Unique Faith-Based Ways to Nurture Mental and Emotional Wellness. Busy Christian parents juggling work, kids, and church life often carry a quiet question: why does Christian mental wellness feel so hard to hold onto when the day-to-day is relentless? Between Christian parenting challenges like constant needs, conflict, and mom-or-dad guilt, it’s easy for prayer to feel rushed and for emotions to spill over before anyone has time to notice. Many everyday believers want faith-based emotional support that fits real schedules and real feelings, not a pretend version of peace that ignores stress. The goal is steady mental and emotional resilience that protects everyday spiritual health.

Quick Summary: Faith-Based Wellness Ideas

● Try creative stress reduction practices that align with your faith and feel personally
meaningful.
● Use alternative relaxation techniques to calm your body and steady anxious thoughts.
● Choose unique mental health practices that support both emotional balance and spiritual
connection.
● Explore faith-aligned wellness strategies that fit daily life, so support feels accessible and
doable.
● Start with one emotional well-being method you can repeat when stress or overwhelm
shows up.

Try 4 Alternative Stress-Relief Modalities Without Pressure

After skimming those faith-friendly ideas, it can help to have a few low-pressure, body-based options in your back pocket for tense moments. Here are four safe, alternative modalities to explore: gentle breathwork (slow, steady breathing to settle your nervous system), sound-based calming (soft music or soothing tones) and ashwagandha (an herbal supplement some people use
for stress support).

Understanding Holistic Christian Mental Health Care

In a whole-person Christian view, mental health care is not a replacement for faith, and faith is not a replacement for care. Prayer, Scripture, community, and practical support can work
together to help you heal and grow, especially when life feels heavy. This matters because it helps you drop the false choice between “just pray” and “just get help.” Many believers find freedom when they treat anxiety, grief, or burnout as both a spiritual and human experience, with room for wise tools. It also fits a broader trend, since 89% of mental health professionals agreed that clinicians should receive training in Religion and Spirituality (R/S) competencies.

Think of it like caring for a garden. You ask God for rain, and you also pull weeds, add compost, and get advice from someone who knows plants. With that foundation, choosing a few doable practices for your week gets much simpler.

Practice Creative, Faith-Aligned Habits This Week

Pick a few of these and try them for seven days, not to “fix yourself,” but to practice steady, faith-aligned care. Holistic Christian mental health can hold prayer and Scripture alongside wise support and healthy habits that calm your body and organize your thoughts.

Two-Minute “Name It + Give It” Prayer: Set a timer for two minutes. Name the emotion you’re carrying (anger, dread, loneliness), then tell God what you wish were different and
ask for one next step for today. When you practice honest, regular prayer, it can become a steady stress-reducer, many reports link regular prayer with lower stress and anxiety.

Scripture “Breath Phrases” While You Walk: Choose one short line (for example, “The Lord is my shepherd” or “Be still and know”). Inhale on the first half, exhale on the second while walking for 5–10 minutes. This movement meditation technique helps your body downshift while your mind stays anchored in truth.

Birdwatching as Gentle Attention Training: Go outside for 10 minutes with one simple goal: notice three birds and one sound. Don’t try to identify species unless you enjoy
that, just watch their movement, color, and patterns. Nature-based therapy ideas like this work because they pull your attention out of looping thoughts and into the present moment.

“Creation Gratitude” Photo Scavenger Hunt: Take a slow walk and snap 5 photos: something small, something bright, something textured, something moving, and something you’d normally ignore. Later, write one sentence of thanks to God for each photo. This is an easy creative wellness exercise that trains your brain to spot goodness without pretending life is perfect.

Lament Letter + One Hope Line: Write a one-page letter to God that starts with what hurts (be specific) and ends with one honest hope line such as, “Help me take the next right step.” If you’re comfortable, read a few lines aloud in a private spot. Lament is a spiritual practice for emotional health because it gives sadness a safe place to go.

Expressive Art “Color Your Feeling” Page: Set out paper and a few colors. Give your emotion a shape, color, and intensity, no talent required, then title it (example: “Tuesday Overwhelm”). A review of existing literature found creative expression can support health and well-being, and for many people it’s a gentle way to process what’s hard to say.

Three-Person Support Map (Prayer + Practical Help): Draw three circles labeled “prayer,” “talk it out,” and “practical help,” then write one name in each. Choose one small reach-out this week: “Could you pray for me on Thursday?” or “Can we talk for 15 minutes?” This keeps your care both spiritual and wise, faith doesn’t mean you carry everything alone.

These small habits build resilience from the inside out, and they also sharpen the kind of self-awareness and compassion that can ripple into your family, your church, and even the way you approach work and leadership decisions.

Consider a Career Pivot That Builds Healthier Workplaces

If the small, faith-aligned habits you tried this week have you craving change on a bigger scale, school can be a meaningful next step. Going back to school can support a career pivot by giving you fresh skills, a clearer direction, and credentials that match the kind of work you feel called to do. An online degree can make that transition more realistic by letting you learn on a flexible schedule while you keep up with work and family. And by earning a degree in psychology, you can study the cognitive and affective processes that drive human behavior so you can support those in need of help. One practical option is industrial-organizational psychology, which prepares you to strengthen workplace wellness by improving how people work together; explore program options to learn more. Next, we’ll tackle common questions about using unconventional wellness practices with wisdom.

Common Questions About Faith-Based Wellness Practices

Q: What makes a “wellness” practice truly Christian-friendly?

A: A Christian-friendly practice supports your love for God and neighbor, not self as the ultimate goal. If the practice relies on the wellness movement emphasis on self, pause and reframe it through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel. A simple test is whether it leads you toward humility, gratitude, and steadier obedience.

Q: How can I try something new without drifting into beliefs that clash with faith?

A: Separate the tool from the worldview. Keep what is neutral and helpful like breathing, journaling, a walk, or music and reject spiritual claims that replace God’s role. When in doubt, ask a pastor or mature believer to help you evaluate it.

Q: Should Christians avoid grounding or “earthing” practices?

A: Be cautious if it comes with spiritual or health promises rooted in Grounding or Earthing as a pantheistic, pseudoscientific belief. If you simply want time outside, choose a faith-aligned alternative like a prayer walk or noticing creation with thanksgiving.

Q: Can I use meditation apps and still stay anchored in Scripture?

A: Yes, if you treat the app as a timer or guide, not as your spiritual authority. Use it to slow down, then fill your mind with a short passage, a Psalm, or a written prayer. If the content pushes beliefs you cannot affirm, switch to silence and Scripture.

Q: How do I know if a practice is actually improving my emotional well-being over time?

A: Track a few concrete markers for two weeks: sleep quality, irritability, rumination, and how quickly you recover after stress. Ask a trusted friend what changes they notice in your patience and presence. If you feel more grounded, more connected, and less reactive, keep going; if you feel dependent, anxious, or isolated, adjust.

Taking One Faith-Filled Step Toward Steadier Mental Wellness

When anxiety, low mood, or stress lingers, it’s easy to feel stuck between wanting help and fearing what’s not truly healthy or faith-aligned. The way forward is a simple mindset: choose
practical Christian wellness support that honors Scripture, stays wise about limits, and welcomes both God’s presence and trustworthy people. Over time, applying innovative wellness
practices with encouragement for mental wellness can build steadier emotions, clearer thinking, and spiritual assurance in healing, one faithful day at a time. Healing often begins with one small, faithful step and a God-sized hope. Choose one practice to start this week, pair it with a short prayer, and share it with a safe believer who can check in. That steady mix of hope through faith and health grows resilience that carries into family life, work, and relationships.

When Healing Brings Grief With It

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Guest Blogger

How Parents Can Spot and Soften Anxiety’s Impact on Kids

March 29, 2026March 27, 2026 Brandi Crum, MA, LMFT

How Parents Can Spot and Soften Anxiety’s Impact on Kids

For faith-minded parents with anxiety, especially those carrying trauma history while juggling work, home, and ministry, daily stress can feel like a constant hum. The tension is real: a parent can be doing all the “right” things and still notice that worry, irritability, or hypervigilance is shaping the tone of the house. Kids often absorb that atmosphere in ways that look like defiance, neediness, shutdowns, or sudden big feelings, and it can leave parents feeling guilty and spiritually exhausted. With gentle clarity and no shame, families coping with anxiety can learn to notice how parental anxiety impacts child’s emotional well-being.

Understanding Anxiety’s Ripple Effect at Home

Anxiety is not just a private feeling. In families, stress can pass person to person through tone of voice, pace, facial cues, and how problems get handled. When a parent lives on high alert, kids often mirror that alarm, even without knowing why.

Because 1 in 12 children has an anxiety disorder, it helps to recognize anxiety’s “costumes” in daily behavior. It can show up as arguing, clinginess, perfectionism, stomachaches, sleep trouble, avoidance, or sudden tears. What gets labeled as “attitude” is often a nervous system asking for safety. Picture a rushed Sunday morning before church. A parent snaps, hurries everyone, and rehearses worst-case outcomes, while a child melts down over socks or refuses the car. Their reaction may be anxiety, not rebellion.

When you can name the pattern, you can practice calm tools your child can actually copy.

Use 4 Conversation Scripts to Make Feelings Feel Safe

When anxiety ripples through a home, kids often show it as “attitude,” shutdown, or sudden tears. A few steady, repeatable phrases, plus calm you can show in your body, can turn hard moments into safe moments.

Name it without blaming (Script: “I notice… and it makes sense”): Try, “I notice your hands are tight and your voice got loud. That makes sense. Something feels big right now.” This lowers defensiveness because you’re describing, not accusing, and it teaches kids that feelings aren’t “bad,” they’re information. If your child says “Nothing!” you can add, “Okay, your body is still telling me it’s a lot. I’m here.”
Offer connection before correction (Script: “You’re not in trouble; you’re having a hard time”): When behaviors get mislabeled as attitude, lead with safety: “You’re not in trouble. You’re having a hard time, and we’ll handle it together.” Then set a simple boundary: “It’s okay to be mad; it’s not okay to hit. You can stomp or squeeze a pillow.” This keeps the relationship intact while still guiding behavior.
Give two regulated choices (Script: “Do you want A or B?”): Anxiety spikes when kids feel trapped, so offer two options that both move toward calm: “Do you want to talk on the couch, or take a two-minute walk first?” or “Do you want a hug, or space with me nearby?” Keep choices small and time-limited so they don’t feel like a test. You’re teaching flexible problem-solving while supporting their nervous system.
Model a 60-second reset out loud (Script: “Watch my body calm down”): Say, “My chest feels tight, I’m going to slow down.” Then do 3 slow breaths (in 4, out 6), drop your shoulders, and unclench your jaw where they can see it. Kids learn what “calm” looks like by watching you practice it, especially since many parents carry heavy stress, and overwhelming levels of stress are common. Finish with, “Okay, I’m back. Let’s try again.”
Make a “repair” routine normal (Script: “That didn’t come out the way I wanted”): After a hard moment, circle back within 10–30 minutes: “That didn’t come out the way I wanted. I’m sorry I raised my voice. You didn’t deserve that.” Then ask one curious question: “What was the hardest part for you?” Repair teaches kids that safety isn’t perfection; it’s returning to connection.
Build a family support sentence (Script: “In our family, we…”): Create one shared phrase you repeat when emotions run high: “In our family, we ask for help, and we don’t shame feelings.” This gives kids a simple identity to lean on and reminds everyone you’re on the same team; the importance of social support as a key subject shows up again and again in the mental health conversation. If faith is central in your home, you can add, “God meets us here,” and keep it gentle, not preachy.

Small scripts, repeated often, become emotional muscle memory. Over time, these same words and resets naturally grow into steady family rhythms that make calm more likely before the meltdown ever starts.

Rhythms That Reduce Anxiety and Build Resilience

Try these small practices to make calm more repeatable.

Habits matter because anxiety softens most when safety becomes predictable. For faith-oriented parents healing from trauma, these rhythms build confidence over time by pairing steady nervous-system care with gentle spiritual anchoring.

Two-Minute Morning Check-In

What it is: Ask, “Body check: tight, tired, or okay?” and listen.
How often: Daily, before school or work.
Why it helps: You spot stress early, before it turns into blowups.

Bless and Breathe Reset

What it is: Do emotion regulation, academic success breathing, then speak a short blessing over your child.
How often: Daily, during transitions.
Why it helps: It links calm skills with hope, not shame.

Weekly Worry Window

What it is: Set 10 minutes for worries, then choose one next step.
How often: Weekly, same day and time.
Why it helps: It contains rumination and strengthens problem-solving.

Routine Board-Game Night

What it is: Play a simple game that practices waiting, losing, and trying again.
How often: Weekly.
Why it helps: Play can build their executive functioning without heavy talk.

Repair and Release Prayer

What it is: Apologize specifically, then pray a one-sentence “fresh start” together.
How often: After conflicts.
Why it helps: Kids learn rupture is repairable and connection returns.

Pick one habit this week, make it tiny, and shape it to your family.

Common Questions Parents Ask About Anxiety and Kids

When emotions run hot, it helps to have clear answers.

Q: What are common signs that my anxiety is negatively affecting my child’s emotional health?
A: Look for increased irritability, clinginess, sleep changes, stomachaches, perfectionism, or sudden “shut down” moments after conflict. You might also notice your child scanning your mood, over-apologizing, or trying to manage adult worries. Because parental anxiety or depression is common, these signs are not a verdict; they are a cue to slow down and add support.

Q: How can I create a safe and open space for my children to talk about their feelings when I’m also feeling overwhelmed?
A: Keep it short and predictable: “Two minutes, tell me one hard thing and one hope.” If you feel flooded, name it gently and pause: “I care, I need a breath, then I will listen.” A brief prayer for wisdom can signal safety without putting spiritual pressure on your child.

Q: What practical steps can I take to manage my own stress so it doesn’t impact my parenting?
A: Choose one daily anchor: regular meals, a short walk, or a phone-free transition time after work. Lower the bar for the week, and ask for one concrete piece of help from a friend or family member. If worry, panic, or trauma symptoms persist, consider counseling, support groups, or medication discussions with a clinician.

Q: How can I help my children build resilience and problem-solving skills amidst a stressful home environment?
A: Teach a simple script: “Name it, rate it 1 to 10, pick one next step.” Praise effort and repair, not toughness, and model how you calm down after mistakes. If your child’s functioning is slipping, remember that 31% of youth ages 12 to 17 face significant challenges, and therapy can be a strength-building tool.

Q: If I’m feeling stuck and overwhelmed both at home and with my own personal goals, what options do I have to find guidance and structure for a better future?
A: Start with layered support: a pastor or spiritual director for meaning, a therapist or coach for skills, and a primary care provider for health factors like sleep and anxiety. If you are an RN sensing a call toward mental health care, exploring advanced practice training can clarify a path focused on assessing, diagnosing, and treating anxiety and trauma, and you can click here to review a related master’s program overview. One small step this week can restore momentum.

Gentle consistency, plus the right support, can change the emotional weather in your home.

Choosing Calm, One Supportive Step, for Healthier Family Dynamics

When anxiety shows up in a home, it can spill into routines, tone of voice, and the way kids read the world. A supportive parenting mindset, naming what’s happening without shame, staying curious, and getting appropriate mental health support when needed, helps parents feel empowered instead of stuck. Over time, that steady approach softens anxiety’s impact and makes room for ongoing emotional growth and more positive family dynamics. Your calm, consistent presence is often the safest place anxiety can’t take from a child. Choose one next step today: pause and reflect on your own anxiety, then commit to one small support habit to practice this week. That’s how hope for families becomes a daily pattern of resilience, connection, and peace.

When Survival Mode Ends and Grief Begins

Circle of Hope Counseling Services

Guest Blogger

How Parents Can Nurture Curiosity

February 22, 2026February 23, 2026 Brandi Crum, MA, LMFT

How Parents Can Nurture Curiosity to Raise Motivated, Engaged Learners

Parents of young children, especially families carrying the weight of addiction, trauma, and ongoing stress, often notice how quickly a child’s easy “why?” can fade into silence or shutdown. The core tension is real: early childhood education can spark growth, yet pressure, unpredictability, and emotional strain at home can make curiosity feel risky and learning feel like
performance. Nurturing natural curiosity protects a child’s developing brain and sense of safety, which supports healthy child development and a steady love of learning. When curiosity stays alive, children are more likely to become self-motivated learners.

Why Curiosity Fuels Real Learning

Curiosity is not a bonus trait. It is a child’s built-in drive to notice, wonder, and keep going until something makes sense. Many developmental scientists describe curiosity as a natural motivator for learning, which helps the brain practice focus, memory, and flexible thinking. This matters in families healing from addiction and trauma because stress can push kids into
“just tell me the right answer” mode. Protecting curiosity shifts learning from approval-seeking to inner motivation, which often shows up as better effort and calmer persistence. Picture homework after a hard day. A child asks a question, then watches your face for danger. When you answer with warmth and invite one more “what do you think?”, you support curiosity-driven learning instead of performance.

Set Up a Home That Invites Exploration in 15 Minutes

Curiosity grows best when kids can reach the tools of discovery without asking, and when home feels emotionally safe enough to wonder out loud. Here are a few quick, doable ways to shape a learning environment that nudges creative exploration and stronger reading habits, even in a season of recovery.

1. Make a “grab-and-go” discovery basket: Put 8–12 items in a small bin your child can access anytime: blank paper, pencils, crayons, sticky notes, a magnifying glass, a tape measure, index cards, and a small notebook for “I wonder…” questions. When curiosity sparks, the tools are already there, no big setup, no pressure. If your home has trauma
triggers, keep it predictable: same basket, same place, same expectation that messes stay on one towel or tray.

2. Create a tiny reading nook with visible books: Choose one spot, couch corner, a beanbag, or one chair, and place 10–15 books face-out in a shallow box or on a low shelf. Rotate a few each week: one funny, one “facts” book, one faith story, one graphic-style book, and one that matches your child’s current obsession (animals, trucks, space). A strong home literacy environment supports reading habits simply by making print normal and inviting.

3. Swap noisy toys for “open-ended” educational toys: Pick 3–5 educational toys that can be used a hundred ways, blocks, tiles, simple puzzles, pretend food, dolls, toy animals, or a basic tool set. Store them in clear bins with one label each so cleanup is fast (and less likely to escalate when everyone is stressed). Open-ended toys protect intrinsic motivation because kids stay in charge of the goal: building, sorting, storytelling, experimenting.

4. Set up a 3-supply art station (and lower the mess barrier): You don’t need a craft closet. Choose three consistent materials, paper, washable markers, glue stick, and add one “sometimes” item like yarn or stickers in a zip bag. Put an old sheet, shower curtain, or tray underneath so you can say “yes” more often without fear, which matters a lot in
homes healing from chaos.

5. Make hands-on learning your default when possible: Turn one ordinary moment into a mini experiment: cooking becomes measuring and sequencing, laundry becomes sorting and counting, a walk becomes noticing patterns and collecting leaves for rubbings. Research in hands-on learning shows it can outperform worksheet-based approaches for vocabulary and procedural knowledge, which is exactly what curious brains are trying to build.

6. Start a simple library rhythm you can keep on hard weeks: Choose one day (or every other week) and set one small goal: “Return books and pick two.” Keep a dedicated tote by the door for returns, and let each child choose one “just for fun” book, joy is part of recovery too. If leaving the house is tough, trade books with a friend, or make “family learning resources” from what you already have: old magazines, a cookbook, mail flyers to cut and sort.

Habits That Grow Curiosity in Hard Seasons

In recovery and trauma healing, consistency is comfort. These habits give your child steady, low-pressure ways to wonder, try, and reflect, while giving you a faith-informed rhythm that does not depend on perfect energy.

One Question at Breakfast

● What it is: Ask one open question, then listen without correcting.
● How often: Daily
● Why it helps: Your child learns their thoughts are safe and worth exploring.

Two-Minute Noticing Prayer

● What it is: End the day naming two “noticing’s” and a short prayer.
● How often: Daily
● Why it helps: It links attention, gratitude, and hope when emotions run high.

Wonder List Parking Lot

● What it is: Write questions on a list for later research.
● How often: 3 times weekly
● Why it helps: It reduces power struggles while protecting curiosity.

Effort Praise, Not Outcome Praise

● What it is: Praise the process, like trying, revising, or asking for help.
● How often: Daily
● Why it helps: It builds intrinsic motivation and resilience through setbacks.

Calm Follow-Through Talk

● What it is: Use stick to what you say and schedule the consequence talk when calm.
● How often: As needed
● Why it helps: Predictability lowers anxiety and frees kids to stay engaged.

Curiosity When Life Feels Heavy: Common Questions

Q: How can I encourage my child's curiosity without making them feel pressured to perform?

A: Lead with invitation, not evaluation: “Show me what you notice,” instead of “Prove you know it.” Keep curiosity moments short and choice-based, especially after hard family days. Praise effort, questions, and persistence, and let your child stop before frustration turns into shame.

Q: What are some simple ways to create a learning-friendly environment at home that doesn’t feel overwhelming?

A: Name the obstacle first: clutter, screens, or noise. Then try one tweak for a week, like a “basket for devices during homework” or a 10-minute family read-aloud after dinner. A small, repeatable rhythm builds safety for kids navigating stress.

Q: How do I stay patient and motivated when my child struggles to stay interested in new topics?

A: Assume fatigue before defiance, especially in trauma-impacted homes. Offer a tiny next step: “Two minutes, then you can choose to continue or pause.” If boredom shows up, let your child pick the format: drawing, building, watching one short clip, or asking one question.

Q: What strategies can help me support my child's unique interests while balancing family stress and daily responsibilities?

A: Use a “one yes” plan: one interest, one day, one small action, like checking out one book or doing one mini experiment. If resistance is the issue, set a calm boundary around time and screens, then attach the interest to a real-life task like cooking, budgeting, or fixing something. Keep it light and doable so your child connects learning with relief, not pressure.

Q: If I’m juggling multiple roles and feeling overwhelmed, how can I find support systems that align with both my needs and my child’s learning journey?

A: Start by identifying your style of getting help since 4 clusters were identified in how parents seek information, from multisource to minimal. Choose one support lane: a trusted friend, faith community, school contact, or recovery group, and ask for one specific thing like “a weekly check-in” or “homework accountability.” If you are returning to school too, set a shared study hour where everyone works quietly on their own learning, and explore this for another look at support systems.

Keeping Curiosity Alive Through Small Wins and Steady Support

When life feels heavy, especially in families touched by addiction and trauma, kids’ questions can get drowned out by stress, screens, and simple exhaustion. A curiosity-first approach, grounded in parental encouragement and a lifelong learning mindset, keeps the focus on nurturing interests instead of forcing performance. Over time, that steady attention helps children feel safer taking risks, sticking with challenges, and believing their efforts matter, which supports child growth in real, visible ways. Curiosity grows when kids feel safe, seen, and supported, one small moment at a time. Choose one next step this week: notice one interest, name one bit of progress, and celebrate one small achievement. That’s empowered parenting in action, and it builds resilience and connection that lasts.

Shoestring Parenting

Praying for a Child in Addiction Without Losing Hope

Guest Blogger

Guest Blogger: Moving on a Budget

November 18, 2024April 4, 2025 Brandi C

Guest Blogger: Moving on a Budget: Essential Tips for Families Seeking An Affordable Home

Guest Blogger: Moving on a Budget

This post “Moving on a Budget: Essential Tips for Families Seeking an Affordable Home” is written by Simone Macfarlane from http://shoestringparenting.com. Buying a new home and moving can be both exciting and daunting, especially for families looking to keep costs in check. With a few strategic decisions, you can make this transition smoother and more affordable. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the process without breaking the bank.

Research Hidden Costs of Buying a Home

When planning your home purchase, it’s crucial to include often-overlooked expenses like closing fees, property taxes, and moving costs in your budget. Closing fees can encompass a variety of charges, such as loan origination fees and title insurance. Additionally, you may need to prepay a portion of property taxes and homeowner’s insurance at closing, which
can significantly impact your initial cash outlay. Moving expenses, including hiring movers or renting a truck, can also strain your budget if not anticipated. By accounting for these hidden costs early on, you can avoid financial surprises and ensure a smoother transition into your new home.

Secure Your Family’s Financial Future with a Fixed-Rate Mortgage

Opting for a fixed-rate mortgage can be a wise decision for families looking to maintain consistent monthly payments, which is crucial for long-term financial planning. Unlike adjustable-rate mortgages, a fixed-rate loan ensures that your interest rate remains unchanged throughout the life of the loan, providing a stable financial environment for your family. This predictability allows you to accurately forecast your monthly housing expenses, making it easier to allocate funds for other family needs such as education or healthcare. In times of economic uncertainty, having a fixed-rate mortgage can shield you
from potential interest rate hikes, ensuring that your housing costs remain manageable.

Maximize Savings with Accessible Public Transportation

When searching for a new home, consider neighborhoods with robust public transportation options to significantly cut down on commuting expenses. Public transit is often more economical than owning and maintaining a personal vehicle, especially when factoring in costs like insurance and fuel. Moreover, living in areas with efficient transit systems can also reduce commute times, which has been linked to better long-term economic outcomes for families. By prioritizing communities with accessible public transportation, you not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Look for Energy-efficient Features

When considering budget-friendly home options, prioritize properties with energy-efficient features that can lower long-term utility expenses. Homes with energy-efficient windows, appliances, and insulation are often less costly to maintain, helping parents manage monthly budgets. Look for homes with Energy Star-rated appliances, LED lighting, or programmable thermostats, which can help minimize electricity consumption. Solar panels or efficient HVAC systems can also be great assets, reducing the home’s carbon footprint while keeping energy bills manageable.

Safeguard Your New Home with a Comprehensive Home Warranty

Investing in a home warranty when purchasing a new home can be a wise decision, especially if you’re concerned about the potential costs of repairing or replacing major appliances and home systems. This type of service contract typically covers essential components like your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, providing peace of mind against unexpected breakdowns. While the initial cost of a home warranty might seem like an added expense, it can ultimately save you significant money by covering repairs that would otherwise be out-of-pocket. Additionally, understanding electronics protection plans as an add-on to your home warranty can provide repair or replacement coverage for valuable electronics such as computers, televisions, and smart home devices.

Maximize Savings by Moving During Off-Peak Seasons

Choosing to relocate during the off-peak season can significantly reduce your moving expenses, making it a smart financial decision. During these times, typically outside the busy summer months, moving companies often offer discounted rates to attract more customers, allowing you to save a substantial amount on moving services. Additionally, you can avoid the hidden costs associated with peak-season moves, such as inflated prices for packing materials and increased fuel charges. With more available time slots and resources, you also gain greater flexibility in scheduling your move, reducing stress and allowing for a smoother transition.

Unlock Tax Deductions

While moving can be a costly endeavor, certain expenses may be tax-deductible, providing a potential financial break for families. Although recent tax reforms have limited moving expense deductions to active-duty military members moving due to military orders, some states still allow moving deductions on state returns. Check state-specific tax laws to see if
your family qualifies. Additionally, if moving is job-related and you’re self-employed, consider deducting expenses as business costs, like mileage or the transportation of work-related equipment. Consulting a tax professional can help uncover any available deductions, reducing your overall moving expenses.

By implementing these strategies, you can make the home-buying and moving process more affordable and family-friendly. From safeguarding your investment with a home warranty to maximizing savings through strategic planning, these tips will help you create a stable and welcoming environment for your family in your new home.

Discover heartfelt stories and practical parenting advice at Barefoot Faith Journey, where life’s journey is embraced with faith, resilience, and a touch of humor.

Guest Blogger: From First Steps to Graduation

Guest Blogger

Guest Blogger: From First Steps to Graduation

October 28, 2024April 4, 2025 Brandi C

From First Steps to Graduation: A Parent’s Handbook for Every Age

Parenting is a dynamic journey that evolves with each child’s developmental stage. Equipping oneself with tailored strategies is crucial for addressing the diverse challenges and milestones. This article offers practical advice to help parents adeptly navigate these complexities.

Embracing Early Childhood (0-5 Years)

In the early years, children are absorbing the world around them at a rapid pace. Parents can take proactive steps to ensure these formative years are enriching and educational.

Create a Safe Learning Environment: Child-proof your home to provide a safe space for exploration.
Encourage Play: Incorporate educational toys and activities (e.g., building blocks, simple puzzles, art supplies) that promote cognitive development and motor skills.
Develop a Routine: Establish consistent daily routines for meals, playtime, and sleep, which help children feel secure and manage their expectations.
Language Development: Engage in constant verbal interaction, read bedtime stories, and encourage sing-alongs to enhance language acquisition.

Growing Through Elementary Years (6-12 Years)

As children enter school age, their social and academic worlds expand significantly. Here’s how you can help them navigate these crucial years.

Support Academic Growth: Stay involved in their educational journey. Attend parent-teacher meetings and provide them with resources to excel academically.
Foster Social Skills: Encourage participation in extracurricular activities like sports and clubs that interest them, which develop teamwork and leadership skills.
Teach Responsibility: Introduce small household chores and personal responsibilities to foster a sense of accountability.
Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage physical activity and a balanced diet to instill lifelong health and wellness habits.

Navigating Adolescence (13-18 Years)

The teenage years can be tumultuous as children seek independence and deal with physical, emotional, and social changes.

Open Communication: Maintain an open line of communication and be available to discuss their problems and achievements.
Respect Their Privacy: As they grow more independent, give them space and privacy, but set clear boundaries that are consistently enforced.
Guide Their Decisions: Help them make informed choices about friendships, academics, and extracurricular activities.
Support Their Passions: Encourage them to explore their interests and passions and help them develop these into potential career paths or lifelong hobbies.

Preparing for Young Adulthood (19+ Years)

As children transition into adulthood, they need guidance to navigate the complexities of the adult world.

Career and Education Guidance: Assist them in exploring career options and higher education opportunities.
Financial Independence: Teach them about managing finances, such as budgeting, saving, and understanding credit.
Emotional Support: Offer advice and emotional support as they experience more serious adult relationships and challenges.
Encourage Continued Growth: Motivate them to pursue personal development through travel, reading, and ongoing education.

Self-Care for Parents

Parenting can be exhausting, and parents must take care of themselves, too. Here are some ways to maintain your health and well-being.

Set Personal Goals: Prioritize your health, interests, and hobbies alongside your parenting duties. Explore this option further if you consider higher education or training as part of your personal development.
Stay Connected: Maintain a social life outside of your parenting duties to foster personal relationships and a support network.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in activities like yoga, walking, or writing to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help or seek professional advice when feeling overwhelmed or unsure.

The parenting journey is enriching and challenging, shaping children and parents alike. With the right tools and knowledge, parents can effectively support their child’s journey from infancy to adulthood. Embrace each step confidently, fostering a nurturing environment encouraging growth and resilience.

Guest Blogger

Guest Blogger – Mindful Growth

April 18, 2024April 4, 2025 Brandi C

Guest Blogger – Mindful Growth

How to Pursue Personal Development Without Losing Yourself

Guest Blogger – Mindful Growth was submitted by Ed Carter. In the pursuit of personal growth, the fine line between pushing your limits and overstepping them is often blurred. Navigating the path of self-improvement requires a balanced approach, ensuring that progress doesn’t come at the expense of your well-being. This guide, courtesy of Barefoot Faith Journey, offers strategies to foster personal development without falling into the trap of burnout.

Taking Care of Yourself is the First Step

You might think that dedicating every waking hour to your goals is the quickest route to success, but neglecting self-care only leads to diminishing returns. It’s crucial to make your well-being a priority, not an afterthought. This means setting aside time for adequate rest, engaging in physical activity that you enjoy, and allowing yourself moments of leisure without guilt. When you’re well-rested and mentally refreshed, you’re more capable of tackling challenges and absorbing new information.

Adopt Mindfulness and Meditation

Integrating mindfulness and meditation into your daily life isn’t just a trend; it’s a transformational practice. By training your mind to focus on the present, you not only reduce stress but also gain a clearer perspective. This mental clarity is indispensable when making decisions, solving problems, and learning new things. Start small, with just a few minutes a day, and observe the profound impact it can have on your peace of mind and productivity.

Refine Your Time Management Skills

The art of time management goes beyond just keeping a calendar — it’s about setting priorities, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, and avoiding procrastination. By mastering these skills, you can navigate your day with confidence, knowing that you have a plan to handle your responsibilities. Tools like digital planners and to-do lists can be invaluable allies, helping you to stay on track and keep overwhelm at bay.

Variety is the Spice of Self-Improvement

Monotony is a surefire recipe for burnout. To keep your journey toward personal growth vibrant and engaging, sprinkle in a variety of activities. This could mean picking up a new hobby, learning a new language, or dedicating time to nurture relationships. These activities not only enrich your life with new experiences and skills but also ensure that your path to self-improvement is diverse and fulfilling.

Advance Your Education with Flexibility

Earning a degree online provides unparalleled flexibility and accessibility, enabling students to study from any location at their own pace. This approach enhances time management and self-discipline, crucial skills in both personal and professional realms. For example, if you currently work as an RN, with an MSN degree, you can explore diverse healthcare careers such as nurse education, informatics, and nurse administration. This flexibility ensures you can advance your education and career without upending your lifestyle.

Recognizing Your Progress Fuels Further Growth

Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory in the realm of personal development. Celebrating these achievements is essential for maintaining motivation and building confidence. Whether it’s completing a course, reaching a fitness milestone, or mastering a new skill, acknowledging your progress reinforces the habits and behaviors that got you there, setting a foundation for future successes.

Embrace Setbacks as Learning Opportunities

No journey is without its obstacles, but the setbacks you encounter are not dead ends — they are detours on the path to success. By reframing failures as opportunities for growth, you cultivate resilience and adaptability. Analyze what went wrong, learn from the experience, and adjust your strategy. This approach not only helps you overcome future challenges but also contributes to your
personal and professional development.

The SMART Way Forward

Establishing clear, achievable goals is the compass that guides your self-improvement journey. By setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals, you create a roadmap for success that is both challenging and realistic. This methodical approach ensures that your efforts are focused and that you remain motivated, making continuous progress toward
your aspirations.

The path to personal development is as unique as you are, filled with its own set of challenges and rewards. By embracing these strategies, you equip yourself with the tools needed to pursue growth sustainably, ensuring that you can achieve your goals without compromising your well-being. Remember, the journey of self-improvement is a marathon, not a sprint, and taking care of yourself is the key to crossing the finish line.

Join us at Barefoot Faith Journey for inspiring stories and insights that will encourage you to explore life’s possibilities without fear. Embrace each day with hope and a new perspective, one step at a time.

Tips for Meeting Your Kids’ Needs as they Grow

Guest Blogger

Life Happens. Here’s How To Cope

March 20, 2023April 4, 2025 Brandi C

Life Happens. Here’s How To Cope

Life Happens. Here’s How To Cope. Life sometimes throws unexpected curveballs at us. We never know what’s just around the corner, whether it’s losing a job to being diagnosed with a new health condition. Fortunately, there are ways that Barefoot Faith Journey presents some examples of major life changes. This article offers a few quick bits of advice on what you might do when facing them.

Starting a New Business

If you’ve recently lost your job and decided that entrepreneurship was the path for you, congratulations. Not only are you facing adversity with a positive mindset, but you’re also on the most feasible path to gaining personal wealth. One quick tip to help this process is to form a limited liability company (LLC).

An LLC is a limited liability company, which reduces the chances of your personal assets being seized if your business gets sued. It’s a fairly flexible structure that you can file on your own using an online formation service. The online formation service will also have local laws and regulations around business formation. All of this is located in one convenient place for you to research.

The Death of a Spouse

Losing a spouse, especially when you have been together for decades, is a horribly painful loss to endure. In fact, it is so painful that 66% of people risk dying within 90 days after the loss of their partner, explains the National Council on Aging. Although the grief may feel unbearable, your purpose does not have to end at this tragic moment. Talk with friends and family. You can also celebrate the memories you shared, and do things that are right for you. This can mean moving or dating once again, when the time is right.

New Health Condition

Every day, millions of Americans are diagnosed with new health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. There are many ways to cope with these, and it starts with understanding your condition. Next, set up a support network, create realistic goals for yourself, and focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t. You might also talk to your doctor about taking health supplements that can help with fatigue, brain fog, and more.

Having a Baby

You have likely heard people say that having a baby changes everything. However, you have no idea how true this is until you have that adorable little wrinkled bundle safe and sound in their crib home. The Baby Chick blog explains having a baby causes you to worry more, and you may experience changes within your relationship.

While many of the changes you’ll experience as a new parent are positive, you may also experience exhaustion and, in some cases, postpartum depression. Look for ways to get enough sleep, create a support network, and make healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating well and exercising.

It’s also common to feel like a stranger in your own body, as it may look and feel different than before your pregnancy. One way that you can focus on feeling and looking your best is to buy new clothes. Look for comfortable clothes that don’t sacrifice style, such as leggings, versatile dresses, and a flirty yet comfortable nightgown. Indeed, this may work to help you cope with caring for your new baby.

Losing Your Home

Whether it’s from fire, foreclosure, or some other unforeseeable event, losing your home is devastating. Similar to losing a loved one, you’re likely to experience grief, confusion, anger, and many other feelings. But you must accept that it’s time to start over and move on. Remember, you can’t bring back the past, but you can create a new future for yourself.

Supporting Your Mental Health

Each of these situations (and others not listed) will put your mental health at risk. There are some situationally-specific strategies you can use, but there are also more generalized ways to cope with grief, depression, and hopelessness. First and foremost, seek professional help. Therapy is nothing to be ashamed of and should be used anytime you need someone to talk to, especially after a big change.

Then, add small things to your daily activities that will help you to move out of your grief and depression. Being out in nature has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, so take a walk or start a garden. You can visit https://homegardenhero.com/ for simple home gardening tips, including what to grow in your area.

Make time for the people you love – and who love you – even when you don’t feel like being social. Simply getting out of the house for lunch or coffee can make a big difference in your mental health, and each visit with loved ones will remind you that you are supported and loved.

Take Small Steps to Manage Challenging Situations

While no one has a crystal ball to know what will happen in the future, it pays to be mentally prepared for the unexpected. This doesn’t mean that you sit around and fixate on what might be, only that you know your options when facing a crisis. For some comfort and distraction, read more engaging posts on the Barefoot Faith Journey blog!

From starting a new business after losing the job to dealing with the lack of sleep that comes with having a new baby or learning how to manage diabetes or other conditions, today’s tips are a great quick reference guide that can help you maintain control during the chaos.

From unique recipes to inspirational topics, Barefoot Faith Journey has something for you.

Guest Blogger, Medical

Practical Tips For Entrepreneurs With Disabilities

February 28, 2023March 30, 2026 Brandi C

Practical Tips For Upcoming Entrepreneurs With Disabilities

Today’s post is brought to you by Barefoot Faith Journey.

Practical Tips For Entrepreneurs With Disabilities. Disabilities come in many shapes and forms. However, these do not have to define your ability to earn an income to support your family. In fact, many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, including Richard Branson, who is dyslexic, live with some form of physical or learning difference.

As a parent or future parent with a disability, you may have resources available to you that can help you get started. A few of these include:

Free marketing tools.

Learning how to market your business may be a challenge, as it is for most. However, when you’re first starting out, you don’t have to sink all of your money into the marketing process. One example of a free marketing tool that you can use starting today is an online design service. Specifically, if you’re planning to make business cards, you can use a design template that lets you customize them with your own branding materials. If you’re not design-savvy, here’s a possible solution. Social media marketing is another low to no-cost avenue to get your message out. Sprout Social offers insight into how often you’ll have to post to get the most attention.

Online business formation services.

Business formation is available to everyone, but there are many advantages of using a digital service. First, you won’t have to leave your house. Perhaps most importantly, it’s an easy process that gives you and your small business a few tax perks, which, like rules and regulations, vary by state. Do your research ahead of time to ensure you know the steps you’ll need to take to get the job done.

Mentoring.

A business mentor is someone that has been in the shoes you’re trying to fill now. They have experience in your industry, and they often provide this service as a labor of love to ensure the next generation of leaders has a chance to enjoy success. You might also choose a business coach, which PushFar explains is slightly different than a mentor and that these are usually generalized coaches that may not have direct experience in your industry. Both have value, and they can help you start and grow your business.

Social Security benefits.

If you receive SSI, you may be eligible for the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program. This plan is provided by the Social Security Administration. The plan allows you to set aside some of your income and resources to put toward your professional goals, even starting a business. You will have to submit an application, but it’s a fairly simple process that can help expedite entrepreneurship.

Disability-owned certification.

There are three types of disability certification. These are Disability-Owned Business Enterprise, Veteran Disability-Owned Business Enterprise, and Service-Disabled Veteran Disability-Owned Business Enterprise. Each of these comes with benefits, such as exclusive resources, networking opportunities, access to private-sector corporations, and industry recognition. Certifications such as these command respect and can help you grow your business by lending credibility to your efforts.

People with disabilities have more opportunities than ever before to earn and thrive. When you have children to care for, bills to pay, and a life to live, going into business for yourself may be the best option. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help you market your business, form your structure, and even get up and running. Whatever type of business you choose and however you choose to start, good luck with your future endeavors, and enjoy your success.

Guest Blogger, Medical

Feeding Tube Awareness Day

February 6, 2023May 11, 2025 Brandi C

Feeding Tube Awareness Day

Today is National Feeding Tube Day, which is a special day for many people. Many individuals require a feeding tube to get the daily nutrients to keep them alive and thriving. My son had to have a feeding tube for the first month of his life. He was born prematurely at 34 weeks and one day via emergency c-section due to eclampsia. He was born weighing 4 lbs. and 11 oz and 18 ½ inches long. I could not see or hold my son for three days after he was delivered on April the 8th of, 2022. My husband took pictures for me. He showed me how beautiful he was so I would not miss anything important about his health or growth. Seeing the first photo of my baby with that feeding tube in his mouth broke my heart.

What Does This Mean for His Future

Not because of its purpose but because I knew what that meant for him in the future. The tube was moved to his nose because he tried to pull it out continuously. They also had to tape the slack of the tube to his cheek with medical tape so that he would not pull it out to where the nurses would have to reinsert the tube. He was given donor breastmilk and medicine through his tube to help him gain weight so his NICU stay would not be extended for a long period.

Trying to Breastfeed

I was able to try and breastfeed him while the tube was in his nose, but all the wires made things a bit difficult. I had to turn to pumping my breastmilk. Then placing it in sterilized bottles or syringes. Next labeling them and what time they were finished. Lastly, handing them off to the nurses for them to add to his nightly feeds in his main tube. He got some of my breast milk and was supplemented with donor milk until my mature milk came in. One time during his NICU stay, he had pulled his tube out, and the nurses had to switch nostrils and replace the tubing with a brand new one, along with adding the tape to his other cheek again. The nurses said he did not care about this experience and was in pain during the transition.

Feeding Tubes (NG and G Tubes)

Feeding tubes (NG and G tubes) are inserted through the nose or mouth, and they must keep pushing it through until it reaches the abdominal wall leading to the stomach. The procedure itself is painful, and it is painful to watch a loved one, especially a preemie infant, go through all that pain and discomfort. They do not know what is happening or why it is being inserted multiple times. He tried to claw at it while we held him, and it broke my heart to see him in pain. But I knew there was the silver lining of hope that he would not have one of these tubes forever, and they were sustaining him and helping him gain weight so we could take him home.

End Goal for My Preemie

While my mama’s heart broke to watch him be in pain, I knew that our end goal was in sight and that my sweet boy would come home with us happy and healthy. He is now almost ten months old and is the happiest (and chunkiest) baby ever! Baby probably weighs well into the 20s, and his pediatrician is pleased with his growth along the weight charts for his age group. He now takes formula (8 oz bottles every 4-5 hours) and eats table food/baby food. Encourage any mamas who have a preemie baby with a feeding tube to do your research on them!

They also have plenty of educational classes and qualified professionals to guide you through the process and answer any questions or concerns regarding the tubes. They may look scary, but the tubes keep your baby alive. And that is all that matters! I am thankful for them now and how they helped my son gain the weight he desperately needed to thrive. This day will forever have a special meaning to my family and me every time we look at my sweet son’s face!

Yayi Side Note

Uhm, this baby is delicious. He is fat, happy, satisfied with life, and WELL loved amongst his tribe. Maybe I am biased, but my grandchildren are better than all the cheese and coke in the whole world. That is a blog post for a different day. My daughter and son-in-law are rocking this parenting thing!

Making Magic Out of Leftovers

Chopped Up Angel Wings with a Side of Manna

Guest Blogger, Medical

Fun Facts About My Grandson

February 2, 2023May 11, 2025 Brandi C

Fun Facts About My Grandson

This post, Fun Facts About My Grandson, is written by my daughter. Clearly, I have permission to post it but will not post his photo. Seriously though, I could eat him and my granddaughter all the way up! I love them completely!

Here are some fun facts about my almost 10 month old baby boy!

He is a quarter Romani Gypsy thanks to his dad’s side of the family
He has strawberry blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes just like his mama
He is very stout and dense around his midsection and he has rolls upon rolls on his thighs
He has the cutest chubby cheeks!
He was born premature at 34 weeks and 1 day via emergency c-section due to eclampsia problems.
He was in the NICU for 1 month before coming home
He did start out as a breastfed baby but is now solely on formula (a fed baby is the best way to make sure they are happy!)
He is a weird little kid sometimes lol (his dad and I are very weird people)
He loves to grind his teeth and it drives me absolutely crazy
He has a fascination for wipes (loves to put them in his mouth)
He gets scared easily by loud noises and then he will cry
He is very very LOUD! He has a good set of lungs on him
He can clap his hands, sit up by himself, feed himself, say mama/baba/naenae, he likes to help take his clothes off, and he can sort of crawl now
He loves his mama and daddy very much but he also really loves his grandparents. He is shy around strangers at first but will warm up to you quickly
He has an amazing smile that will light up your whole day
This kiddo LOVES him so food. If he sees us eating and we don’t give him a bite or a drink he will cry like a banshee
He loves to laugh
He has 3 bottom teeth and 2 top teeth
He has some rank smelling poops sometimes and it is not a pleasant experience for both parties
He loves contact naps
He loves car rides
He growls at people and it freaks them out sometimes (this one is totally my fault)
He hums himself to sleep
Has been an amazing sleeper ever since he was born
He hates being hot and we have to keep our house at a cool 65 degrees or under or he will scream until he wears himself out
He loves his teddies and stuffed animals
If you take his bottle out of his mouth for even a minute before the entire bottle is finished he will… you guessed it.. Scream lol (#word)
He loves bath time and splashing around!

Love of Her Life

He is the love of my life and the most precious soul I have ever had the pleasure of knowing! I am so grateful and blessed that God chose me to be his mother. He came in my life when I needed him most and I would go through that c-section 100 times over just to have him in my life.

Everyday he is learning new things and we discover new things about his little personality. This baby is so incredibly sweet and a busy little dude. He always has places to go and people to see 24/7 and people who love him with a deep affection. He has been prayed over by many people during and after his birth. I know when he is older, he will have people in his life that will always be on his side. I can not wait to see what other changes come around as we enter into toddlerhood with my sweet baby!

Guest Blogger, Medical

Moebius Awareness Day

January 24, 2023May 11, 2025 Brandi C

Moebius Awareness Day

I met this sweet family many many years ago. Honestly, I believe her second son was just a newborn and he just turned 18 years old. Seems unreal that time flies that fast. When I learned that Moebius Awareness Day was on January 24th (also my son-in-laws birthday), I reached out to see if she wanted to write about her experience as this was quite unexpected. She agreed.

Meeting This Family

What an honor to bring awareness to this syndrome and I am blessed to know this family. On a funny note, we met at a homeschooling field trip that I had arranged back in the day. It was the airport. I believe I only had five kids at the time and April had two. Her son was in a carrier and Kaitlyn was in her stroller.

My first reaction to seeing this precious little soul was the amount of hair this child has on her head. I mean…the girl has hair and it is dark, curly, and gorgeous! Her eyes were big and beautiful. Honestly, I didn’t realize anything else when we met. This girl child looks just like her mom! Carbon copy. We became friends that day and it has been a joy to watch her expand her family and to just love on them when I can!

Funny Story

We belonged to a homeschooling co-op. I worked with the little people, April worked with toddlers, I believe. Honestly my youngest child, at the time, was three. They went outside to swing on the swing set. When they came in, April found me and said that she thinks she scared my child and that I might need to talk to him. She tried to remedy the situation but felt like he needed more explanation. Once I realized what had happened, we laughed and laughed about it.

As she was swinging her daughter, Kaitlyn, she was in front of the swings. She was grabbing legs and pushing them back as she was helping the kids swing higher and higher. While she was swinging her daughter (with what I’m assuming is my son beside her in another swing), she grabbed Kaitlyn’s legs and her leg popped off into her hands. LOL.

Scared my son to death! I’m still cackling and that was probably 15 years ago! Crisis was averted. We explained that her leg wasn’t real and that it could come on and off…the look on his face was priceless. I could go on and on about her and her family. All stories have an element of love, faith, perseverance, friendship, and food.

Kaitlyn

Moebius Awareness Day

She is gorgeous and hysterical! Kaitlyn is brilliant, capable, and she amazes me! I have loved hearing her play the violin and it terrifies me that she is driving. This isn’t because she isn’t capable it is because in my eyes, she is still 18 months old. Her love of Jesus is unmatched. She is an overcomer and the Lord has amazing plans for her and her future. Honestly, I could just squeeze her to pieces! She is willing, able, capable, and just a phenomenal human being.

April’s Story

This here is my beautiful daughter, our firstborn and the one who made me a mom. This is Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn was born July 12th, 2003, five days past her due date. After a long labor, she entered the world weighing 6lbs, 13 oz. The first words I heard after she was born were serious but kind. “April, look at me. You have a beautiful baby girl, but she is missing her hand and foot.” And at that, the midwife placed this little baby on my chest. I was instantly in love as I looked at her tiny features and fresh, pink skin. She was here. She was mine, my baby girl.

As a side note, I had 4 ultrasounds during my pregnancy. Somehow her abnormalities were missed. And I never once had a concerning thought that our baby wasn’t healthy. Looking back, I am SO thankful that we didn’t know ahead of time. I enjoyed my pregnancy in perfect joy and peace. There was nothing that could’ve been done before she was born anyway.

Diagnosis

Several weeks after her birth we learned that Kaitlyn was born with Moebius Syndrome (or sequence), a rare birth defect that only affects between 2 and 20 babies per million. Moebius Syndrome causes missing or underdeveloped 6th and 7th cranial nerves from lack of circulation early in pregnancy. Those nerves control all facial expressions, lateral eye movements and blinking. Being that it is a sequence (think of falling dominos), it can cause a myriad of other symptoms and syndromes, too. In our case, it also caused Kaitlyn’s left hand and foot not to develop at all, a clubbed right foot, both of her eyes were severely crossed, and she had a high palate and an asymmetrical tongue with limited movement.

Looking back, the grace of God helped us walk through the first several years of her life. We were in a complete whirlwind and I’m not sure we really knew it. We just did all the things. In the early weeks she would just scream and we didn’t know why. I was trying to breastfeed, but after she lost down to 5 lbs.13 oz, we started supplementing my milk with human milk fortifier to add calories to her diet.

Haberman Feeder

Moebius Awareness Day

There was a special bottle called a Haberman Feeder that saved her from having a feeding tube. It was a God send! We would also add formula to my milk when I couldn’t keep up. The nerve damage in her face had kept her from being able to suck at all. I spent countless hours pumping what milk I had left after not knowing that she wasn’t sucking for so long…a new mom problem! Her daddy would be up during the night for all of her feedings, taking care of her while I pumped every 2 hours. Very slowly, she started to gain weight and following her own growth curve! (But at a year old she was still only in 3 month clothes.) Looking back at those early pictures is very hard. The first six weeks I was starving my sweet baby and didn’t know it!

Speak Up!

Our days were filled with so many Dr. appointments and therapies! It was like a full time job! We had done our research and in turn had to educate every doctor, nurse, specialist and therapist that we saw. Most of them had never heard of Moebius Syndrome. One of the biggest things I learned really quickly is that YOU have to be your child’s advocate! We were told the wrong thing more than once. But after ignoring that little voice inside and things going really wrong (like having to pull her 8 front teeth at a year and a half old) you quickly learn to speak up! Even if you’re only a 20 year old, first time mom.

One of the best things anyone ever told us was the nurse at the genetic clinic. As she brought us the freshly printed information on Moebius syndrome the day Kaitlyn was diagnosed, she said something like, “Always remember, she is not her diagnosis. She is first your daughter.” It was so profound to me! I saw her as my daughter who had extra to overcome. I decided to see her as capable until proven otherwise. As she grew I would help her after she tried doing something herself…usually several times. Then we would try to figure it out together! Sometimes I had mom guilt for not making it easier on her. But she has definitely risen to the challenge and has amazed us all!

All About Kaitlyn

Today Kaitlyn is 19 years old. She is a joy to be around. Kaitlyn is fun and spunky…and maybe a little bit too stubborn. She is independent and has friends…and a car. Honestly, she has exceeded our expectations!

Just for fun, here are things that Kaitlyn can do:

Eat a normal diet

Ride a bike

Make new friends without help from her mom. Ha! (remember no facial expressions)

Swim

Play the violin and piano

Put her thick hair in a ponytail

Tie her shoes

Drive a car (or our big van!)

Work a job

Move out on her own

Live in a foreign country

God’s Comfort in Moebius Syndrome Journey

To date Kaitlyn has had close to 10 surgeries. I won’t pretend that her life has been easy, because it hasn’t. She is still in pain daily as she pushes through doing things that others don’t have to think about. In the beginning I remember staring at my tiny baby knowing that she would have to go through so much suffering. It didn’t feel fair. When I was searching for answers as to “why”, God led me to the story in the Bible about the man born blind.

In John 9:1-3 it says, As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” That gave me so much peace! Her life was meant to display God’s works for others to see. God was in complete control and created her the way He did ON PURPOSE! And He has been with her every step of the way.

The first Bible verse we memorized together when she was a little girl is Psalm 139:14 “I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are your works and this my soul knows right well.”

Moebius Syndrome has been such a big part of our lives, but not quite as big as we had expected. Kaitlyn is who she is today because of the struggles she has overcome . God knew what He was doing even when we didn’t. He has always had a plan and His grace is enough, this I know!

New Video from NORD

Adoption, Guest Blogger

Meet my Guest Blogger and Sister Tera

August 13, 2022May 11, 2025 Brandi C

Meet my Guest Blogger and Sister Tera

Do you ever step back and take a look at where the Lord has had your journey? Reflection is an amazing reminder of our sanctification process. Sanctification….the word I view with both dread and anticipation. It is God’s plan of growing us into the likeness of Christ. Sounds lofty, but what does it require? Sanctification requires stretching. I am not a fan of being stretched, but the Lord has stretched me over the last several years in ways that I would never have asked, but in ways that I would never trade.

Memories

Recently I took a look at the blog I kept during our adoption processes. We have six children, three of whom joined our family through adoption. These three were older when they joined our family and all came home with memories of their life in their home countries.

During the adoption process, my blogs consisted of all the typical thoughts and anxieties that a mother exhibits while waiting for her precious child to be in her arms. Nothing ever happened on my timetable. What was the Lord thinking? Didn’t He know that our child needed to be home? Also, didn’t He sense our pain in the waiting? Wait, didn’t He part the Red Sea? Wasn’t He capable of blasting through the Red Tape? I feel anxious typing all of that right now! So, as I re-read my entries I ran across this note that typifies what I pray the Lord has taught me and continues to teach me in my walk with Him. We were on our way home with our newest son.

Previous Blog Post

This week we have watched God’s hand guide every aspect of our journey. Lots of travel troubles, UGH. Through it all, when I would feel anxiety welling up in my heart, I would hear Him asking me, Do you trust me? Also, do you really mean all the things you say to everyone else? Do you trust me to work out circumstances according to My plan, not yours? Finally, do you recognize that you are not in control? Over and over, I know that He was and is telling me that in good or bad I must choose to trust that this journey is HIS.

This journey of my life is the one that He has planned and intended. I still get very anxious, wanting to control situations and people, but honestly….deep within my soul, I do trust Him. I may not like the plan, but I trust that He has it ALL worked out. I’m on a plane right now on our last leg home from bringing home our son. We are surprising the other kids with an early flight home.

Soon we will be the eight of us. Our sweet boy is sleeping peacefully. He fully trusts us as his parents. We know where he is going and we know what is in store on the other end of this plane ride. There was a plan to bring him home. Everywhere we’ve led him, he has willingly gone with a smile on his face, handheld out to take ours. Fully trusting. May I be the same with my Heavenly Father who has the plan?

Encouraging Words

As your family journeys along in life, I ask you to trust Him with the plan. Recognize that He sees the view from above the plane. The full view. You only see out of your little window. How we react to our journey will show the world that we trust HIM and love HIM more than we trust and love our plan. Ask yourself what you desire more…the child to be added to your family, your children to be whole, relief from difficulties, or is your desire for a relationship with the ONE who made both you and your child?

Lean Into Him

Marriage. Parenting. Adoption. Life. Complex, beautiful, hard. Embrace the hard as God’s provision for your sanctification. Growth is never easy. Cling to Him.

Isaiah 55:8-9 “The Lord says: ‘My thoughts and my ways are not like yours.Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours.’ ”

Adoption, Guest Blogger

Guest Blogger Big Daddy on Adoption

August 12, 2022May 11, 2025 Brandi C

Guest Blogger Big Daddy on Adoption

This post was originally written in 2017.

Guest Blogger Big Daddy on Adoption and his thoughts. After having three biological children, we decided to enter the realm of adoption. We believed our quiver wasn’t complete, so the decision was easy. What we didn’t realize is that adoption is HARD. It doesn’t matter what kind of adoption it is. Whether through foster care, international adoption, or one of your relatives, adoption is not for the faint of heart.

Adoption is Rewarding

However, adoption is very rewarding. Knowing that you have taken life into your home that otherwise was not wanted or was being mistreated, abused, or neglected is an amazing miracle. God intended for children to be raised by their parents, but circumstances sometimes do not allow that to happen. That’s why we took the plunge to care for the orphans.

Our Wild Ride to Adoption

As for our journey, it has been a wild ride. We have had a lot of good days and plenty of bad ones. But so far, we have stayed the course. We have tried to instill Godly values in our children while teaching them honesty, integrity, responsibility, and character. Sometimes we think that we are not making much progress, but honestly, we believe if we are consistent with the kids, they will turn out fine. Each child is different. We have learned how to parent each child with different behaviors and personalities.

At first, I was resistant to adoption, but after I met the little girl my sister-in-law and her husband adopted from the Philipines, my heart melted. I saw the love shown and given to her and believed I could do the same. So we decided to do it.

Our First Experience

Our first experience with fostering to adoption started pretty good other than the fact that these children were brought to us, and we knew nothing about them. It was hard, especially with Shay, because she was non-verbal at two years old. She never did warm up to me very much. Tay, on the other hand, was very happy and always smiling. Also, they were very sick, and we could not get them well.

Then the day that nearly broke us into the world of fostering/adoption happened. The kids were suddenly taken away from us by the Cabinet. We had no idea….one minute, we are raising these kids, and the next minute they are gone. We were told the reason but truly believed the social worker lied about us in a court hearing that we were not present at. I was furious, and it crushed my wife. To this day, she still has the scars of them being taken from us. We had to believe that the Lord had different plans for those sweet children and us.

Never Again?

At that time, we told ourselves we would not go through a horrible experience like we just had but decided to give it another go around. We started fostering D and G in the spring of 2007. At first, it was really good, but we learned quickly how many of these children in the child services system could be damaged. To find out the kids you just took into your home were previously abused is a tough pill to swallow.

Having to raise children during an investigation of abuse and ensuing court proceedings is not the way it should be. But the kids were safe, and we did our best to cope with the behaviors stemming from their past. We finally adopted them about two and a half years later. Since then, we’ve run the gamut of ups and downs with them. Some days are good, and some days are bad, but in the end, they are loved, and hopefully, they will be able to overcome the terrible start they had in life.

International Adoption

Our subsequent adoption was a foray into international adoption. My wife had always dreamed of adopting from the county of Ethiopia. After I met my new nephew from Ethiopia, my sister-in-law’s second adopted child. I was ready to go to Africa. The process was a lot of paperwork and a lot of money. (Not sure why it costs so much to adopt a child who has no home or no one else wants). Within a few months, we had a referral and got a picture of our son. It was amazing how we could love someone so much whom we had never met.

The anticipation was unbearable. But soon after that, we could travel to Africa and meet our son. It was an experience like none other. We met our son and spent three or four days with him. We went to court and were granted the adoption. The hardest part was leaving him there. But we were told that it should only be about eight weeks before we could return and bring him home. Little did we know then that eight weeks would turn into 14 months.

Huge Mistake Made by Home Study Agency

Our home study agency made a huge mistake, and the US government told us we did not make enough money to bring him home. How ridiculous is that? It’s a shame that money, or the lack thereof, keeps so many people from adopting children that need good homes. When we found this out, we desperately tried everything we could to get clearance from USCIS but were flat-out denied two months later. My wife was crushed beyond all belief. From December 2010 to about November 2011, she was just a shell of a person.

Yes, she lived and breathed, but that was about it. She was vacant. And there was nothing I could do about it. I believed that there was no way God would allow us to travel 7000 miles to meet a boy and tell him he would be our son, then him not ever come home. Not necessarily for our sake but for his. He was an innocent child growing up in an orphanage with 50 or 60 other children like him. But God made way for us to get our clearance to bring him home, and in December 2011, we brought J to his forever home. We were made whole.

Here We Go Again

After we brought J home, we thought our quiver was full. But God had other plans for our family. In November of 2015, we had an opportunity to take in our great-nephew, H. His mother, our niece, had been in trouble with the law and could not take care of him. H had been living with a man who believed he was the father. He had troubles of his own and agreed for us to keep H for a while. We decided to file for emergency custody of H mainly for his safety at the time. The man he was living with turned out not to be the biological father, and we were granted temporary custody of H.

His Biological Mom

His mother got into even more trouble later and was facing a lot of time in prison. She made a tough yet mature decision to terminate her rights and allow us to adopt H. I can’t imagine how hard that was for her. I am very proud of her for sacrificing for her son. H invigorated our family with joy. He has so much energy and is very sweet and funny. However, in June, he was diagnosed with an extremely rare neurological disorder called Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome. He has been through a lot, which has been tough on him and us. But we take it one day at a time and trust in God for healing and comfort.

Adoption is Tough

So those reading this and considering adopting do not have preconceived notions of lollipops and rainbows. Adoption is challenging and not for the faint of heart. But the rewards are unending. Giving a child a home and stability is a beautiful thing. Whether they know it or not, children crave structure, discipline, and a sense of worth.

That’s the beauty of adoption.

Guest Blogger

Is Your Family Ready for the New School Year?

July 18, 2022January 4, 2026 Brandi C

COVID-19 Resources You Need for a Safe and Successful New School Year

Is your family ready for the new school year? If not, you’re probably not the only one. After all, it can be difficult to navigate pandemic challenges along with the normal back-to-school concerns. You need the steps and resources below to make your life easier.

First, You’ve Got to Have Some Faith.

This year’s going to be tough, but you’ve got this!

The Barefoot Faith Journey blog has many family, faith, and life tips.
But you can also find more dedicated home-school tips from experts.
There are also COVID-19 safety resources for kids going back to school.

Then, You’ll Need to Keep Things Clean.

Home-school or regular school, keeping your home clean is crucial.

Deep cleaning can help get your family off to a fresh and clean start.
Of course, you should weigh the ethics of hiring help during the pandemic.
So you may want to use green cleaning tips to do your deep cleaning.
Just keep in mind that only certain cleaners will kill COVID-19 germs.

Next, You Can Start Shopping for Supplies

No new school year is complete without shopping, so use these tips to make it easier.

You can bet that a safe and effective hand sanitizer will be at the top of your list.
Shopping for remote learning supplies is all about picking up the right tech.
For an easy and safe BTS shopping experience, try buying supplies online.
If you need help buying school supplies, know there are resources available.

Finally, Work on Getting Kids Into a Routine

This may be the most challenging part of the new school year, but these resources will help.

It usually helps start with smaller changes, like setting an earlier bedtime.
When insomnia is an issue, changing your bedtime routines could also help.
Online learning can be more tiring for kids, so try to schedule a few breaks.

This year is going to be a challenge. So put the resources above to good use. Also, have some faith and patience with yourself and your family.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Resources:

Raising the Next Generation

jennasherman@parent-leaders.com

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Guest Blogger, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

I Wonder What I Will Be Like

July 16, 2022May 11, 2025 Brandi C

I Wonder What I Will Be Like

I wonder what kind of mom I will be

{I} get anxious thinking about it

I wanted this for so long

But now that it is here, I am scared

Love and Fear

I love you more than life itself

But you scare me

I don’t want to blink and you will be gone

The thought of losing you is unbearable

And you aren’t even here yet

My Desire

I want to be a good mom

But I know I will make mistakes

I want to admit to you when I make a mistake

So you know that it’s ok to make mistakes

As long as we learn from them

What I See

I see so many families

Hurting, every day

Because of poor choices, the parents made

I can’t be that kind of mom

You don’t deserve that

What You Deserve

{You} deserve everything

You deserve the world

I want to preserve your innocence

Shield you from this world

Will I?

I wonder if I will be good enough

That is the theme of my life

It has always been there

It always will be

Love

I love you more than life itself

But I wonder if I will be a good mom

You deserve a good mom

I want to be that for you

A Diagnosis Does Not Define You

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Guest Blogger, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

The Reality of my Nightmare

July 15, 2022May 11, 2025 Brandi C

The Reality of my Nightmare

In The Reality of my Nightmare, my guest blogger writes about her interpretation of the trials that surrounded her. She writes it as if she were me. I read it the morning of my friend’s funeral. She is pretty spot on in all that she said.

The Reality of my Nightmare

Writing this seems like a nightmare

I am waiting to wake up from this nightmare because of how real it feels. But when I open my eyes, it will all go away. No. This nightmare is real. I can’t believe this is happening to me. Why? Why me? What did I do wrong to cause these people to knock on my door? Who has been watching me and observing my every movement?

I am afraid

Afraid to raise my voice even the slightest bit because someone might be watching. Also, I am scared to take my child to the other room for fear that someone might think I will punish them. Afraid to go out in public with my child for fear that someone will judge me the wrong way and call them again. Why me?

Raising Kids

Raising kids is hard, especially 7 of them. They are all so different in so many ways. Yet, I would not change a single hair on their head because I love them so much. I love my kids with every fiber of my being. I would gladly take any strife or burdens off their shoulders. I will put them on my own if it helps them and their future.

My kids are special.

Some have mentally challenging issues. Then, others have some physical problems that need my constant attention. Being a mom is hard. It is tiring even. Yet, I am glad God chose these beautiful children to be mine.

I love fiercely and will do anything in my power to protect them from the world and its temptations. Sometimes, I help others before I think about myself and my needs. I have run ragged, going in different directions to help those in need as God calls me to do. Honestly, I try to open myself up to other moms in various clubs and organizations my kids participate. I try to help them and converse with them when they need a friend or a shoulder to cry on.

But You

You took care of my child when he played sports on your team. He became best friends with your kids. I thought you loved him like one of your own. He stayed at your house and slept over so many nights. Every time, he had a blast when he came home beaming from ear to ear. He would tell me all about how fun it is at your house.

Invitation then Betrayal

I invited you into my home, which we manage to keep clean amongst the chaos of having multiple children and animals in the house. And yet, you betrayed my trust by calling them. Why? Why me?

You know my child is well-fed. We give him clothes and things to toys. Furthermore, we keep him involved in sports. Importantly, we teach him the love of Jesus in everything we do. We fight for him daily because he is different. And that’s okay because I love him so much.

How Would You Feel

You are a mother with kids of your own. How would you feel if someone called them? They showed up at your doorstep asking to be invited in. Then ask you probing questions about your home and relationships with your kids? And what if you found out that it was a supposed “friend” who called them on you.

How would you feel?

Betrayed?

Confused?

I should hope so.

That is how I felt.

Terrifying Agony

The terrifying agony that my kids could be ripped away from me with no warning. Sadly, the wailing and uncontrollable sobbing happened in my car when I got the call. My heart can’t take it anymore. I am so tired of having to justify myself to these people. Justify every action that I do and every word that comes out of my mouth.

How would you feel?

Would you demand an explanation from your “friend” and say some nasty things to them in retaliation? Would you constantly look over your shoulder to make sure no one was watching you if you ever had to punish your child in public? Or are you one of those parents letting their children run amuck and do whatever they want?

Either way, I want you to know that it is understandable if you did not know the family or had never been in their home and seen how the family operates. It would be understandable if you didn’t know my son or me.

But you did know us.

I was at every game. I talked to you all the time. And yet, you still called. I could trust you. You have betrayed my trust. But I choose to let God be in control of my situation. I prefer to let God judge your actions when you get to Heaven instead of judging you, which I am not called to do.

Honestly, I choose to love like Jesus with skin on and be the city on a hill for you. I prefer to let God listen to my sorrowful prayers and collect my tears in a jar. Furthermore, I choose to let God pick me up and comfort me because he knows I am the mom He called me to be. I am not perfect. But God does not call us to be perfect. He calls us to be his disciples and to love our neighbor in his word.

My house may be messy sometimes, and my kids may drive me crazy most days, but in what reality is home always tidy and the kids always clean and well-behaved? I would love to meet those people and that family.

Haven’t you ever made a mistake as a parent?

Because if you say no, that is a bold-faced lie. We fail daily at things. The key is learning from those mistakes, moving on, and leaving the past behind us. Those failures are also successes. I have put several of my kids through a full education (and I have homeschooled them for many years as well). Two of them graduated with honors, which is a huge accomplishment.

Mama Pride

One of my kids is married with a baby on the way. I could not be happier for my sweet child. My smallest child is excelling at what doctors told us would be impossible. Yet, with me by his side, he has survived those odds.

The moments of pride I feel for the children I raised surpass the moments of sadness I think when things like this happen. I choose to find the beauty in the ashes. I will stand tall and not be shaken by people’s opinions of my family and me.

My Choices

So I will also choose to continue to stand by my children and attend every activity, club, and sporting event they are in. And if you other moms judge me or whisper tall tales about me that are not even true, I will smile and turn the other cheek as God has called me to, even if it is the hardest thing I have ever done.

Cruelty of Others

People can be so cruel nowadays, and they always look at the plank in someone else’s eye rather than focusing on the speck of dirt in their eye. Words can slice through a person and bring them down when we should be standing together as moms and supporting one another rather than bringing them down and jumping to conclusions by calling the organization before they have the facts straight.

No, we moms are not perfect. But we are doing the best we can with the circumstances we are currently in and the children with whom the Lord has blessed us. I will continue to be the city on a hill and shine my light bright for my kids and you.

And I know deep down in my heart that God will be pleased with my strength and integrity, and when I get to Heaven, He will say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” I can not wait for that day to come.

In the meantime

I will continue to be the most fantastic mom to my kids and a faithful spouse to my husband. I am showing them the light of God. Continuing to shield them from the world will be a lifelong journey, but I would not change one thing about it, not for you or any other mom who says a spiteful word towards me.

I will pray for you even though it is painful. Because in my darkest moments, I cling to Jesus the most, and when my faith is tested, I come out stronger than ever because my Redeemer is with me. No more hiding. No more fear. I will not be afraid.

Guest Blogger

Revelations of an 18-Year-Old and Social Media Dangers

July 11, 2022April 4, 2025 Brandi C

Revelations of an 18-Year-Old and Social Media Dangers

Here are the Revelations of an 18-Year-Old and Social Media Dangers. Every day we get on our phones and scroll aimlessly through social media. We comment on and like our friend’s photos. We even comment on and like celebrities’ photos. Every day we are exposed to pictures and other media that hurt our self-esteem. Every time we go on social media, we see images of people who look a way that we don’t or have things that we don’t, and that causes us to think more negative things about ourselves because we are those other people.

Kids Getting Phones TOO Soon

Kids are getting phones younger and younger these days. I am not shaming anyone, but I feel that it is vital that we look at how social media and phones can affect young and impressionable kids.

Growing up, I got a phone when I was in 7th grade. I had to share the phone with my many brothers and sisters. Looking back, creating my social media at such a young age was a stupid idea. From then on, I noticed how much I started to compare myself to other girls. I began to despise myself after a while because I didn’t look like the girls I saw on the internet. I couldn’t fit into a size zero, where my body image issues started.

What Happened After a Couple of Years

After two years, I slowly started skipping meals. It started slow, maybe skipping a meal or two a week. It got worse rather quickly. I went from only missing one or two meals a week to only eating once a week. I truly felt that there was nothing wrong with that behavior. I felt normal. I got down to a very small size, the smallest I’ve been, and It just wasn’t good for me. Even though I was tiny, I felt like I was 400 pounds. The truth is, I still haven’t fully recovered from my eating disorder. It wasn’t until a few months ago that I started eating more regularly. It’s been rough trying to get myself back on track.

It wasn’t until I decided to delete my TikTok and other apps that hurt me mentally That I realized how much those apps impacted me. It was such a toxic environment, and I decided I didn’t want to live in such a vicious cycle. It was genuinely never-ending. Exposing young children, especially young girls, is harmful. I am very passionate about it because I know how much it has affected me.

Daily Inspiration by Corrie Ten Boom

Guest Blogger, Medical

Lyme Disease Information- Diagnosis- Healing

June 28, 2022January 4, 2026 Brandi C

Lyme Disease Information- Diagnosis- Healing

My friend, Lesley Emerson, wrote about her daughter’s Lyme Disease journey a few years ago. Soon after that, we did a series of informational posts on Lyme. After the series, Callie was brave enough to write and bear her soul on this journey of illness, healing, and faith. To ensure this story is not buried amongst other blog posts, I thought I would consolidate them all.

What is Lyme Disease

What IS Lyme Disease? Borrelia: A tick-borne illness that can cause fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and a bulls-eye rash. The bulls-eye rash is only one part of Lyme Disease. There are about a billion other things that are comorbid with this disease. The bulls-eye rash is unmistakable. What starts as a tiny little bump begins to get bigger, warmer, and hard around the center. That’s when you know it is more than a typical tick bite. Seek treatment. Do not settle.

It is a corkscrew-shaped bacteria that gets all up and “screws” into place. The shape makes it incredibly hard to get rid of in the body. There is so much information on the CDC website.

I mean, look at that list above. ALS! MS! Alzheimer’s! Lupus! Bi-Polar Disorder! There are so many more. I’m so thankful for where the Lord led us.

As we followed His path, Callie was healed through non-typical methods. Step out of your box—color outside the lines. Be the patient who does not settle for a blanket diagnosis. Find the root of your illness. You can do this because you are capable and strong.

Lyme Disease Easy to Diagnose

Lyme Disease is easy to diagnose and is easy to treat. You might assume that if it were a possible cause of your illness, your medical provider would have considered that before your diagnosis, and there’s no need to discuss it now.

If Lyme Disease is easy to diagnose, why isn’t it standard practice for anyone showing signs of autoimmune illness, mental illness, autism, or other related illnesses? It’s pure and simple, and nothing shows it better than this picture of Callie administering her IV antibiotics that cost us (with insurance) $700 per week.

Yes, we had insurance, but they paid for only the first 30 days of treatment. Thirty days is not nearly enough. Callie did this 3-4 times each day and would become very ill afterward. Our medical system has been taken over by greed, thus tying the hands of and misinforming our medical personnel.

I admired his conviction, but honestly, I cannot imagine risking my livelihood for someone I barely know. Please do not assume your doctors considered the possibility of Lyme before diagnosing you with something else.

Btw we found a much cheaper alternative, so don’t let that scare you.

Guess who has Lyme disease: Hereditary??

Hey! Guess Who Has Lyme Disease? ME!

By definition, the word hereditary means determined by genetic factors. Simply put, it can be passed down from generation to generation because Lyme is not correctly diagnosed (or misdiagnosed) or treated promptly. Lyme disease and co-infections are a generation-to-generation gift.

Although I’ve never been sick like Callie was, I know I am a carrier of this little gem because she had it. A tick can carry Lyme disease. However, Lyme is likely to be congenital.

Have you ever noticed that people in your family have similar health issues? Do you ever wonder why or think you are next in line for XY or Z? It doesn’t matter that you have had a negative test for Lyme.

Callie Had Three Negative Tests

The discouragement is real. Also, the weird and random symptoms were real. Fighting, going against the grain of society, and seeking out alternative healing methods is the key. I’m not saying that modern medicine is not something you need. It is. What I’m saying is sometimes you need more.

Lyme Disease does not travel alone. It’s important not to think chronic Lyme disease only stems from ticks. It is most often congenital and is a gift handed down from your parents.

One of the reasons it can be challenging to diagnose or be considered is because the symptoms are so broad. The signs are widespread because several co-infections go along with Lyme, and everyone has a different combo of them.

Lyme never comes alone. It always brings at least one co-infection. Your symptoms may be fatigue and pain, while another has migraines or depression. That’s because you have different co-infections.

Callie had Lyme and four co-infections. Guess who tested positive (although symptom-free) for Lyme and the same four co-infections?

My parents–yup!

Why are they symptom-free? Here’s how it works: God made you with a fully functioning immune system, and if we left it alone, it could handle all the gunk we inherited, plus things we are exposed to now.

Any number of things can give it a whack and make it limp a bit where it cannot fight at its full potential. When that happens, some of these fundamental things can pop up. Of course, we all know that the food we eat and all the junk we are doing to ourselves are a factor. Then other things can give your immune system a whack that’s just enough to be a trigger.

For Callie, it was an exposure to an insecticide (probably while playing soccer). Then she had her 6th-grade booster shots. That whacked her body just enough that she began having her first of many symptoms a month after having them. Because Lyme Disease does not travel alone, she not only Lyme but four other co-infections her body was battling.

Any Big Stressor

I’ve heard others have been in a car wreck or gone through a divorce (any significant stress). Some had gotten a flu shot, had anesthesia or had a significant health crisis. Afterward, their symptoms began.

All of those things can affect the function of your immune system letting congenital Lyme take over. Once Lyme Disease takes over and does not travel alone, other symptoms begin to emerge.

So if your family tree looks similar to the one below, there’s probably a good reason.

ALS and Lyme

ALS and Lyme Sneaky Little Bug. Lou Gehrig’s Disease is often misdiagnosed. However, the root is undiagnosed Lyme Disease. Lyme is such a sneaky little bug.

There are so many things that run comorbid with Lyme. The comorbid diagnosis is the one with the name, when Lyme gets away, undetected. Again, have your doctor do testing through Igenex. That is the key. Please, advocate for yourself if something seems off.

Sadly, it is the beast that is Lyme Disease.

This disease is horrible. A cure needs to be found. It saddens me that one little thing can cause and wreak so much havoc. So often, it is misdiagnosed, and people suffer. Needlessly. I mean, I had Lyme show up because my mom had it. We have to advocate for ourselves and our health. No one else will do it because only you know you.

where does it hurt?

So, where does it hurt? Your joints, your head, your fingertips, your back? Why are there so many symptoms of Lyme disease?

The bacteria is corkscrew-shaped and can bore into any tissue or organ in your body. How scary is that? It makes me think of something that bores into my skin or organs.

Some people have neurological issues because it is predominantly in their brain, some in their digestive tract or back, or anywhere from the top of your head to the bottom of your toes, making it difficult to diagnose just based on symptoms alone.

Testing is super easy with the Western blot test from Igenex Labs!

When your body is hurting, it is time to enlist the big guns at Igenex Labs! Igenex is the lab that has the most accurate test results. Other tests may come back as a false negative. You want to be accurate in determining whether or not you have Lyme Disease. Please be wise. Ask questions. Be an advocate for yourself. It can be challenging and intimidating, but you are your only advocate. Be loud and be heard.

Lymsomnia

Insomnia, or as Callie used to call it, Lymsomnia, is a prevalent symptom of Lyme disease.

Before treatment, insomnia kept Callie up all night, anywhere from 2-4 nights per week.

That fact adds up over several years. Erik and I took turns sitting with her so she didn’t feel alone. Sadly, this is why we have so many wrinkles, haha! Insomnia is so hard to handle. Losing sleep, restless sleep, or interrupted sleep can cause many other issues. It is a never-ending cycle. Maybe the term “Lymsomnia” should be in the dictionary.

Sleep Deprivation

Some signs that you may be struggling with sleep deprivation are memory issues and critical thinking skills. There can be mood changes, high blood pressure issues, weakened immune systems, etc. Most people blindly accept what diagnosis they are given. Then, they do as the instructions say on the bottle. But. What if it is more.

Sound Familiar?

If you are reading this and these things sound familiar, do not ask your doctor for a Lyme test. A Lyme test will likely come back negative. A negative test is one of the reasons so many people are slipping through the cracks. Also, not getting a proper diagnosis. The test most doctors use is entirely ineffective. There is one test and only one reliable lab in the country. Igenex Labs.

Crohn’s IBS Colitis Behcets

Crohn’s IBS Colitis Behcets Most of the “Lymies” I know have been told they have IBS.

IBS is “a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition you’ll need to manage long term.”

Crohn’s Disease Symptoms are “inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation of your digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can involve different areas of the digestive tract in different people.”

Colitis

Colitis Symptoms is “a chronic digestive disease characterized by inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. Infection, loss of blood supply in the colon, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and invasion of the colon wall with collagen or lymphocytic white blood cells are all possible causes of an inflamed colon.”

Behcet’s

Behcet’s Symptoms are “a rare disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout your body. The disease can lead to numerous signs and symptoms that can seem unrelated at first. They can include mouth sores, eye inflammation, skin rashes and lesions, and genital sores.”

It’s on my list of medical things that have popped up. However, we’ve given it a name. Surprisingly, we did not check to find a root cause. For example, with Lyme, any muscle in your body can spasm. Also, tummy troubles and Lyme go hand in hand.

Please, be aware, ask questions, do not take NO for an answer, and advocate. You are an expert on your body, do not let anyone tell you any different.

Guest Blogger

Guest Blogger Jenny Clendenen

October 20, 2021May 11, 2025 Brandi C

Guest Blogger Jenny Clendenen

Welcome to my Guest Blogger Jenny Clendenen. I’m so thankful to know her and to be her friend.

Being Tricked into Sinning

Has the devil ever tricked you into sinning, then condemned you afterward? Unfortunately, the devil is good at that. We must learn his tricks and resist him—so he will flee!

With God’s help, we can abstain from the passions of our flesh that wage war against our souls. You know what I’m talking about… the things we do or the times we don’t listen to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and we feel bad for going too far in our freedom after the fact.

God gives us lots of freedom, but we need to ensure we are not abusing that freedom. Think about the freedoms we have but may abuse—what we eat or drink, how we spend our time, what we do with our money, and how we use our giftings, talents, and calling.

Finding Balance in Freedom

So, how can we find a balance in our freedom and honor everyone in authority over us? How do we find the boundaries in our freedom? How about having the strength to abstain from going too far, having too much, or using our time and money wisely? Why should we not go past those boundaries and possibly choose to abstain altogether?

Scriptural Foundation

1 Peter 2:11-17 (ESV)

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

Read 1 Peter 2:11-17 (ESV)

1 Peter 2:11-17 (The Message Translation)

*”Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it.

Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.

Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices.

Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.

Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order.

It is God’s will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you’re a danger to society.

Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules.

Treat everyone you meet with dignity.

Love your spiritual family.

Revere God.

Respect the government.”*

Read 1 Peter 2:11-17 (MSG)

The Call to Live Honorably

1 Peter 2:11-17 reminds us that while we are free (from the Old Testament Law), we must not take our freedom too far. Our conduct should still honor everyone in authority over us.

Reflection: What Is God Speaking to You?

What are these verses speaking to you today? How is God calling you to exercise your freedom responsibly and with honor?

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father,

I pray You will bring conviction to our hearts if we need to change our attitudes and actions. Show me how I need to submit to the authority You have given me in my church, home, workplace, and government, so I reflect You.

I pray for those in authority over me. Bless them, and help me honor them. Let the honor and respect I show silence ignorant accusations against You. Help me represent You well and not abuse the freedoms You have given me.

Teach me the boundaries with what I eat or drink, how I spend my time and money, and how I use my talents, giftings, and calling. If I can’t stay within the specific boundaries You give me, show me if I need to abstain from certain freedoms so I don’t excuse Your freedom to do evil.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Jenny Clendenen

Fighting the Darkness Together

Guest Blogger

Tips for Turning Your Yard into an Inviting Living Space

August 28, 2021April 4, 2025 Brandi C

Tips for Turning Your Yard into an Inviting Living Space

Photo via Pixabay

Tips for Turning Your Yard into an Inviting Living Space

If you have a yard, make the most of it! Here are some Tips for Turning Your Yard into an Inviting Living Space. Spending time outside is great for the health of your family, kids, and pets, so your yard space must be safe and inviting for everyone. In addition, creating a functional and enjoyable outdoor area can significantly enhance the quality time you spend together. From outdoor dining areas to living walls, there are numerous ways to make your backyard a relaxing and welcoming space for the whole family. For example, consider adding comfortable seating, vibrant plants, and well-lit spaces to ensure your yard is inviting both day and night. Moreover, small touches like a firepit or a water feature can instantly transform the atmosphere, making it even more enjoyable. Overall, the possibilities are endless when it comes to designing a yard that fosters connection, relaxation, and fun for all.

Here are some ideas to inspire you, presented by Barefoot Faith Journey.

Make it Kid-Friendly

Create an outdoor space where you can feel good about letting your children and furry friends romp around.

Use educational activities to turn your backyard into a fun outdoor learning center for kids.
If you have a pool, ensure that it’s well-maintained.
Avoid using chemicals on your lawn that could harm kids or pets.

Grow a Garden

Gardening is an excellent form of exercise and can help your kids develop a connection with nature.

If you’re new to gardening, learn how to get started and earn your green thumb.
Start small with herbs and leafy greens that you can use in the kitchen.
Expand your garden with bright blooms and fresh vegetables.
Search “fence contractors near me” to find trustworthy contractors to help you build a fence around your new garden.

Build an Entertainment Space

Create an outdoor patio space where you can lounge with loved ones and entertain guests.

Build a patio cover to protect against the rain and hot summer sun.
Set up an outdoor dining area where your family can eat meals in the summer.
Choose comfortable patio furniture that you will want to use.
Illuminate your patio to create a relaxing evening ambiance.

Ready to give your yard a makeover? Whether you choose to go all out and build a covered patio or keep it simple with a kitchen herb garden, the truth is there are plenty of great ways to transform your outdoor space into a place where everyone will want to hang out—rain or shine! For instance, you can add cozy seating areas to encourage relaxation, or on the other hand, you could create a vibrant garden full of flowers and greenery. Additionally, consider adding some shade elements, like umbrellas or pergolas, to make your outdoor space comfortable in all weather conditions. Ultimately, the goal is to create a space that suits your style and lifestyle, where everyone can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the outdoors.

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