Mom's Toolbox â€” Tools for Real Life (via Mowser)

Who won't be saved without you? Romans 10:1-15: Is God calling you to share about Him? Romansâ€¦
Share your peanut butter recipe for a chance to win a $500 giftcard: Share your peanut butter recipe for a chance â€¦
Gaining Peace. Romans 8:1-17: Gaining Peace. Romans 8:1-17
Operation Intentional #Kindness: Week 6: Operation Intentional #Kindness: Week 6
Escaping Attempted Child Abduction: Escaping Attempted Child Abduction

Latest Posts

Is God calling you to share about Him? Romans 10:1-15

Here is what I heard today.. and how could I NOT post after hearing this?! Scripture: Romans 10:14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? [...]

Share your peanut butter recipe for a chance to win a $500 giftcard

Do you dig peanut butter and love to save money, too? In celebration of National Peanut Month this March, the Southern Peanut Growers organization is launching its third annual â€œPB my wayâ€ recipe contest, with the winner taking home a $500 VisaÂ® gift card… and that will buy a LOT of peanut butter! Plus, for [...]

Gaining Peace. Romans 8:1-17

How is your reading of Romans coming? I have found it to be quite powerful!I have really enjoyed reading it at this pace and SOAPing my way through. I hope you have, too. Here’s what struck me today: Scripture: Romans 8: 5-6 5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on [...]

Operation Intentional #Kindness: Week 6

This week’s assignments for Operation Intentional #Kindness are: Contribute some food you love to a food pantry. Lynnâ€™s post on food donations really hit me where I needed to be jostled, and now I am sure to only give food we love. Bring your neighborâ€™s trash cans up to the house after the trash service. [...]

Escaping Attempted Child Abduction

How do you teach your child to protect her or himself? This is a tough topic, but after watching this video of a 7 year-old girl who escaped an attempted abduction in an Georgia Wal-Mart earlier this week, I am reminded that evil is, in fact, lurking. (Clicking the image or this copy will take [...]

Spice Rack Organization?

This is my attempt at organization of a spice rack: Wait, get a little closer and you’ll see my secret tool (that I don’t think my husband has ever noticed): Um-hmmm… I LOVE masking tape for labeling. And I thought if I labeled the shelves, others would join in my alphabetizing mission. I initially put [...]

What am I a slave to? Romans 6: 15-23

Todayâ€™s reading of Romans is Romans 6:15-23. Please consider downloading a Romans in 29 Days Reading Schedule and join in! Here is what I heard: Â Scripture: Romans 6: 16 Donâ€™t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey– whether you [...]

Romans in 29 Days Reading Schedule

This month I have been reading and SOAP’ing through Romans. If you would like to join me, I’ve created a simple chart with the reading assignments for each day. If you haven’t begun yet, it’s okay to just jump in where we are and read from there… any time spent in His Word is valuable, [...]

Using my body as His instrument: Romans 6:1-14

Todayâ€™s reading in Romans is Romans 6:1-14. Here is what stood out to me: Â Scripture: Romans 6: 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer parts of your body to [...]

I’d love to see you at 2:1!

Do you want to use your blog to reach out for the Lord? Are you already doing that and want to connect with others who are, too? If so, come see me at the 2:1 Conference this April 27-29 near Washington, DC. The conference has been created to equip homeschool families, and, although I do [...]

Valentine’s Heart Fudge– Make this with your kids!

I saw this over at Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures and fell in LOVE! Click over to see how to make this adorable (and tasty!) fudge with your kiddos. I think it would make the perfect Valentine’s gift for a teacher, friend, or my own mom, if only she lived closer. Do you make your own candy [...]

Looking for datenight dinner ideas?

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I’ve got 19 date night (or even family night!) dinner ideas for you, paired with 94 inexpensive, yet delicious wines in Dinner and Wine for $20 or Less, a FREE ebook for subscribers of my wine blog for casual drinkers, VineSleuth Uncorked. Every recipe was developed by $5 Dinners’ [...]

You are among those called. Romans 1

This month we are moving into Romans, reading through it all over the next 29 days. Unless you are participating in one of the Bible in 90 Days programs, I sure hope you’ll consider reading, and possibly SOAP‘ing through Romans with me this month. Here is the reading plan through the weekend. (I’ll post next [...]

Operation Intentional #Kindness: Week 4

This week’s assignments for Operation Intentional #Kindness are: Give four compliments today: two to people you know, two to people you don’t know. Let someone else go first… in the check-out line, in a doorway, down the parking lot aisle (and risk giving up a better spot) Write a thank you note to a store [...]

Be patient. Things take time. Acts 24 SOAP

Today’s reading is Acts 24. I’m glad to be back posting again. :) And I guess today’s SOAP is just a reminder to be patient with myself on that front, too. Scripture: Acts 24:27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant favor to the Jews, [...]

My experience with laparoscopic surgery

That was my view last Wednesday as I was wheeled to pre-op before I spent 3 hours in surgery having 2 liters drained from a mystery cyst on my liver. I had my thank you note and tape and a box of doughnuts to share. And I had my brave face on. I’ll back up [...]

Acts in 28 Days Week 4

The schedule for this week’s reading of Acts is: Monday: Acts 21 Tuesday: Acts 22 Wednesday: Acts 23 Thursday: Acts 24 Friday: Acts 25 Saturday: Acts 26 Sunday: Acts 27 Monday: Acts 28 Please forgive me for not posting many of my SOAPs lately. I was in the hospital last week for a few days [...]

Operation Intentional #Kindness: Week 3

This week’s assignments for Operation Intentional #Kindness are: Plan a family act of kindness to do at some point over the next 4 weeks. Make sandwiches and deliver them to homeless people. Volunteer for an afternoon in a food pantry. Join in on a service project your church is doing. Write the date on your [...]

Acts in 28 Days Week 3

We are already moving in to Week 3 of our read through Acts. After reading the Bible in 90 Days a few times, I am really enjoying this slower pace to soak more of the stories in deeper. I hope you are being amazed and touched as you read, too. If you are just joining [...]

He doesn’t need me. It is all Him. Acts 14

Todayâ€™s reading is Acts 14. Using the SOAP devotional format, this is what stood out to me: Scripture: Acts 14: 15 â€œMen, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made [...]

Operation Intentional #Kindness: Week 2

I hope you are having a lot of fun with Operation Intentional #Kindness. I’ve noticed that not only have I been more intenional in showing kindness, but I’ve also appreciated it even more when others have shown me kindness, too, in both big and little ways. Last week a gentleman stood in the rain to [...]

Yes, even the Gentiles. Acts 11

I hope you are enjoying reading Acts with me. Today our reading is Acts 11. Here is what stood out to me: Scripture: Acts 11: 18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God saying, â€œSo then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.â€ Observation: After hearing Peterâ€™s explanation [...]

He can use anyone, even the worst guys. Acts 9

Todayâ€™s reading is Acts 9. Here is what stood out to me the most: Scripture: Acts 9: 1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lordâ€™s disciples… Observation: Saul was not a nice man. He had people killed for following Jesus and preaching about Him. Application: God can use anyone for his [...]

Surgery Update

Thank you so much for your prayers about my appointment with the surgeon yesterday. I was reassured by him that the cyst is most likely benign and I am scheduled for surgery next week to get it out. (Yippeee!!) I’ll likely stay just one night in the hospital, but there is a possibility of two. [...]

Acts in 28 Days Week 2

I’m sorry I am a day late in posting this week’s schedule. Yesterday’s appointment with the surgeon, and then the flooding in Houston, took more of the day than I anticipated. Here is the schedule for this week’s reading: Monday (yesterday): Acts 7 Tuesday: Acts 8 Wednesday: Acts 9 Thursday: Acts 10 Friday: Acts 11 [...]

I am not meant to do it all. Acts 6

Todayâ€™s reading is Acts 6. Here is what I heard in the reading: Scripture: Acts 6: 3-4 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the [...]

Operation Intentional #Kindness

Want to help me spread more joy and kindness this year? Random acts of kindness are awesome, but what if we could be intentional about these acts of kindness, and not let a week (or day) go by when we didnâ€™t share some joy with those around us with kind gestures? Robyn, a friend of [...]

Praying and faith and healing and such. Acts 3

Today our reading of Acts is Acts chapter 3. Here is what stood out to me in todayâ€™s reading: Scripture: Acts 3:16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesusâ€™ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete [...]

Presenting the Facts. Acts 2

Today our reading is Acts is Acts 2. Here is what stood out to me: Scripture: Acts 2:29 â€œTherefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.â€ Observation: Seeing all that we have seen and looking back to the prophecies, Jesus is definitely the [...]

The Power of the Holy Spirit can be in You. Acts 1

Today we are reading chapter 1 of Acts. Hereâ€™s what I heard in the reading: Scripture: Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.â€ Observation: The Holy Spirit [...]

Acts in 28 Days with MomsToolbox.com

This month on MomsToolbox Iâ€™ll be reading through and blogging about the Book of Acts as a follow up to last monthâ€™s read through Luke. If youâ€™re not up for the Bible in 90 Days this session, Iâ€™d love to have you join me in this read of the books of Acts. If youâ€™d like [...]

How and Why to Read the Bible in 2012

Looking to make 2012 the best it can be? Hereâ€™s my advice: Donâ€™t do it alone. Instead, bring God right alongside you each and every single day. How? Commit to reading a bit of the Bible every single day of the rest of the year and you will hear from Him every single day. He [...]

Make your own math game

Looking to learn or review addition, multiplication or subtraction with your child or children? You have got to go check out this super easy to doÂ math game idea over at Quirky Momma. I am off to go buy an 18-pack of eggs (or find a similar container around here somewhere) so we can make this [...]

Lead me not into temptation. Luke 22

Todayâ€™s reading is Luke 22:39- 71. Here is what I heard speaking to me the most: Scripture: Luke 22: 40 On reaching that place, he said to them, â€œPray that you will not fall into temptation.â€ Observation: Jesus knew what was ahead and He knew the disciples would need strength beyond their own capabilities to [...]

Luke in 26 days reading schedule for the last week

Here is the rest of the Luke reading schedule for this week: Today (Tuesday): Luke 22:1-38 Wednesday: Luke 22:39-71 Thursday: Luke 23 Friday: Luke 24 I’ve really enjoyed reading Luke together with you. Your comments have encouraged me and I’ve enjoyed reading your SOAPS, too, as I could. If you are looking to read the [...]

Easy, Fast Beef Steaks with Peppercorn Wine Sauce

Company coming and want to impress? Or maybe you need to pull a quick dinner together, but still want it to be special? For the past four weeks Iâ€™ve been participating in a promotion with the Texas Beef Council and it has really opened my eyes to beef and how easy is really is to [...]

Keeping kids happy with apps

Looking to keep your kids occupied and happy while you wrap gifts and prepare for all the merriment over the next few days? The New York Times has a great roundup of apps and games for children, whether you are traveling, waiting or just need a distraction for the younger set. (Beware: Some of these [...]

Serve because you are asked, not to be thanked. Luke 17

Todayâ€™s reading is Luke 17. Here is what I heard using the SOAP devotional format: Scripture: Luke 17: 9-10 Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you, also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, â€˜We are unworthy servants; we have only [...]

Conversation Starters for Families

My friend Jen has developed a list of conversation starters for family dinners that you can print off, cut and slide into a jar and pull out one by one to answer as a family at dinnertime. Many of her questions are light, but they can bring about much deeper conversation and lots of laughs. [...]

Share your gifts. (You do have some!) Luke 16

Todayâ€™s reading is Luke 16. Please accept my apologies in not posting yesterday. Here we are on Wednesday, though, and here is what I heard in todayâ€™s reading: Scripture: Luke 16: 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? Observation: Use the gifts you [...]