When and how did you become a Christian?

I was raised in a Christian home and as long as I can remember had a desire to know God.  I was baptized around the age of 13 and that was a very meaningful and directive step for me.  My dad has always been a very influential person in my life.  His character shows a heart that loves God and wants to honor Him with his life.  He models patience, kindness, self-discipline, and always has a heart to encourage others.

What book(s) are you currently reading?

Blueberries for Sal and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom are currently at the top of the list.   As for myself, I have been reading through Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce Ware.  Isn’t that a kids book, you ask?  Yes, it is; but I have really benefited from it.  It’s Christianity 101.   You won’t find me wading through big, theological books so I take them in small doses.  I am also reading through Josh Harris’s new book, Dug Down Deep.

What books would you recommend for devotional reading?

Hands down I would recommend The Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent.  I have read through it at least 4 times (in a row).  As a younger woman, I benefited greatly from the writings of Elisabeth Elliot.

Name one area in which you are seeking to grow?

Just one… oh my, there are so many that need my attention.  But to pick just one I would say trying to live less selfishly.  I see love for myself as one of my biggest stumbling blocks.  It affects my marriage, my parenting, and the way that I relate to God.  My default mode is always me.  I want to grow in thinking of others’ needs, wants and desires before mine.  Especially those closest to me.

Who inspired you in your role as wife and mother?

Both of my parents grew up in large families.  My dad is one of 10 kids and my mom is one of 9.  I was always surrounded by lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Both of my grandmothers had an obvious love for their husbands, children, and their families.  They are both deceased now, but I wish I could have had more time with them to draw them out and benefit from their wisdom.  This may seem trivial, but I always remember my grandma and grandpa and mom and dad kissing to greet each other.  I am so fortunate to have godly marriages in my family as an example before me.  As a young girl, I always had a sense that I wanted a big family (FYI, 4 is big for me.  It all depends on your perspective!!)  I am also very fortunate to have a wonderfully loving mom who has taught me so many things: how to cook with “real” food, the joy of hospitality, the importance of a clean house (you can smile mom, it sunk in eventually), the importance of saying “no” to your kids, the joy of a penny saved, the list goes on and on.

I had a friend in YWAM who had 3 boys who were just a bit older than my 2 girls.  She was a very no-nonsense kind of mom who always expected “Yes, mom.” and said, “Look at me.”  I found myself quickly modeling many of my parenting ways after her.

And lastly, I would say that Grace Privitera has been a huge influence on the way I parent my girls.  When we first met 7 years ago, she was a few steps ahead of me in raising her girls and I had so much respect and admiration for her patience, consistency, and the purposefulness with which she trained her girls.  I still am so often gleaning from her wisdom and perspective.

P.S. I have had numerous people ask me who was in the picture with my mom that I posted a few weeks back.  Most of you thought it was Greta, someone (huh-hum, Melissa Stoltzfus) even thought it was me!  It was my sweet Morgan, taken a few years ago at my brother’s wedding.