Select Page
Grandmothers

Grandmothers

by | May 23, 2021 | Guest, One Blessed Momma

When my daughter, Melinda told me of her plan for this blog for the month of May back in January, I thought, “Oh how wonderful to make it a whole month of honoring moms!” Then, the other shoe dropped and she told me I was part of the plan! She wanted me to write a piece one week for this special month!

I must confess I then did some backpedaling on my enthusiasm because I have never felt “gifted” with words. When she reminded me about a month ago I went into kind of a panic – “Where do I even start?” and then “where do I go from there?”

After reading Melinda’s blog a couple of weeks ago I decided I wanted to start first with thanking the wonderful example I had in my life from the beginning – my own momma. My mom has always lived out her life in the example of what it looks like to live a life of service and compassion. What a blessing I have had to have been shown what it looks like to live out 1 Peter 3:4.

“but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”

Thanks mom!

Now that I’ve shared about the mom I was blessed with I want to share how amazing it has been to witness my daughters do the momma thing. I feel like they are both doing such a wonderful job of loving and raising their kids. Melinda had a bit of a rough situation when she had her oldest child but she rose above it and just gave him all her love. I was impressed with the way she taught him how to do things at a much younger age than I did my own kids. She gave him responsibility with such things as cooking, helping with dishes, laundry, etc. that I believe has helped him to be more self-confident and believe in himself and his abilities. I applaud her for that. I have not been able to be around her three youngest or her other two older children as much as I would like to but I know she is raising them to love God and love others. I see and hear that when we do FaceTime (thank heavens for technology in this long-distance world!) and on our visits.

Her sister, Desiree, has three kids that I do get to spend a lot of time with and watching them grow up and be guided by good Christian parents is such a blessing! I love to watch them interact with people of all ages at church and see them grow in their love for the Lord. I can see it in their actions and hear it in the way they pray.

When Melinda lived here in CO everyone always clamored for her rolls at potluck. She was (and still is) famous for her breads, cakes, and pastries here in Bayfield, CO. Desiree is known as one of the best cooks at our little church and everyone knows she will be one of the first to volunteer her service when needed. They both have the gift of being able to find a way to create/make whatever the kids might need and make their houses into homes for their families.

I also have to give a shout-out to my daughter-in-law, Mollie (oneblessedmomma blogger) as well – she does such an amazing job with her five kids. She is one very busy lady but makes time to have her kids memorize scripture–starting at a very young age and these kids know how to pray! To listen to them pray sounds more like adults praying, especially the oldest who is only 9!
My oldest son’s wife, Brooke, has proof that she has been a good momma – both of her children are now adults and they are good citizens and good Christians ready to jump in and help wherever and whenever they can.

I am so blessed that I have four Christian children that have good Christian partners to raise my grandchildren. As I look back on my years raising kids I’m afraid I see a lot of things I’d do differently if I got a “do-over” – you know that old saying “hindsight is 20/20”. But two things I believe I did right are:
1) I know my kids have always known their momma loves them with all her heart and
2) They have always known I love the Lord.

Now I am Grammy to 16 precious souls ranging from 20 down to almost 2! When my first grandson was born I was so amazed at the love that I could have for this baby – it’s so awesome to me the capacity for love our Father in Heaven has given us. It just keeps growing and expanding with each new grandbaby that comes along! It’s as it says in Psalm 127:3—

“Behold children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”

They are each one so unique yet in some ways the same because they are in the same family.

My favorite times are when all of them are together and even though there is such an age difference they have so much fun! One of my favorite memories is one time when Melinda and her family were home for Thanksgiving. We had a grandkids sleepover at Grammy and Papa’s and had a floor full of kids and sleeping bags in the living room all watching a John Wayne movie. The next morning the kids wanted to go fishing in the pond in our backyard – it was so gratifying to look out there and see the older kids helping the younger cousins bait their hooks so they could fish and all were having so much fun – and as a bonus they even caught a few fish! I just love to sit back and watch my grandkids play together and see how much they enjoy being together.

I have found that they have a “special” food menu for Grammy’s house. They think they should get it every time they come to stay – “maci/cheese” and sloppy joes. It is special to them and so easy for me – because I always know what to fix—just keep that on hand and I’m good! If there are any new or to-be grandmas out there reading this I would suggest things like this are an important part of our relationship with our grandkids. To come up with special traditions that are unique to what they associate with being with you. Things—activities or foods, etc. – that they look forward to doing with you that will be special memories as they grow up.

I still look back on those early years as Grammy and wish for another “do-over”. As I get older I realize I could have put so much more emphasis on their spiritual lives. That is what I hope to do moving forward so I can wholeheartedly say “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children (grandchildren) are walking in the truth.” (3 John 4) I want my grandchildren to have the faith that is described in 2 Timothy 3:14-15 “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” I want to be one of the reasons that they know God’s word. So in the meantime I move forward with this goal in mind and pray for each one of them daily, the grandchildren and their parents, and enjoy every minute I get to spend with them.

Hello fellow blessed mommas and grandmommas! My name is Kathy Westbrook and I am Mollie’s momma! I usually call her MJ though.

I love being a Grandma. I love being a Mama. I love being a wife and love being a child of God. Our God is so good all the time!

I’ve been told, “If I’d known being a grandparent was so great I would’ve had my grandchildren first!” Well, I don’t agree. I love my grandkids and my kids. They’re all great!! The last 32 years have been full of joy, frustration, tears, lots of prayers, feelings of being inadequate, loads of love, satisfaction, tons of thankfulness, hugs, and did I mention thankfulness, love and hugs? It’s been wonderful!

Being a parent and/or grandparent is a blessing and a responsibility.

Another saying I’ve heard is “You can spoil your grandkids then send them home to Mom and Dad.” There is some truth in that. Parents learn and change as their kids grow. You realize that some things that seemed so important when you first became a parent, really aren’t that necessary and other things are. Spending time with your kids is so important. Having an immaculate house or car is not.

When grandkids come along, you may be able to spend more one on one time with them than you could with your kids. That’s a special gift from God. Use it wisely to teach and mold your grandkids into God loving servants. Teach them God’s word and will.

God tells us to that to love Him with all our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves are the two great commandments that everything else hangs on.

Now that we have been blessed with 7 grandkids here in this life so far and 1 waiting for us in heaven, there is a “Grandma Law” in our home. All grandkids have to give Grandma and Pop a hug. We tell the kids every time we see them that we love them. They ask why we tell them “I love you.” over and over and we say, “We just want you to know that we and God love you!”

One thing I especially love about being a grandma is the privilege of watching my grandkids and hearing their stories. When one of my granddaughters comes to visit, you never know who she is. Is she Rosie today, or Miss Kathryn Steph? Or Sean Harrison? Is her little sister her sister or her mom, or a turtle? The stories are original and oh, so cute!

I wanted to end by sharing a few thoughts I had to think about as I became a Grandma.

1. What will your grandkids call you?
2. What is your role in their lives?
3. What a blessing they are!!

Blessed to be Julia’s momma

 

I am Julia’s mother and I have had the wonderful blessing of watching her grow up and become a mommy and in turn that has brought me the blessing of being a grandmother.

When I’m with her girls Clara and Nora, it takes me back to when Julia was a little girl. I get to relive those precious moments all over again.

Every time I hear the girls say a sweet prayer to God and make a get well card for someone who is sick and talk about how God can make boo boos better, I know they are being taught how important God is in their lives.

I was able to go on a God journey with Julia when she delivered sweet Nora at 27 weeks and can look back and see so many faith-building moments. I watched her go back and forth from the NICU for 100 days and being there for her two-year-old Clara at the time and pumping her milk any spare moment she had and never knowing what each day would bring. Her faith never left and she gave God glory for each milestone. Julia is a great mommy to her girls and is an inspiration to me each and every day.

I’m reminded of the verse in Proverbs 17:6

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, Parents are the pride of their children.”

Our 7 grandchildren are such a wonderful blessing and this mother and grandmother is blessed by God abundantly and I pray I never take it for granted.

My Mother, Maker of the Home

My Mother, Maker of the Home

by | May 17, 2021 | Julia, One Blessed Momma

My Mother.

 

She, to me is the epitome of what kind of mother I want to be to my children. She is patient, firm, understanding, kind, considerate, and knows the importance of quality time.

A great listener, gives sound and godly advice. 

Also, she is honest, modest, makes healthy meals (without spending much money), and creates a comfortable and welcoming home while working in the home and outside the home at our family business while, always displaying what it looks like to put God first.

 

She loves Big, prays Big, and makes food Big.  I believe it was because she loves Jesus Big

If I had to pick one character my mother possesses that I want to instill in to my motherhood it would probably be the feeling she provided for our home as a whole.  Because of her love for Jesus it was a comforting, loving, welcoming, a safe haven, the obvious presence of God, encouraging, everything you would think it would be like being around Jesus.

When I asked my brothers’ “what characteristics stands out the most about our Mother”,  they said hardworking, consistency in being present and being that calming voice.  I love that all her children see the same thing in her, even though we all have different temperaments, she was the same.

Memories

We have so many great memories as kids and most of them are of the times we spent together as a family at home.   The times my Mother stopped what she was doing to sit down beside me and play babies with me, draw pictures with me, or build a fort with me.   When we would go on walks down our road, have picnics outside in our yard, or play ball.   Our Mother took the time to invest in our relationship by being present and taking interest in our lives as we were little up to now, as adults.

Our birthday parties weren’t over the top or at the most poplar location but it was time spent with family and friends, a homemade cake big enough for all to have a slice.   Activities weren’t chosen by joining all of the sports and local events but it was time spent with the church family.

 

MeMaw

Watching my Mother become a Grandmother to my two girls and hold them for the first time was the most

OUTSTANDING day.

It was the day I knew they both would get to feel the love of a special woman who is such a blessing to her family and to

those around her.

I am so incredibly thankful for the role my Mother played in our family and the example she set for her children.  I pray I

love Jesus BIG, like her so everything else can fall into its place and eventually set an example for my girls as well.

 

Phil. 1:3  “I thank my God everytime I remember you.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Download Free Printable

Print out and hang around your house as a reminder to love Jesus BIG or use as a bookmark. 

.

Meet Julia!

Julia is a wife to her high-school sweetheart, a mother to two beautiful girls and a follower of Christ.   She loves crafting, teaching and is forever grateful for a God who is in control of all unknowns and thankful we can have a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Happily Hospitable

Happily Hospitable

by | May 10, 2021 | Mollie, One Blessed Momma

It’s been a little nuts around here lately. As the school year winds down everything is being crammed into the last few weeks.

Recitals with my piano students, appreciation dinners to plan, interviews for new staff, board meetings, and on and on and on.

When you add branding calves, irrigating, and all the ranch stuff that goes on in the spring, it’s easy to feel like we are only in the house long enough to mess it up and never clean it up.

A gift

As Mother’s Day approached I began to think about my mom.

When I pondered all the things my mom has taught me it became difficult to zero in on just one. She is an incredible human being, a gift to this world, and a blessing to me.

I finally settled on her gift of hospitality. Even when she is in a crazy season like I am right now, she is still the most hospitable person I know.

She raised 7 kids in a 1980 single-wide trailer. That means there were 9 of us in, what started out as, a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom house. Yes, one bathroom.

Let me paint you a picture. If you were in the shower and someone had to go, well, you pulled the shower curtain closed and had a good chat while they used the toilet and you washed your hair. We were very……close.

Anyway, with that many people in a small home, you can imagine the house was not always spotless. Yet we often had people unexpectedly drop by (coincidentally, it was usually around supper time. Hmmm…)

Hospitality

My first instinct would be to meet them on the porch and, whatever you do, don’t let them see the house!

Thankfully, my mom was NOT that way.

She always believed in throwing an extra bean in the pot and welcomed expected and unexpected visitors alike. Messy house and all.

She has a way of making every person who walks into her house feel like she has been waiting for them to arrive. She greets with a smile and a hug while pulling up a chair and setting out another plate.

One person recently told me, “Walking into your mom’s house is like putting on your favorite sweater.”

I love the plaque Mom has hanging in her mismatched decor kitchen. It reads, “If you’re coming to see my house, give me six weeks notice. If you’re coming to see me, come anytime.”

I am so grateful that the Lord blessed me with a mother that knew the value of hospitality is greater than the fear of someone judging your housecleaning skills. A mom who knew that spending time her kids was better than having everything organized at all times. A mom who knew the importance of relationships. I am so grateful for the woman that she is. My mom.

I pray the Lord will make me into someone that can carry on her legacy and walk in her shoes. I pray that I can honor her and teach my children as much as she has taught me. I pray that every person who walks in my house will feel like they just put on their favorite sweater.

On this Mother’s Day, I cannot think of anyone worth celebrating more than the woman who gave me life and the knowledge of how to make the most of it by serving others.

Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.

Proverbs 31:29

Download Free Printables

Proverbs 31:29 image

.

Meet Mollie

 

Mollie is a lover of Jesus above all. She loves her husband and family and enjoys gardening, teaching, piano, riding, and farming. She lives in SW Colorado with her husband and five kids.

Learn more about Mollie and her family

Happy Mother’s Day Month!

Happy Mother’s Day Month!

by | May 2, 2021 | Melinda, One Blessed Momma

This month we have decided to celebrate our mommas. Let me be the first to say that the three of us here at OneBlessedMomma.com have some amazing mommas!

I would like to introduce you to my momma, Melannie. By many people’s standards she became a momma at a young age,19. Her first child was born on October 4, 1981 and had her pacing the floors every evening for at least 6 months.

A Miracle?

After having so much trouble with her first born, she says it’s a miracle she had any more children. So when the biggest blessing of her life (me 😜) came just 20 months later, and completely disrupted the schedule she had FINALLY established with her first baby she once again rose to the challenge. She now had one child who slept from 10-10 and another who slept from 5-5. Sorry mom.

By the time she was 26 she had 4 young children – 2 boys and 2 girls – the perfect little family. Before becoming a mom, this may sound fantastic, 4 young children relatively close in age. However, I’m guessing most of you who are moms are cringing at the thought. You know the struggles that come along with those blessings.

How do you do it?

I can’t imagine having 4 small children! When I had 2 babies and 1-3 older kids (we’re a blended family so the number depends on the day), I asked her how she did it? She assured me it was only with the help of her momma and sister. I have been blessed to be surrounded by amazing women who have supported me on my motherhood journey. First my momma, aunts, grandmothers, and even my great-grandmothers, and special women in my church families. 

When her youngest was 17 months old she moved 900 miles away from her family and her in-laws to a new place where she knew no one.

A great lesson

One thing I’ve learned from my mom, from my parents, is that family is not just those related through blood. When we moved to Texas in 1990 we made great friends who took us in as family. One friend insisted on teaching us kids to swim in her pool and then taking mom and us to Galveston for our first beach trip. We spent Sunday afternoons playing softball with neighbors in the pasture behind our house.

Mom was always ready for someone to drop by un-announced. This is something I wish I could claim! I guess that lesson didn’t stick, oops! Mom is known for her amazing cookies, delicious ice cream and amazing pizza. Friends have told her she should open a pizza and ice cream shop.

I remember her attending a field trip with me and being so proud when a friend’s mom asked for tips on how to make her amazing cookies.

My mom worked from home until I was 14. She was always very present throughout my childhood. She attended field trips, was a PTA mom, and showed up to school for special ceremonies. This is us at my 8th grade graduation.

When the children become adults

Now that I am a mom, I always wonder, “what would my mom do?” And when the answer isn’t in my head I pick up the phone and call her.

What do I do for my puking kid?

What do I do for that horrible smell after the kid has puked everywhere?

How do I clean up this mold that suddenly appeared? Yuck!

Can you give me that favorite recipe, again? (I promise to put it in my new recipe box this time)

This kid is driving me crazy! when do they stop being so needy and stop asking a million questions? (Oh what’s that, your 37-year-old daughter is still needy and still calls to ask a million questions 🙂 Sorry, mom!)

I have one adult child now and can attest that it changes things.

My goals

My mom and I are great friends, before I moved 2000 miles away, we enjoyed grocery shopping together, processing apples, so many other activities. Now that I have moved, our time together mostly consists of periodic phone calls. Some weeks we talk daily, other times 2 weeks will pass by before we can find a mutually available time.

One of my goals is to be able to be friends with my adult children just as my mom is. It is hard to see that future when I am in the middle of a period where my kids need for guidance, structure, and discipline are more important than my friendship. I hope as they grow, they will always know I am here for them and they can depend on me just as much as I depend on my momma. As they move on from my home, I hope I get the phone calls when adulting seems too hard, when they need “mom” advice. I could just go to Google or Pinterest to find the answers to many of my queries, but I am so grateful that I can pick up the phone and call my mom.

I have several friends who don’t have that blessing, some have missed their mom for years, others this will be their first Mother’s Day without their momma. My heart goes out to each of you, I can’t possibly imagine the pain you are going through on this holiday as well as in the daily moments when you may wish you could just pick up the phone and ask your mom a question or receive assurance from her.

Meet Melinda!

Melinda is a Christian, a wife, and a mom of 6. She has a blended family. She's a recovering perfectionist who is far from perfect, but it makes her that much more grateful for God's grace and mercy in her life.

Learn more about Melinda and her family

The Longing of the Soul

The Longing of the Soul

by | Apr 26, 2021 | Guest, One Blessed Momma

Do you talk to your best friend? how about your husband? Do you tell them how much they mean to you? Prayer is simply communicating the same thing… telling our thoughts, hopes, and concerns to our Creator, God. He is our Father, and He loves to hear from us.
Prayer is so easy to do, so comforting, and a wonderful way to obtain the help we need in this challenging life. In simple terms, prayer is defined as “talking to God.” We can take time to open our hearts and minds to our Heavenly Father anytime! For me, it is one of the most enjoyable parts of my day. Experts tell us that communication is the foundation for success in any relationship. Communicating openly and freely (and often) with our almighty God helps us to know each other. It helps me to know my Lord better! Prayer is a powerful force for change in our lives, too. Medical research demonstrates that prayer is actually an effective strategy for healing disease (Studies Prove the Healing Power of Prayer | Newsmax.com, 25 Intriguing Scientific Studies About Faith, Prayer and Healing | Blogging Health Careers (onlinesurgicaltechniciancourses.com)

Source: goodsalt.com

A Way to Grow Closer to God

There are several purposes of Prayer. Jesus prayed often, as we read in the scriptures. Mark tells us in the New Testament about a time early… “in the morning, rising up a great while before day, Jesus went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (Mark 1:35). Our Lord prayed all night on the night before He chose his 12 apostles (Matthew 6:12-13). I love that Jesus prayed over little children: for them to be well and blessed (Mark 10:13-16).

So many incredible lessons can be learned in looking at the prayers of Christ. One of the greatest for me is simply that He prayed. If the Son of God needed to pray daily to get through the day-to-day life here on earth, then I know that I need to pray. I love learning about the benefits of prayer, but my favorite thing about prayer is that God wants to hear from me! He delights in my prayers! Imagine that; I can speak to the Creator of the universe, the greatest being of all time… and He listens and cares. He also ANSWERS my prayers!

And each prayer answered is a tether which pulls me (willingly) closer to my God.

The most wonderful discovery I have learned about prayer is that it has the power to draw the Lord near to me. James, the half-brother of Jesus wrote, “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8). This was the biggest motivation for me to teach my child how to pray when he was very young.

The Children’s Bible, 2017

As a mother, prayer is one of the mightiest weapons I have in my arsenal against the powers of the devil. Second Corinthians 2:11 describes the devices and advantages that Satan has over us. My first powerful defense against the “wiles of the devil” is to pray to the One who loves me. This weapon of prayer touches the eternal powers of God, and sets them in motion, and you can use this effective strategy, too. In other words, it is our “secret weapon” to move God to act on our behalf to help us!

I believe that Satan hates prayer, and even when we cannot articulate what we need, the Bible tells us that Holy Spirit will talk to God for us to convey our needs completely. “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26, NKJV).

One of the sweetest things is teaching a child to pray.

God Deeply Desires our Prayers

I love knowing for certain that God enjoys my talks with him. Even my husband has to put me on hold sometimes when I call him at work, but the Father God never puts me on hold. He is available 24/7, and He DESIRES my prayers. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to his will, He hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” ( I John 5:14-15).

I can tell my Lord anything in prayer. And sometimes, my prayers are as short as, “Lord, help.” I know he is right there with me, he understands, and he provides help. This is more comforting to me than words can ever convey.

Source: ActiveChristianityMag.com

Pass Prayer Down to your Children

All of these marvelous discoveries that I made about prayer provided enormous motivation for me to teach my child how to pray when he was very young. Did you know that children can learn how the prayers of a righteous person can drastically impact the world around them? As a momma, you can begin the process of your child connecting to the Lord, with calming and healing as benefits! Who wouldn’t want a way to help your child TRUST the Lord more?

My own mother taught me to calm myself by praying when I was 4 years old. She had a few very special scriptures that we would read right before sleep. One of them was Psalm 119:170-175, which was a powerful antidote to fear for me. “Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. Let my lips burst forth with praise, for you have taught me your principles. Let my lips sing about your word, for all your commands are right. Stand ready to help me, for I have chosen to follow your commandments. O Lord, I have longed for your salvation, and your law is my delight. Let me live so that I can praise you, and may your laws sustain me.” Many anxieties in my heart were calmed by reciting that prayer, directly from the Bible.

My son also received the Lord’s reassurance and his troubles seem to melt away when we recited the prayer together. I highly recommend the practice. Not only will your child learn a meaningful skill to calm down, but he/she will be taking steps toward a closer relationship with God.

Source: BlueWillowCottage.com

Getting Organized with Prayer

Have you ever thought about recording your prayers or prayer requests in a notebook? Maybe you have a fancy journal, or a special prayer diary. My youth minister’s wife gave me a small Prayer Journal when I was 17 years old. I still have that journal. I love looking through the book at my scribblings, sketches and supplications from that young lady I used to be.

Since that time, I have had many, many prayer journals. I have used some that have been very helpful, and some that were “not so much.” Last year, as I completed the final page of my daily prayer journal, I decided not to buy another one, but to design a page or two on my own that were individualized to the way I pray now. I fancied up this little prayer journal, printed it out, and now I use it weekly to help guide my prayers.

On my prayer page, I track prayer requests by writing them down, which also serves as my reminder of who and what I have promised to pray for last week! This also keeps me organized, and I can use this journal as a record of to whom, and when to send a note of encouragement when I feel so led. Individual needs are clear, and writing down my prayer requests actually reinforces the remembering process, according to research I read some time ago.

Source: MOPS, Int.

A Dessignated Time

I pray at 9:00 am every day (except Sunday). My family knows that when the alarm on my IPhone goes off every day, I will head to my little “prayer closet” that I created in my bedroom, and I won’t be available for 30 – 45 minutes. This works for me, but you can pray anywhere! You don’t even have to close your eyes, despite what my Great Grandfather said! LOL.

Oh, and I also record praises in my “Prayer Pages.” When I look through my old prayer journals, I especially am drawn to the “answers to prayer” that I scribbled in beside the original prayer request entry. On my newly created pages, I have a section to write these down in detail! Lately, I have been reflecting on how happy our Father God must be when I intentionally PRAISE him for answering my many supplications.

Open Your Heart in Prayer

Making God a part of my day is a perfect way to grow closer to him, and to show him how much I love him. Being intentional about my thanksgiving and also my prayer requests through the use of a “Prayer Journal” has also been most helpful to me in enjoying my prayer time. My understanding of the Creator God has increased since I have begun the formal practice of a daily time of prayer. Having a scheduled hour and a place to go, as well as a journal to record my thoughts and prayers has assisted me in so many ways to learn how to pray and to draw closer to God. I believe that my life has been richer and fuller by practicing daily prayer.

Bringing everything in my heart to the Lord is something I could not live without now. I hope you will consider this practice if it is not a part of your daily life yet. I truly believe that life will be filled with God’s goodness as we communicate with him and ask him to bless us and our loved ones.

If you would like to try recording your prayers on in a “Prayer Journal,” I have developed a free printable for you. Click on the printable below and print it out for a tool to help you achieve a rich, fulfilling prayer life!

Download Free Printables

Printable Prayer Journal

.

Dawn and her husband, Mike, at their cabin on the Little Red River in Georgetown, AR

Meet Dawn!

Hi, I’m Dawn
I am wife to my amazing man, (Mike) of 32 years. I am mother to two children, a daughter in heaven, and a 17 year old son. I am FAR from a perfect mom or wife, and we are definitely not a perfect family, but we strive to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ, and that is enough! I am a Registered Nurse, a homeschooling mom, a Sunday-school teacher, and a garden enthusiast. I love working with the young people at our local church. My favorite verse in the Bible is Isaiah 50:7, and I LOVE memorizing scripture. I also identify as a Prayer Warrior. Recently, I have launched my own online business called, “She Smiles at Her Future.” I love blogging, and I help new mothers and women to cope with the challenges of raising young children in a challenging culture. Come visit at Shesmilesatherfuture.com to learn more about our services and online products.

Follow Dawn on her Blog

Healthy Easy Snacks

Healthy Easy Snacks

by | Apr 19, 2021 | Julia, One Blessed Momma

I feel like my children are always asking for a snack.  Is this just me?

I don’t want to constantly feed them prepackaged snacks all the time.  Don’t get me wrong, at one point we were living off of snacks because we were always on the go with our little one in the hospital for three months.   Sometimes life can feel like survival mode.  Now that things have slowed down and we are obviously home more we can choose more healthy, yet also easy prep snacks.

Some of these ideas will take some prep-work in the beginning of the week but then it is a quick pull from the fridge snack. These are easily adapted to or already dairy/gluten free. We had to be dairy free for over four years and have complied a decent list.   Hope you enjoy our favorite go-to snacks and it inspires you to make at least one.

1. Pre-Packaged Snacks:

2. Fruit and Vegetables:

  • CLEMENTINES
  • APPLES & NUT BUTTER We also like to add coconut flakes or cocoa nibs
  • BERRIES WITH COCONUT MILK WHIPPED CREAM OR YOGURT
  • SOUR PATCH GRAPES Have you seen these yet?  Here’s a link for the recipe.  If you are not a recipe follower like me, this is what you do:  Juice limes over grapes, place in refrigerator for about 10 minutes. Take out and cover with coconut or monk fruit sugar.  Place in freezer for a couple hours and enjoy.  Please remember it is recommended for children under 4 to have their grapes cut.  From there it is determined by maturity and awareness/proximity of parent/supervisor.
  • BANANA WITH NUT BUTTER AND CHOCOLATE CHIPS (these are my childhood favorite)
  • KALE CHIPS
  • CARROTS/CELERY/CUCUMBER AND DIP 

Kale Chips

Zucchini Noodles

Apples and Dip

Berries

3. Prep Snacks:

What a blessing it is, even to have options to snacks.   We thank God everyday for the food we have available to us that helps to sustain and keep us healthy and strong.  Praying these snacks help your family stay healthy and strong as well and give you a little ease in physical and mental prep.  I know for me it can be hard to think about snacks when exhausted so I’ve compiled the list on one page you can print out (see below).  Along with a weekly meal prep to write out the snacks available that week and a yummy PB Ball Recipe Card. I hope you enjoy!

Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried any or share some of your healthy go-to snacks with this Momma community.   Also, don’t forget to stop over to instagram and Facebook and tag us so we can see what you made!  Thanks for stopping by!

Download your free printable

.

Meet Julia!

Julia is a wife to her high-school sweetheart, a mother to two beautiful girls and a follower of Christ.   She loves crafting, teaching and is forever grateful for a God who is in control of all unknowns and thankful we can have a peace that surpasses all understanding.