road that often had Amish buggies, bikers, and people walking. I was sitting on the edge of my seat […]

  Do ever have times when it’s hard to make a decision?   When it starts going rough do you ever start questioning a decision you just made?   Today’s podcast we are chatting about those decisions. I’m sharing four things I’ve been learning about making decisions. These four things have sure helped lesson the […]

  The deep sadness overwhelmed my heart. “God, why, oh why?” I whispered. That sharp pain was back again. The wound that I thought had healed had reopened; bleeding like when it was first made.

Years ago, I had dealt with this wound. I thought it was healed, but sometimes this deep hurt surprises me. It […]

The new Learning Little Lessons Podcast is live — find it here!     Last week on the podcast we talked about a little lesson I learned when I was unhappy with my bathroom scale. This week, is part two of that discussion. When we really know… who we are what are gifts/talents are where/who […]

Introverted Mom — Jamie C Martin Wow! Jamie nailed my personality in this book! {Maybe you feel a bit introverted, yourself? Read this book!} This book put into words what I couldn’t put my finger on. It was extremely eye opening. . . Yet, just because I might tend towards introverted… doesn’t give me a […]

My bathroom scale and I are not getting along . . . But while fighting it I learned a little lesson. A lesson about the other “scales” I sometimes step on. You know, those places I try to measure my value and worth against. Stepping on those scales, I don’t always feel great about myself. Because […]

I started a job last week. On average I’ll clock about 30 hours a week. • • I used to wonder why nothing else in the house got done when I was homeschooling. This year, I’m accepting it as a real job. Treating myself with grace when other things don’t get finished. (Like supper. Maybe […]

I’m a private person. {INFJ personality} I’d rather talk about you, then to share what’s going on inside my heart. Yet somedays God pushes me out of that comfort zone and says share. That’s today. • • • So here’s a little about my story {don’t worry, it’s the short version 😃}

Have you got to the end of summer and realized you have some regrets? {me too} Satan’s out to use all that he can against you; including your regrets. In Monday’s podcast episode, we chat about regrets and the three categories they fall into. Today I have a little journaling activity, that will equip you to work […]

For a lot of people this week marks the beginning of school… the end of summer. Sniff sniff! Today LearningLittleLessons Podcast Episode 3 is live. We are talking about end of the summer regrets. And how Paul sent a letter that he kinda-sorta-but-not-really-regretted. Give it a listen below!

Simon had worked hard ALL night and had not caught a single fish. Now Jesus asked Him to do something he knew— in his fisherman’s brain — was clearly impossible. . . Throw in the net one more time. Simon said “Master we have worked all night and haven’t caught a anything”   Have you […]

I’ve been thinking about doing that stuff right in front of me. Then I stumbled upon Luke 5. It’s the story of Simon(Peter) washing nets. Just washing a net. What a life. {Kinda reminds of myself leaning over the sink washing dishes. } Today on the podcast episode I unpack this story and the four […]

There were a lot of people in the Bible with big dreams, Abraham, Hannah and Elizabeth dreamed of having a son. King David dreamed of building a temple for God. The Israelites dreamed of reaching the promised land. The disciples dreamed of Jesus’ second return.   Some of their dreams came true, some of them […]

Is there a big dream you’ve been staring at? Do you ever zone in on that dream … and nearly end up missing the little joys right in front of you?     In today’s episode I talk about a big dream of mine and the lesson I learned about the best way to prepare for […]

It was a perfect night for softball. A pleasant evening, the sun peaking thru the clouds, not too hot.  The team was doing great. Well. For them. And we clapped for them. Each of those seemingly routine plays. The “easy grounder and throw to first base” type things. Each strikeout, actually, more honestly each strike […]

The other day I was driving by myself. Kinda one of those relaxing, on auto pilot type drives. At a stop sign I stopped, checked, and then drove through the intersection. A little ways beyond the intersection I happened to glance in my rear view mirrior. I saw one of those HUGE white vans go […]

I recently found the journaling I did on the first day of 2019. The worries, the concerns, but also the excitement of possibilities that were on the horizon. I read the prayer I had written on that day. I had prayed that I would see Jesus in 2019. I prayed that in quiet places He […]

  Is there a spot wish you could keep hidden, because it’s so full of stuff you don’t know what to do with? Maybe it’s a particular closet, cupboard or drawer, a guest room or corner of your basement? Have you ever wished you could finally tackle that space in your house that’s seemed so […]

Is learning feeling a bit drab as we reach the end of the school year? (And come out of this LONG winter?) If you are anything like me, sneaky learning becomes a necessity when the sun is out and the warmth is calling. The kids are SO ready to get outside this spring. I completly […]

Who of us really loves to jump up out of a warm cozy bed? The window is still dark with that grey morning light, the floor is cold. Not only that but we know what awaits us; work. Maybe its the dishes left in the sink from last night, perhaps its packing a quick lunch […]

I was really empty. My kids were even emptier. I just wanted to veg out. I had just put in a good couple hours of trying to get work done on the women’s ministry God had called me to…I was ready for a good mind break. But alas… that’s about when the girls would wake […]

I’m feeling stressed. I feel like pulling out my hair. Feeling drained, tired and empty, with nothing left to give. You get the picture right?  My kids are whiney, fighting, crying, emotional, needy… Then I fall apart even more. I just want to hide in my room and eat chocolate.  Then they start fighting. I […]

I poured out to my kids and husband all day, every day. Each night I would wearily fall into bed.   I would rush to church ready to be encouraged and looking for the strength to keep going. I would leave church feeling emptier than I was when I got there.   I thought it was […]

A dear friend of mine lost her mom yesterday. Her story is not mine to tell. But watching her life the last few years I am filled with the question. . . Is God still good? Is God still good when our hearts are breaking? When the sorrow is too much for us to bear? […]

Jesus was on a trip and had an important meeting with an empty, desperate Girl. Empty, because she must not have been able to find what she had been looking for years. What what she looking for? The perfect guy? Her happily ever after story? Not sure. She sure showed some signs that she was […]

I’m excited to share an ebook I’ve written!   The Empty Girl was focused on all the wrong things: the outside circumstances surrounding her that she didn’t understand the impossibilities staring her in the face those things she thought would bring her ‘happily ever after’ the questions she had about what a Christian really looks like the empty longing in her heart Jesus met her by the […]

Why didn’t I see this pattern so long ago? I’ve always been an empty girl.   As a child I longed for someone to see me. Someone to hear me. As a teen I longed for someone to just know what I was thinking. If just one person would know everything about me. And I […]

Last week started first Official Hello Jesus  Study – Rooted. It marked the first official week of me not being the GIGW girl and it feels just right! The first few weeks were a little adjusting to. What to do with all my free time!? To be honest I wondered if I had a purpose anymore. […]

Our world cannot exist without water; yet, those of us blessed to live in prosperous nations give this life-giving liquid little heed. We go about our day, too busy to stop and appreciate something so “insignificant” as water.  We use water for bathing, cooking, cleaning, and laundry. We water the animals, water the plants, and […]

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.                                     Isaiah 41:13   We live on a backcountry road in Smalltown, America. While our road isn’t dirt, it is definitely a quiet road to live on […]

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.   I am a very visual person. In my head when I hear certain things, I have mental images that pop up in my brain. This doesn’t happen for everything, but it does for a lot […]

The story, in Luke 10, is so eye-opening for me. There are so many aspects of it. Jesus sends out his disciples, TWO by TWO. No one had to go alone. The harvest is plentiful. Laborers are few. He sent them as lambs among the wolves. He said, “Don’t take a bunch of stuff with […]

  Have you ever stopped to think about how truly amazing our human bodies are? God created our bodies to be so intricately designed, didn’t He? All of our body parts and body systems function so well together, and we never have to consciously think about any of it! Can you imagine what life would […]

“If it is possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18 I was 13, and I all I wanted was make one girl in my class be my friend. I was 17, and I was frustrated with a person who I had found it challenging to live peaceably with. […]

  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:15 One of the best parts of being a Jesus follower is the community. Community is such a marvelous treasure that God has gifted us! God tells us to “not forsake the assembling of ourselves” (Hebrews 10:25) and when we do […]

    I LOVE Books!! You know that, right? Well, once a year there is this Book-Lovers-Dream-Package that comes up for sale. It is only for sale for a few days. This year it is over on Monday. Like in 2 days. After that it is gone!   It is filled with all things Homemaking— […]

I am terrified. I’m not even for sure what exactly I’m afraid of. Just this fear comes over me. Fear of not being perfect. Fear of turning someone away. Fear of not doing it right. Fear of failure, fear of success. Fear of someone seeing thru the screen into my house and realizing how big […]

Last Friday I got really down. I had had a huge week and hadn’t taken anytime to take care of myself, physically or mentally. I got through the week just getting the neccesities done. For.everyone. Else. Putting everyone else before me. When inside I was crying out for help. Friday Satan arrived. He began planting […]

This week on GIGW we are digging into the suffering Paul went thru. Today we are reading 2 TImothy 3:12.   In America, there is persecution in the headlines, bakers standing up for their convictions of not baking for certain couples. Huge companies going to court because they do not want to be involved in […]

Have you ever suffered from a broken bone or sprained ankle? How about a deep gash from a knife that makes a finger tender and sore for days after the incident? Think about the discomfort that one lousy blister can cause an unprotected heel. A severe burn from the oven will be remembered long after […]

There is a saying out there that good bloggers follow rules. The rules say doing it right is posting new content on a set schedule. They say doing it right is having a word count between 500-800.  The rules say doing it right is posting on Facebook four times a day. And Instagram twice a […]

We have a lot of sisters at our house. Four to be exact. And that is just the right amount to produce a lot of fun sister activity. Unfortunately, it also produces a lot of not-so-fun sister activities; fighting, tattling, bossing, comparing, complaining, telling someone how to do it the ‘right way’…my list could go […]

Contentment. It is not an easy state to stay in. We are not content about our food; wrong brand of milk.  Wrong flavor of chips. We are not content about the weather; too windy, cold, or hot. Our house is too little, too cluttery, or too dirty. Our kids are too loud, don’t listen and […]

2017 was tough! Hard physical battles, hard emotional battles. It felt like Satan was attacking relentlessly, from all sides.   I’ve been so fearful of the new year.  Worried that 2018 would be more of the same. I am weary. Weary of fighting all these inner battles with Satan. So worried that I will not […]

2018 is here. I know I’m not the only one that is glad to see 2017 go. There seemed to be a lot of tough stuff for many of us held in this past year. A LOT. I sometimes wish it was different. Wish that last year wasn’t so tough. Yet, I’m a different person […]

Every day we notice all the little things our people do. We encourage our spouses. We cheer for our little people. Every day we hope that what we do has deep and lasting meaning to those we love.  We notice. We clap. We cheer.  Yet as moms, what about us? Do we still need a […]

Do you know how to be sure you are watching and ready for the coming of Christ? KNOW HIM Do you know how to be sure you are watching and ready for when His Spirit speaks to you? KNOW HIM We have to KNOW HIM, really truly know His mind!  Friends, not just know OF […]

We each have something to be thankful for.  So, let’s do it. Stop and give yourself a moment to be thankful.  List a couple things. I’m sure at the top of your list is your Salvation.  I’m sure it’s one of the biggest things we remember to be thankful for.  God sending His Son, Jesus […]

How willing are you to serve others?  If we are someone that thrives on words of affirmation, this ‘willing to serve’ thing can go pretty easy. Every time someone asks us to do something, we can eagerly say yes. Then bask in the many words of affirmation that naturally come. It can become a very […]

I had gone thru many of the steps of forgiveness. And just still couldn’t let go. Just still couldn’t find closure to the matter. I had always heard you must forgive or you won’t be forgiven. But it just didn’t resonate with me. It was just all too vague or something. It didn’t tug at my […]

Being fully present is sometimes just really hard. I mean, who really wants to pay attention to four kids who are screaming, giggling, laughing, singing and making noise so loud, that you can’t even think? Who really wants to be fully present in a very hard marriage when you’d rather just hide inside yourself? Who […]

We know we need to forgive. We know our physical, emotional, and especially our Spiritual health depends on forgiving. Yet, how do we begin down the path towards forgiveness and freedom? You can find many different lists, many different places. Here’s my version 🙂 Realize it: In order to forgive we must first realize we […]

Our theme for our Simply Being Series is “Be Content and Trust”.  I have to say this week was hard to write about. It’s not hard because I can’t think of what to say. But rather, I have too many things whirling around in my head. All rushing to get out to the paper. It would […]

{This article is the second in a four-part series about some things I’ve learned through my journey of forgiveness. Read the first article here}  Last article we talked about recognizing unforgiveness. You may be asking yourself; what is the big deal about unforgiveness? Why is forgiving so important? First, let’s look at a primary medical […]

Simply Being…. Being. Existing. Being present. Being fully alive. This week, at GirlsInGodsWord, we are focusing on being still and listening. The best person I have in mind of someone be still and listening. Mary. Sitting at the feet of Jesus. Just soaking it up. Soaking it all in.  I had a recent discussion with […]

I was very excited when I saw this month’s topic: God’s Provision. My husband and I have been on a journey of learning about God’s provision in a whole new way. This year has been one of ‘those’ years. One in which we have sure questioned God’s Provision. One in which we have wondered what […]

 I’ve been wrestling in my mind. Wrestling over what what step to take next. There is a fog that I can’t seem to get past, or see thru. It covers God’s voice sometimes. Leaving me feeling so alone. And Fear. Yes, so much fear. I’m realizing alot of this wrestling in my mind, seems to […]

 Seriously I love book launches 🙂 This book launch was going to be on the topic of motherhood. I’ve read ALOT of motherhood books.  I was sure this new book would be good, but I was not expecting it to be quite this good! Nor did I expect it to speak to me right when […]

We would love to invite any homeschoolers to a Back to Homeschool Family Night! Please follow the link below for more details and to register 🙂 https://learninglittlelessons.com/events/back-homeschool-family-night

  When I am afraid I will trust in You… Let’s be honest here. Sometimes life is just scary. Sometimes even big people get afraid. Yes truly. We are in that spot. Right now. Of being afraid. Maybe I should just speak for myself.  I am afraid. Two rather important things we used to have […]

You’re not the only one who feels like this Feelin’ like you lose more than you win Like life is just an endless hill you climb You try and try, but never arrive I’m tellin’ you somethin’ This racing, this running Oh, you’re working way too hard! And this perfection you’re chasing Is just energy […]

During my morning quiet time recently, I read this in my devotional: “The way to walk thru demanding days is to grip my hand tightly and stay in close communication with me. Let your thoughts and spoken words be richly flavored with trust and thankfulness. Regardless of the day’s problems, and I will keep you […]

Do you ever feel like you are nothing great?  Do you ever feel like the little you do for the world is not helping anyone? I mean really, that laundry, those cookies, the dishes, the dust, the mud. . .  Those things, everyday messes.  Our everyday messes are not witnessing to the lost in Africa, […]

  Do you ever wonder which direction to go?  Which turn to make?  Which decision to make?  Me too!  Recently this song stuck out to me… what a perfect prayer and praise for these very moments.    “Help Me Find It” by  SIDEWALK PROPHETS I don’t know where to go from here It all used […]

Hi Friends!  Summer is here! And with it… bored kids, grouchy moments and no routine! 😮 Oh! I mean hot days, cool pools and popsicles. lol I thought it’d be fun to share some of my favorite summer tips!  From some of my favorite blogs, of course 😉   One of my very favorites is […]

Do not resist or run from the difficulties in your life.  These problems are not random mistakes; they are hand-tailored blessings designed for your benefit and growth.  Embrace all the circumstances that I allow in your life, trusting Me to bring good out of them.  View problems as opportunities to rely more fully on Me. […]

Humility. The topic of practicing humility has been on my heart for a year. Maybe more. What does it look like to be humble? I used to think it meant to be a farmer. Really, I did. No joke. I know that is very wrong. A farmer can be a very proud person. Just as any […]

YES!!  This is true my friends!   So tell me, how do you be sure your cup is filled so you can give to your people? This week, let’s take 5 minutes each day, to do something that fills us up… read the Bible, pray, read a book, paint, sew… write… something!! Be sure to […]

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 14:1 This verse has been on my mind lately. The wise woman builds up her house. Yeah, that makes sense… we build up the moral, the spirits, the atmosphere, and the joy. We also build up the physical things, […]

Big News!!  Using exactly 100 words let me tell you:: This post marks 100 articles on LearningLittleLessons! WOW!  It’s hard to believe. In case you weren’t around at the beginning… Here’s a peak at my first post: https://learninglittlelessons.com/2015/06/the-beginning-of-learning-little-lessons.html Two years have passed and lots has changed. Yet nothing has. I’m still doing this scared. Yep. […]

Do you ever find yourself doubting?  Do you ever find yourself asking if God is with you? Do you ever just want proof?  Just want to be told again that yes, Jesus is the Christ and He is with you? So did people in the Bible. Have you read Matthew 11?  This account is such […]

Hey Friends, I have really been enjoying looking through the 2017 Ultimate Homemaking Bundle.  Each year I think, ‘How can it get any better?’ and I also think maybe I won’t buy a copy this year… but I caved!  They have so many fun things in it this year; I couldn’t help but buy a […]

This Bundle. Is so much fun every year!  Again this year it did not disappoint! I have a post planned on Monday to tell you about my favorite books in this bundle! Yet as I woke up today and saw at least 14 plus emails from other people telling me the bundle was on sale… […]

Do you ever look out the window of your house and see the UPS truck headed down your street? Do you automatically scroll through your mind of the last online purchases you’ve made?  Trying to figure out what he is bringing to you today. If you’re like me, there are times when I’m waiting for […]

  Sometimes it is easy for me to look around and be discouraged.  To wonder if God is really at work around me.  Easy for me to wonder if God is going to really fix something or really bring the miracle we need for a certain situation. Recently as I was looking at the situation […]

Do you ever feel like you wish you knew what your gifts, talents, and purpose in life was?  Ever wonder what using those gifts right now was supposed to look like?   Or perhaps you are a busy mom and already have the “purpose” in life… Maybe you feel like washing dishes just isn’t your […]

I’ve always wanted to be a runner.  To have that feeling of the ground moving easily and swiftly below me. I see amazing people while I’m driving around.  Maybe you are one of them.  The ones that breathlessly pass me up while I sit waiting for the light to change.  Ya, one of those runners.  […]

Do you ever look at the mountain in front of you and say… “It’s too much, Lord! I can’t do this! This is just too hard!” Me, too! What do we do with these mountains that are too big for us to climb? How do we find strength to take that first step? Are we […]

Last year after prayer and time spent alone with God – I came up with the following goals… Post from the blog last January “. . .  I would like to share some of my goals for the blog with you.  When I get past this setting up and learning my way around the new […]

Dear Blog, I have missed you! I think about you often and wish I had time to post things on you. I have written several things but just haven’t had time to make the edits and make the pictures for you. I have been busy… Don’t be jealous but your sister, GirlsinGod’sWord.com has taken a […]

Years and years ago, I was a night shift nurse… And one night during my walk into the nursing home where I worked, I distinctly remember praying a prayer.  It went something like this, “Lord, show me what it means to be like you.” I don’t remember if I thought of that prayer again until […]

My husband and I are planning to go on a trip in February.  For months we have been looking at the end result, the date when the trip starts; yet we can’t get to that place without a process.  For this trip the process includes booking flights, planning a hotel stay, lining up a babysitter, […]

Do you ever look at your situation and wonder, “God where are you?” Do you ever look around and think, “When are you coming to save the day?”  or “God, when is my miracle going to come?” Me too!  There are some tough things happening around us… satan seems to be getting the upper hand […]

The other day – I realized my stapler was out of staples, not a big deal, but I’m rather lazy at times, and the staples were down in the basement.  I had just came from the basement, printing something for a friend…  So I was bummed.  I opened it up, ready to head back down […]

  Jealousy. There is no denying it. I was feeling jealous. Once again, I was in a conversation that started something like this … “Oh did you hear that Mark and Brenda are moving to plant a small church?” However this type of conversation starts, it always goes down the same path. Comments like, “God […]

Last week, I found myself holding my 7 year old and helping her thru the life struggle of having no snow at Christmas.  The conversation went something like this…    her: wail…sniff sniff… me: Sweetheart, what is the matter? her: sniff sniff… the weather report says no snow on Christmas, look it’s right here on […]

The life of a mom is hard, busy, and sleepless. The life of a mom is not her own.   This Christmas finds mom’s everywhere, planning, shopping, wrapping, baking, cooking, cleaning. . . the to-do list goes on forever.  After Christmas will find moms everywhere, cleaning again, doing dishes, and taking out the trash.   […]

If I told you my story You would hear Hope that wouldn’t let go And if I told you my story You would hear Love that never gave up And if I told you my story You would hear Life, but it wasn’t mine Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him […]

This is one of those things.  One of those things that I never would have dreamed up- let alone have imagined being involved in.  And it was amazing. Simply amazing. It was 2 months ago.  A group of girls got together for worship and encouragement.  You know one of those Titus 2 moments; where the older teach […]

 — written by my friend Marsha — I pray it encourages you today!  Don’t listen to satan, he is a liar!   Satan tells me that I am all alone. The Bible promises me that God is my refuge and help in trouble.  He will not leave me.   Satan tells me that I am […]

Sometimes holidays are hard.  They just are.  There are people involved, and relationships are often rekindled.  This can be good; yet this can also bring up past memories and past hurts.  Sound familiar?  Do you ever go into a holiday time with a fear or anxiousness?  I do. Most years I am just afraid. Afraid […]

Girls, We have a winner! Diane, from Smithville, Ohio won the grand prize and she choose a massage. Merry Christmas Diane and enjoy! Holly, from Latty, Ohio won the Starbucks gift card!  Enjoy, Holly!!   Thank you each for entering and for the great ideas and comments on the site! You didn’t win, but I’d […]

  As a busy mom, a busy woman, what is on your Wishlist this Christmas? A House Cleaning … Babysitter… Or Massage?   I would love to make your Christmas easier by giving you your choice ONE of these! The runner-up receives a $15 Starbucks Gift Card!   Here is how to enter: Simply leave […]

This year I am thankful for ‘The Hard’.       ‘The Hard’ pushed me the point of brokenness. ‘The Hard’ made me realize I needed Christ.   ‘The Hard’ made me work. ‘The Hard’ made me soul search. ‘The Hard’ opened my eyes to the bitterness I had in my heart.  The hatred I […]

They grow up so fast. They do. Maybe I’m sentimental, because my baby just turned three.  Maybe it’s because my oldest is turning 10.  (Really I’m getting so old!) Maybe it was the video our Health Sharing Ministry (Samaritan Ministries) released for members to watch.  However this topic came to my heart… the truth is […]

There are alot of storms right now.   The election results and all the craziness that has brought is a big one on many of our hearts.  The media tells us of the loss of John from The Piano Guys’ 21 year old daughter.   Our neighbors, friends and family all have personal things they […]

I am so excited to have friend here on the blog today. This article is written by Darcy and I just know you are going to enjoy it!!  🙂    I am a very goal oriented, driven, type A person. Lists are right up my alley. As are doing the right things, making the right […]

The other day the girls were watching a large group birds.  They had stopped to eat in our yard before continuing the next lag of their migrating. As we stood there watching them flying about and eating, I asked the girls if they could count how many there were.  “No, certainly not!” was their answer.  […]

Do you ever look around you and realize you have NO control? The other day I was looking at my almost 3 year old in awe.  I didn’t have any control over her hair color, hair length (or lack of hair length), her eye color, or their shape.  Nothing.  Nothing from her head to her […]

“Your worth is in Christ alone.” This is the first thing I heard in my “happy place” this spring.  Wow.  It sums up my life struggle right now. We all want worth, right?  We all want to be valued.  The truth is we try to measure our worth in so many different places.    What do […]

((This is Part 3 of a 4 part series on strengthening our relationship with God-  Read the 1st article here and the 2nd article here)) We’ve talked about why quiet time is so important and why we need it.  Today we are going to get really practical with some tips that you can use in […]

Yay!  Mom Conference is here tomorrow!!  Are you signed up?  If not click here for more information.

  This Mom conference is amazing!  Not only is it amazing, but it is also free!!  And you can stay home to listen to the whole thing!   I’ve been listening in for the last 3 years.  It is very encouraging!  Some of my favorite speakers are:               Those […]

Our Fall Reading Plan Starts today!  Join us over at Girls In God’s Word for all the reading plans and resources!  

Do you ever get worn? Ever feel like a pair of worn jeans?  Jeans get worn just by doing the right thing. Just by being used and being worn all day, every day.  Getting washed at just the right times. Their job is an important one.  They protect our bodies from the elements, take the […]

So, some of you know my girls LOVE to bake!  They recently have been begging and begging to have a bake sale.  So this momma gave in and let them plan a bake sale.  We had several discussions about what to do with the proceeds from the sale, and nothing really made sense.  Then we […]

I recently wrote and launched my first book.  “But the Fruit of the Spirit is…” It is designed to be a practical and simple add on reader for the Fruit of the Spirit study.  It goes thru each of the Fruits giving answers directly from the Bible to answer the following questions: Who are some […]

I’m very excited our next reading plan over at Girls In God’s Word starts Monday!  We are doing the Fruit of the Spirit! The reading plan is ready and we have some surprises this time!!   First surprise is a Junior version of the Journal Pages, featuring the verse already written in and fill in […]

This post is going to look familiar- yet different.   It is the second article in a series of four.  You can read the first one by clicking here. In the last article, I left you with a need and no solutions.  Really, I left you in the middle of an article. I spoke about […]

I saw a tree today.  It was such an odd looking tree, yet looking at it, I learned a little lesson. As I drove toward this strange tree, it looked like it was split in half.  Looking closer I saw it was near an electric line. It looked like someone had been trimming back this tree […]

I am surprised every time it happens, yet it happens often.  I find little lessons hidden in the middle of children books.  Sometimes they are even dull looking books. And it surprises me, every time. Today the book was “Buzzy the Bumblebee”.*    Little Buzzy was a smart Bee and he could read.  One day […]

Do you have a ‘happy place’? A place where you feel at rest.  A place that you feel at home.  A place that you feel God’s still small voice? Hopefully we each have a couple places like that.  Hopefully somewhere in your house you have a place of retreat you can go meet God and […]

So Mother’s Day is over.  Are you still suffering a week later with the Mother’s Day Blues? Sometimes Mother’s Day is hard; harder than what we may want to admit. Hard because we lost our mom years ago. Hard because we were not able to ever become a mom Hard because we wish our relationship […]

    How do we, as women, measure success?  How do we know if we are successful?   In the professional world, we might measure success by raises and promotions. In the writing world its writing contracts and number of best sellers in print. In the direct selling world it would be personal sales goals […]

Well, I missed a post this week. I need to be honest with you; with the new study on my Sister-site, Girls in Gods Word starting next Monday, an article due to the publisher tomorrow, a toddler that stopped taking naps, a wedding this past weekend…. ummm, I’ve been a little busy. However, I hope to […]

We have a winner!! It is Marsha, from Orrville, Ohio! Congrats, Marsha!  I hope ‘The Best Yes’ is a blessing to you!!   And people, just know if Marsha starts saying “No” we will know the book has worked lol 😉   ——————————****—————————— I have more exciting news!   Our second study, over at Girls […]

Today is the last day for the Lysa TerKeurst book Giveaway! At midnight tonight it goes away! If you haven’t signed up you this is your last chance! 🙂 The winner will be announced on Friday!   The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands In The Best Yes, let Lysa TerKeurst […]

I have another give away for you today!  Lysa TerKeurst; she is seriously one of my most favorites!  She is an wonderful author and great speaker!!  She is an inspiration to me! This past February I got to meet her in person!  Yes, it’s a bad picture, but it is proof it really did happen! 🙂 I […]

There are so many aspects to this story, so many things.  So let’s jump right back in.  If you missed my last post, you can find it here. Lets start again in Acts verse 25: And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there […]

Does the place in life right now feel like you are in prison? You are stuck. No place to go? No hope for you? You don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel? Read this with me; starting at Acts 16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain […]