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Stories, tips, guidance, and inspiration for single moms
The Arise Blog
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Finding Enjoyment In The Beautiful Mundane
My name is Kelly and I suffer from “always-need-to-be-on-the-move”- itis. In laymen’s terms… I don’t sit well. I never really have.
20 Christmas Commandments For A Single Mom
I WILL:
1. I will ask Santa for a vacation to the Bahamas…ALONE… and a nanny back home to take care of the kids and laundry.
Faithful Mary
Her future was decided. She was a young woman pledged to be married and preparing for the engagement time to be complete so she could begin her own family. Then her world was turned upside down with a few simple words.
Finding the Light Of Christmas
Finding the light of Christmas can be such a challenge for single moms. We work hard to make beautiful Christmas memories for our children. We pour ourselves into making that happen, which can often make us feel exhausted and weary.
Why Be Thankful?
This has been a special year for Arise Single Moms as we’ve celebrated our 20 anniversary. We’ve highlighted this momentous marker by writing various blogs called “20 Things.” This month’s is one of my favorites.
Reflections From An Old Anniversary
An upcoming wedding anniversary is another one of those pesky things in the life of a single mom that makes its way around whether we want it to or not. A date that just sort of causes a stir in your spirit.
20 Parenting Secrets Every Single Mom Should Know
In case you haven’t realized it, parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world. No matter how many parenting books there are, there’s not a “one-size-fits-all” parenting manual. If our parents would have been perfect, then maybe that would help us. But there has not been a perfect parent from the beginning of time—except our heavenly parent, God our Father. So the good news is, our “perfect parent” will help.
What Do You See?
As I looked ahead at the long stretch of road in front of me, my eyes focused on what looked to be an approaching tornado! I gasped and clinched the steering wheel.
Whack-A-Mole
I loved going to the fair or carnivals as a child. Living in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the big event was Rooster Days each May. All the fun and festivities a girl and her friends could want. Of course, whether at the fair or strolling Main St in my hometown, we couldn’t resist the lure of the arcade games. One in particular fascinated me. As a softball and basketball player, I loved anything that required eye-hand coordination or speed and skill. So, I would always wander to the Whack-A-Mole game.
Broken Petals
A few days ago I went outside and took care of my favorite rose bush. It was full of yellow roses. It was given to me after my daughter Kari passed away. I find myself taking gentle care of it. I took a picture of it, full of roses, hope, and beauty.
We Are Precious In His Sight
I often find myself watching my son or daughter doing something adorable and think, “You are the most precious thing in the world. How can you be so precious?” Then immediately after that thought leaves my mind, this thought comes racing in, “How much more precious am I to God, than these children are to me?”
Deep Waters
Summer is over. A season spent outdoors with moments of swimming and enjoying the water. Do you remember when your kids first entered the pool? Maybe it was just to splash as a baby. How much paraphernalia did you put on them? Floaties, pool noodles, rafts, and anything else that would protect them and keep them safe.
Breaking Ungodly Soul Ties
Recently I heard the host of a radio show ask, “What do you think is one of the most popular topics searched for on the Internet?” I thought, “Money issues.” She commented, “Over three million people searched for help on how to get over a breakup or be set free from a toxic relationship or friendship.” Maybe you’re trapped in one now, and no matter how hard you try to break free from this person, you can’t.
20 Ways To Help Your Middle Schooler
I used to be a 7th grade school teacher. I know middle schoolers well. For those of you moms who house junior high students, you’d agree these hormone raging humans face many challenges.
So how can you help them navigate through this three-year crucial journey? Here are twenty ideas I suggested to my incoming parents. Hope they help.
20 Truths About My Past
1. My past is not what defines me. It is empowering me to become someone I’ve never been before.
20 Years of Ministry
I have a little exercise for you. Think back. How old were you twenty years ago? What was going on in your life? Some of you were teenagers and others entering your first job. Others were giving birth to your first child.
Detours & Roadblocks
I excitedly prepared to head off for a conference in Grand Junction, Colorado, early the next morning. My confidence ebbed and flowed as I packed my car, ensuring everything I needed was secure within. I knew I could get from Edmond, Oklahoma, to Grand Junction in one day, but it would be a long travel day.
20 Truths About Single Moms
l. She has four legs, four arms, and two hearts—equaling double the love.
Mama’s Mental Health
I faced a time of great suffering and uncertainty after experiencing a car wreck that resulted in many injuries. My body was beat up, I had a brain injury, and I was emotionally and psychologically a mess. I felt isolated and alone, as well. I needed God desperately.
The Push To Perform
The Lord has taught me many crucial lessons during my time as a parent. One lesson stands out to me the most: honor my child’s preciousness over his performance.