KRISTEN WELCH

Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down, I think there’s a

little

WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT When we give our children everything they want (because everyone else has it), it speeds up their childhood: We have six year olds addicted to technology, carrying around their own ipods and iphones without limitations; eleven year old sons playing bloody battles of Assassin’s Creed over the Internet with strangers instead of playing

ball

WHEN GOD MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE (IT'S OFTEN TO BRING My husband spent 11 years in a job he sometimes hated. During those long years, we constantly reminded ourselves to choose joy! to be grateful! to love what we’d be given! But working to live instead of living to work can be draining. Especially when you dream of doing something that matters. We had countless conversations HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF WHEN YOUR JOB IS TAKING CARE It’s my job to take care of people. Often our yes shows us that taking care of others is taking care of ourselves because it gives us purpose and fills a deep need within. But some days we have to choose between caring for others and taking care of ourselves. I try to balance it all. And sometimes I get it right and sometimes I don’t. YOUR FAMILY WON'T REGRET DOING THIS FOR THE NEXT 30ISH It’s about the best 10 minutes of your day. This time last year, I wrote an e-Book that has 30 lessons to complete in however long it takes you. There’s no pressure in this easy-to-use guide that encourages family togetherness, conversation, connection and fun 12 QUESTIONS TO HELP KIDS THINK DEEPER ABOUT POVERTY 12 Questions to Help Kids Think Deeper About Poverty. Thinking about the poor–how they live, where they sleep, what they eat, why they are sometimes trapped in an impossible cycle- has done something phenomenal in my home: it has caused us to think less about ourselves. I cannot think of anything more than has changed my home than the kind

of

WFMW: WHEN MOVING IS BITTERSWEET We moved into our house Dec. 10, 2004. We moved out July 27, 2012. My older kids were 4 and 2 years old. There are a million memories dancing around the halls of that house. We are super excited about this new chapter in our lives, but transitions can be challenging. I

borrowed this idea

I’M NOT GOING TO SAY GOODBYE, JUST SEE YOU LATER Friday morning, we got a phone call, the kind you never want to receive. We jumped on a plane, my husband first and the kids and I followed, to see my sister-in-law and my dear friend who was on life support, an unexpected complication to her diabetes. We DIY EASTER {STRING ART} CROSS During (our long and sickly) Spring Break, we perked up to do a special (and easy) DIY project that we will stay out long after our Easter baskets are put away. Easter {String Art} Cross Plaque Supplies: Piece of unfinished wood (Hobby Lobby $2.50) Paint Embroidery string Small panel nails Hammer We painted our wood THE PROBLEM WITH THE CHILD-CENTERED HOME I held up a finger when she opened my bedroom door, reminding her I was on an important call and didn’t want to be interrupted. But she ignored my attempt to quiet her and asked the question loudly as if MY ONE FINGER in the air meant nothing. I pointed again, more forcefully.

My 7 year

KRISTEN WELCH

Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down, I think there’s a

little

WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT When we give our children everything they want (because everyone else has it), it speeds up their childhood: We have six year olds addicted to technology, carrying around their own ipods and iphones without limitations; eleven year old sons playing bloody battles of Assassin’s Creed over the Internet with strangers instead of playing

ball

WHEN GOD MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE (IT'S OFTEN TO BRING My husband spent 11 years in a job he sometimes hated. During those long years, we constantly reminded ourselves to choose joy! to be grateful! to love what we’d be given! But working to live instead of living to work can be draining. Especially when you dream of doing something that matters. We had countless conversations HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF WHEN YOUR JOB IS TAKING CARE It’s my job to take care of people. Often our yes shows us that taking care of others is taking care of ourselves because it gives us purpose and fills a deep need within. But some days we have to choose between caring for others and taking care of ourselves. I try to balance it all. And sometimes I get it right and sometimes I don’t. YOUR FAMILY WON'T REGRET DOING THIS FOR THE NEXT 30ISH It’s about the best 10 minutes of your day. This time last year, I wrote an e-Book that has 30 lessons to complete in however long it takes you. There’s no pressure in this easy-to-use guide that encourages family togetherness, conversation, connection and fun 12 QUESTIONS TO HELP KIDS THINK DEEPER ABOUT POVERTY 12 Questions to Help Kids Think Deeper About Poverty. Thinking about the poor–how they live, where they sleep, what they eat, why they are sometimes trapped in an impossible cycle- has done something phenomenal in my home: it has caused us to think less about ourselves. I cannot think of anything more than has changed my home than the kind

of

WFMW: WHEN MOVING IS BITTERSWEET We moved into our house Dec. 10, 2004. We moved out July 27, 2012. My older kids were 4 and 2 years old. There are a million memories dancing around the halls of that house. We are super excited about this new chapter in our lives, but transitions can be challenging. I

borrowed this idea

I’M NOT GOING TO SAY GOODBYE, JUST SEE YOU LATER Friday morning, we got a phone call, the kind you never want to receive. We jumped on a plane, my husband first and the kids and I followed, to see my sister-in-law and my dear friend who was on life support, an unexpected complication to her diabetes. We DIY EASTER {STRING ART} CROSS During (our long and sickly) Spring Break, we perked up to do a special (and easy) DIY project that we will stay out long after our Easter baskets are put away. Easter {String Art} Cross Plaque Supplies: Piece of unfinished wood (Hobby Lobby $2.50) Paint Embroidery string Small panel nails Hammer We painted our wood THE PROBLEM WITH THE CHILD-CENTERED HOME I held up a finger when she opened my bedroom door, reminding her I was on an important call and didn’t want to be interrupted. But she ignored my attempt to quiet her and asked the question loudly as if MY ONE FINGER in the air meant nothing. I pointed again, more forcefully.

My 7 year

KRISTEN WELCH

Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down, I think there’s a

little

FAMILY ARCHIVES

December 2, 2015 by Kristen. Nearly 7 years ago, I chased my toddler daughter right into the arms of another mother at the park around the corner from my house. When I scooped her up, I apologized to the stranger who had caught my running tot. IS THIS THING STILL ON? Is This Thing Still On? April 13, 2021 by Kristen. I didn’t really mean to quit blogging. But here we are more than 6 months between blog posts and I realize that maybe I have actually quit blogging. A lot of things were cancelled in 2020. THERE IS ENOUGH BREAD TO GO AROUND There are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread. -Mahatma Gandhi I have met women around the world who were too hungry to see God except in the form of bread. From desperate street mothers in one of Kenya’s deadliest slums to

the young

WHAT I WANT MY DAUGHTERS TO KNOW ABOUT MY WEDDING Dear Daughters, A few months ago you were both in a wedding and between that and all the popular TLC bridal shows on Netflix and the breathtaking wedding boards on Pinterest, it’s got you asking questions about my wedding. So, I want to tell you about it. RAISING DAUGHTERS IN A WORLD THAT DEVALUES THEM: 7 THINGS First, the culture is supporting it. Movies, television shows, commercials, magazines, books they all glamorize sex and intimacy and the right of young women to go after whatever it is they think will make them happy. Second, we have a whole generation of young men who

are confused in

THE TRUTH ABOUT CHURCH NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse. This is the truth no one is talking about. Obedience transforms the church from a meeting place to a moving body with flexible parts so that together we can reach a broken world. THE CURE IF YOU'RE BORED WITH YOUR CHRISTIAN LIFE The cure for boredom requires us to step into spaces that are out of our control.”. And then, he urged us with these counter cultural words that I will never forget, “Do not invest your life on things you can lose in 24 hours.”. As we pause our busy lives this week to give thanks, I urge you, I implore you, I beg you to do a few things TEN FUN WAYS TO KEEP EASTER ABOUT JESUS Easter is about Jesus. eas·ter/ˈēstər/ meaning “the most important and oldest festival of the Christian Church, celebrating the resurrection of Christ.” It is a day to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. I’m not against fun or chocolate covered eggs, I just like meaningful things to remain, well, meaningful. I want my family

to celebrate Him.

WHAT EVERY SON NEEDS TO HEAR He stands eyeball to eyeball with me now, growing so fast, his pants hem and this momma can’t keep up. He flexes muscles and is quick-witted, he is smart and wants to know more about this thing called the Stock Market. Last week he lost his last baby tooth and I lost another piece of

KRISTEN WELCH

Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down, I think there’s a

little

WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT When we give our children everything they want (because everyone else has it), it speeds up their childhood: We have six year olds addicted to technology, carrying around their own ipods and iphones without limitations; eleven year old sons playing bloody battles of Assassin’s Creed over the Internet with strangers instead of playing

ball

WHEN GOD MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE (IT'S OFTEN TO BRING My husband spent 11 years in a job he sometimes hated. During those long years, we constantly reminded ourselves to choose joy! to be grateful! to love what we’d be given! But working to live instead of living to work can be draining. Especially when you dream of doing something that matters. We had countless conversations HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF WHEN YOUR JOB IS TAKING CARE It’s my job to take care of people. Often our yes shows us that taking care of others is taking care of ourselves because it gives us purpose and fills a deep need within. But some days we have to choose between caring for others and taking care of ourselves. I try to balance it all. And sometimes I get it right and sometimes I don’t. YOUR FAMILY WON'T REGRET DOING THIS FOR THE NEXT 30ISH It’s about the best 10 minutes of your day. This time last year, I wrote an e-Book that has 30 lessons to complete in however long it takes you. There’s no pressure in this easy-to-use guide that encourages family togetherness, conversation, connection and fun 12 QUESTIONS TO HELP KIDS THINK DEEPER ABOUT POVERTY 12 Questions to Help Kids Think Deeper About Poverty. Thinking about the poor–how they live, where they sleep, what they eat, why they are sometimes trapped in an impossible cycle- has done something phenomenal in my home: it has caused us to think less about ourselves. I cannot think of anything more than has changed my home than the kind

of

WFMW: WHEN MOVING IS BITTERSWEET We moved into our house Dec. 10, 2004. We moved out July 27, 2012. My older kids were 4 and 2 years old. There are a million memories dancing around the halls of that house. We are super excited about this new chapter in our lives, but transitions can be challenging. I

borrowed this idea

I’M NOT GOING TO SAY GOODBYE, JUST SEE YOU LATER Friday morning, we got a phone call, the kind you never want to receive. We jumped on a plane, my husband first and the kids and I followed, to see my sister-in-law and my dear friend who was on life support, an unexpected complication to her diabetes. We DIY EASTER {STRING ART} CROSS During (our long and sickly) Spring Break, we perked up to do a special (and easy) DIY project that we will stay out long after our Easter baskets are put away. Easter {String Art} Cross Plaque Supplies: Piece of unfinished wood (Hobby Lobby $2.50) Paint Embroidery string Small panel nails Hammer We painted our wood THE PROBLEM WITH THE CHILD-CENTERED HOME I held up a finger when she opened my bedroom door, reminding her I was on an important call and didn’t want to be interrupted. But she ignored my attempt to quiet her and asked the question loudly as if MY ONE FINGER in the air meant nothing. I pointed again, more forcefully.

My 7 year

KRISTEN WELCH

Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down, I think there’s a

little

WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT When we give our children everything they want (because everyone else has it), it speeds up their childhood: We have six year olds addicted to technology, carrying around their own ipods and iphones without limitations; eleven year old sons playing bloody battles of Assassin’s Creed over the Internet with strangers instead of playing

ball

WHEN GOD MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE (IT'S OFTEN TO BRING My husband spent 11 years in a job he sometimes hated. During those long years, we constantly reminded ourselves to choose joy! to be grateful! to love what we’d be given! But working to live instead of living to work can be draining. Especially when you dream of doing something that matters. We had countless conversations HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF WHEN YOUR JOB IS TAKING CARE It’s my job to take care of people. Often our yes shows us that taking care of others is taking care of ourselves because it gives us purpose and fills a deep need within. But some days we have to choose between caring for others and taking care of ourselves. I try to balance it all. And sometimes I get it right and sometimes I don’t. YOUR FAMILY WON'T REGRET DOING THIS FOR THE NEXT 30ISH It’s about the best 10 minutes of your day. This time last year, I wrote an e-Book that has 30 lessons to complete in however long it takes you. There’s no pressure in this easy-to-use guide that encourages family togetherness, conversation, connection and fun 12 QUESTIONS TO HELP KIDS THINK DEEPER ABOUT POVERTY 12 Questions to Help Kids Think Deeper About Poverty. Thinking about the poor–how they live, where they sleep, what they eat, why they are sometimes trapped in an impossible cycle- has done something phenomenal in my home: it has caused us to think less about ourselves. I cannot think of anything more than has changed my home than the kind

of

WFMW: WHEN MOVING IS BITTERSWEET We moved into our house Dec. 10, 2004. We moved out July 27, 2012. My older kids were 4 and 2 years old. There are a million memories dancing around the halls of that house. We are super excited about this new chapter in our lives, but transitions can be challenging. I

borrowed this idea

I’M NOT GOING TO SAY GOODBYE, JUST SEE YOU LATER Friday morning, we got a phone call, the kind you never want to receive. We jumped on a plane, my husband first and the kids and I followed, to see my sister-in-law and my dear friend who was on life support, an unexpected complication to her diabetes. We DIY EASTER {STRING ART} CROSS During (our long and sickly) Spring Break, we perked up to do a special (and easy) DIY project that we will stay out long after our Easter baskets are put away. Easter {String Art} Cross Plaque Supplies: Piece of unfinished wood (Hobby Lobby $2.50) Paint Embroidery string Small panel nails Hammer We painted our wood THE PROBLEM WITH THE CHILD-CENTERED HOME I held up a finger when she opened my bedroom door, reminding her I was on an important call and didn’t want to be interrupted. But she ignored my attempt to quiet her and asked the question loudly as if MY ONE FINGER in the air meant nothing. I pointed again, more forcefully.

My 7 year

KRISTEN WELCH

Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down, I think there’s a

little

FAMILY ARCHIVES

December 2, 2015 by Kristen. Nearly 7 years ago, I chased my toddler daughter right into the arms of another mother at the park around the corner from my house. When I scooped her up, I apologized to the stranger who had caught my running tot. IS THIS THING STILL ON? Is This Thing Still On? April 13, 2021 by Kristen. I didn’t really mean to quit blogging. But here we are more than 6 months between blog posts and I realize that maybe I have actually quit blogging. A lot of things were cancelled in 2020. THERE IS ENOUGH BREAD TO GO AROUND There are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread. -Mahatma Gandhi I have met women around the world who were too hungry to see God except in the form of bread. From desperate street mothers in one of Kenya’s deadliest slums to

the young

WHAT I WANT MY DAUGHTERS TO KNOW ABOUT MY WEDDING Dear Daughters, A few months ago you were both in a wedding and between that and all the popular TLC bridal shows on Netflix and the breathtaking wedding boards on Pinterest, it’s got you asking questions about my wedding. So, I want to tell you about it. RAISING DAUGHTERS IN A WORLD THAT DEVALUES THEM: 7 THINGS First, the culture is supporting it. Movies, television shows, commercials, magazines, books they all glamorize sex and intimacy and the right of young women to go after whatever it is they think will make them happy. Second, we have a whole generation of young men who

are confused in

THE TRUTH ABOUT CHURCH NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse. This is the truth no one is talking about. Obedience transforms the church from a meeting place to a moving body with flexible parts so that together we can reach a broken world. THE CURE IF YOU'RE BORED WITH YOUR CHRISTIAN LIFE The cure for boredom requires us to step into spaces that are out of our control.”. And then, he urged us with these counter cultural words that I will never forget, “Do not invest your life on things you can lose in 24 hours.”. As we pause our busy lives this week to give thanks, I urge you, I implore you, I beg you to do a few things TEN FUN WAYS TO KEEP EASTER ABOUT JESUS Easter is about Jesus. eas·ter/ˈēstər/ meaning “the most important and oldest festival of the Christian Church, celebrating the resurrection of Christ.” It is a day to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. I’m not against fun or chocolate covered eggs, I just like meaningful things to remain, well, meaningful. I want my family

to celebrate Him.

WHAT EVERY SON NEEDS TO HEAR He stands eyeball to eyeball with me now, growing so fast, his pants hem and this momma can’t keep up. He flexes muscles and is quick-witted, he is smart and wants to know more about this thing called the Stock Market. Last week he lost his last baby tooth and I lost another piece of

FAMILY ARCHIVES

December 2, 2015 by Kristen. Nearly 7 years ago, I chased my toddler daughter right into the arms of another mother at the park around the corner from my house. When I scooped her up, I apologized to the stranger who had caught my running tot. THERE IS ENOUGH BREAD TO GO AROUND There are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread. -Mahatma Gandhi I have met women around the world who were too hungry to see God except in the form of bread. From desperate street mothers in one of Kenya’s deadliest slums to

the young

YOUR FAMILY WON'T REGRET DOING THIS FOR THE NEXT 30ISH It’s about the best 10 minutes of your day. This time last year, I wrote an e-Book that has 30 lessons to complete in however long it takes you. There’s no pressure in this easy-to-use guide that encourages family togetherness, conversation, connection and fun I’M NOT GOING TO SAY GOODBYE, JUST SEE YOU LATER Friday morning, we got a phone call, the kind you never want to receive. We jumped on a plane, my husband first and the kids and I followed, to see my sister-in-law and my dear friend who was on life support, an unexpected complication to her diabetes. We WHEN GOD MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE (IT'S OFTEN TO BRING My husband spent 11 years in a job he sometimes hated. During those long years, we constantly reminded ourselves to choose joy! to be grateful! to love what we’d be given! But working to live instead of living to work can be draining. Especially when you dream of doing something that matters. We had countless conversations WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT When we give our children everything they want (because everyone else has it), it speeds up their childhood: We have six year olds addicted to technology, carrying around their own ipods and iphones without limitations; eleven year old sons playing bloody battles of Assassin’s Creed over the Internet with strangers instead of playing

ball

TELL THAT MOUNTAIN ABOUT YOUR GOD When we reflect on what God has already done in our lives, our hearts, our homes and we stop and praise Him for it –it changes everything. The same God who led you to the foot of the mountain is the same God who will lead you over it. Instead of telling God about the big mountain in front of us, let’s tell the mountains about our big God REMEMBER: AS FAR AS EVERYONE ELSE KNOWS, WE ARE A NICE Remember: As Far as Everyone Else Knows, We are A Nice Normal Family. March 10, 2013 by Kristen. I got pulled over for speeding in a school zone the other day. It was the first time in a long time and my heart beat wildly. I frantically searched for my license and I handed it over and I said, “Throw the book at me,” only not really. IT FEELS LIKE REDEMPTION We sat in lawn chairs that sat in lush grass. Kids around us, running with cupped hands, catching summer fireflies. Friends, Amber and Seth, drawn together by the uncommon, only to us, common. Seth leaned in and asked this question as if the night hinged on "I HOPE YOU WILL BE TREATED UNFAIRLY, SO THAT YOU WILL My parents used to say that I had a strong sense of justice. I think because I tattled a lot. I have always seen in black and white and lived by right and wrong. In the basement of my strengths, this looks a little like legalism and a lot like judgement. But when it is

FAMILY ARCHIVES

December 2, 2015 by Kristen. Nearly 7 years ago, I chased my toddler daughter right into the arms of another mother at the park around the corner from my house. When I scooped her up, I apologized to the stranger who had caught my running tot. THERE IS ENOUGH BREAD TO GO AROUND There are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread. -Mahatma Gandhi I have met women around the world who were too hungry to see God except in the form of bread. From desperate street mothers in one of Kenya’s deadliest slums to

the young

YOUR FAMILY WON'T REGRET DOING THIS FOR THE NEXT 30ISH It’s about the best 10 minutes of your day. This time last year, I wrote an e-Book that has 30 lessons to complete in however long it takes you. There’s no pressure in this easy-to-use guide that encourages family togetherness, conversation, connection and fun I’M NOT GOING TO SAY GOODBYE, JUST SEE YOU LATER Friday morning, we got a phone call, the kind you never want to receive. We jumped on a plane, my husband first and the kids and I followed, to see my sister-in-law and my dear friend who was on life support, an unexpected complication to her diabetes. We WHEN GOD MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE (IT'S OFTEN TO BRING My husband spent 11 years in a job he sometimes hated. During those long years, we constantly reminded ourselves to choose joy! to be grateful! to love what we’d be given! But working to live instead of living to work can be draining. Especially when you dream of doing something that matters. We had countless conversations WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT When we give our children everything they want (because everyone else has it), it speeds up their childhood: We have six year olds addicted to technology, carrying around their own ipods and iphones without limitations; eleven year old sons playing bloody battles of Assassin’s Creed over the Internet with strangers instead of playing

ball

TELL THAT MOUNTAIN ABOUT YOUR GOD When we reflect on what God has already done in our lives, our hearts, our homes and we stop and praise Him for it –it changes everything. The same God who led you to the foot of the mountain is the same God who will lead you over it. Instead of telling God about the big mountain in front of us, let’s tell the mountains about our big God REMEMBER: AS FAR AS EVERYONE ELSE KNOWS, WE ARE A NICE Remember: As Far as Everyone Else Knows, We are A Nice Normal Family. March 10, 2013 by Kristen. I got pulled over for speeding in a school zone the other day. It was the first time in a long time and my heart beat wildly. I frantically searched for my license and I handed it over and I said, “Throw the book at me,” only not really. IT FEELS LIKE REDEMPTION We sat in lawn chairs that sat in lush grass. Kids around us, running with cupped hands, catching summer fireflies. Friends, Amber and Seth, drawn together by the uncommon, only to us, common. Seth leaned in and asked this question as if the night hinged on "I HOPE YOU WILL BE TREATED UNFAIRLY, SO THAT YOU WILL My parents used to say that I had a strong sense of justice. I think because I tattled a lot. I have always seen in black and white and lived by right and wrong. In the basement of my strengths, this looks a little like legalism and a lot like judgement. But when it is

WE ARE THAT FAMILY

you know the ones. Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down,

I think

FAMILY ARCHIVES

December 2, 2015 by Kristen. Nearly 7 years ago, I chased my toddler daughter right into the arms of another mother at the park around the corner from my house. When I scooped her up, I apologized to the stranger who had caught my running tot. THE PROBLEM WITH THE CHILD-CENTERED HOME I held up a finger when she opened my bedroom door, reminding her I was on an important call and didn’t want to be interrupted. But she ignored my attempt to quiet her and asked the question loudly as if MY ONE FINGER in the air meant nothing. I pointed again, more forcefully.

My 7 year

TELL THAT MOUNTAIN ABOUT YOUR GOD When we reflect on what God has already done in our lives, our hearts, our homes and we stop and praise Him for it –it changes everything. The same God who led you to the foot of the mountain is the same God who will lead you over it. Instead of telling God about the big mountain in front of us, let’s tell the mountains about our big God 100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE SPRING We love Spring around here! Today is the first day of Spring Break and we have VERY little planned. Woot! We plan to sleep late and knock off a few things on this massive list: Make kool-aid play dough Put fresh flowers in your kitchen Decorate an old pair of GOD CAN REDEEM ANYTHING. We sat in a circle and we waited. She cleared her throat and began telling her story, looking over at her husband as he nodded in support. I was 15 and in high school. I made mistakes. I got pregnant. It was so hard and I felt very alone. I leaned in because I wanted PASSPORT TO PURITY {GETAWAY} I don’t know how it happened. I tried to prepare myself, I really did. But I just don’t know if a mom’s heart is ready for this transformation: Little girl, first day of school 2010: Young lady, first day of school 2011 She’s a foot taller, curvy and check out those killer shoes. It happened A LETTER TO MY TEENAGED SON A Letter to My Teenaged Son. The week before you were born I had my first pedicure. It was a Mother’s Day gift from your Dad. I didn’t have to see my feet to know they were terribly swollen. I begged my doctor to induce me early–not because I was miserable, although yes. But mostly because I wanted to meet you. You are my only son. "I HOPE YOU WILL BE TREATED UNFAIRLY, SO THAT YOU WILL My parents used to say that I had a strong sense of justice. I think because I tattled a lot. I have always seen in black and white and lived by right and wrong. In the basement of my strengths, this looks a little like legalism and a lot like judgement. But when it is RAISING DAUGHTERS IN A WORLD THAT DEVALUES THEM: 7 THINGS First, the culture is supporting it. Movies, television shows, commercials, magazines, books they all glamorize sex and intimacy and the right of young women to go after whatever it is they think will make them happy. Second, we have a whole generation of young men who

are confused in

FAMILY ARCHIVES

December 2, 2015 by Kristen. Nearly 7 years ago, I chased my toddler daughter right into the arms of another mother at the park around the corner from my house. When I scooped her up, I apologized to the stranger who had caught my running tot. THERE IS ENOUGH BREAD TO GO AROUND There are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread. -Mahatma Gandhi I have met women around the world who were too hungry to see God except in the form of bread. From desperate street mothers in one of Kenya’s deadliest slums to

the young

YOUR FAMILY WON'T REGRET DOING THIS FOR THE NEXT 30ISH It’s about the best 10 minutes of your day. This time last year, I wrote an e-Book that has 30 lessons to complete in however long it takes you. There’s no pressure in this easy-to-use guide that encourages family togetherness, conversation, connection and fun I’M NOT GOING TO SAY GOODBYE, JUST SEE YOU LATER Friday morning, we got a phone call, the kind you never want to receive. We jumped on a plane, my husband first and the kids and I followed, to see my sister-in-law and my dear friend who was on life support, an unexpected complication to her diabetes. We WHEN GOD MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE (IT'S OFTEN TO BRING My husband spent 11 years in a job he sometimes hated. During those long years, we constantly reminded ourselves to choose joy! to be grateful! to love what we’d be given! But working to live instead of living to work can be draining. Especially when you dream of doing something that matters. We had countless conversations WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT When we give our children everything they want (because everyone else has it), it speeds up their childhood: We have six year olds addicted to technology, carrying around their own ipods and iphones without limitations; eleven year old sons playing bloody battles of Assassin’s Creed over the Internet with strangers instead of playing

ball

TELL THAT MOUNTAIN ABOUT YOUR GOD When we reflect on what God has already done in our lives, our hearts, our homes and we stop and praise Him for it –it changes everything. The same God who led you to the foot of the mountain is the same God who will lead you over it. Instead of telling God about the big mountain in front of us, let’s tell the mountains about our big God REMEMBER: AS FAR AS EVERYONE ELSE KNOWS, WE ARE A NICE Remember: As Far as Everyone Else Knows, We are A Nice Normal Family. March 10, 2013 by Kristen. I got pulled over for speeding in a school zone the other day. It was the first time in a long time and my heart beat wildly. I frantically searched for my license and I handed it over and I said, “Throw the book at me,” only not really. IT FEELS LIKE REDEMPTION We sat in lawn chairs that sat in lush grass. Kids around us, running with cupped hands, catching summer fireflies. Friends, Amber and Seth, drawn together by the uncommon, only to us, common. Seth leaned in and asked this question as if the night hinged on "I HOPE YOU WILL BE TREATED UNFAIRLY, SO THAT YOU WILL My parents used to say that I had a strong sense of justice. I think because I tattled a lot. I have always seen in black and white and lived by right and wrong. In the basement of my strengths, this looks a little like legalism and a lot like judgement. But when it is

FAMILY ARCHIVES

December 2, 2015 by Kristen. Nearly 7 years ago, I chased my toddler daughter right into the arms of another mother at the park around the corner from my house. When I scooped her up, I apologized to the stranger who had caught my running tot. THERE IS ENOUGH BREAD TO GO AROUND There are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread. -Mahatma Gandhi I have met women around the world who were too hungry to see God except in the form of bread. From desperate street mothers in one of Kenya’s deadliest slums to

the young

YOUR FAMILY WON'T REGRET DOING THIS FOR THE NEXT 30ISH It’s about the best 10 minutes of your day. This time last year, I wrote an e-Book that has 30 lessons to complete in however long it takes you. There’s no pressure in this easy-to-use guide that encourages family togetherness, conversation, connection and fun I’M NOT GOING TO SAY GOODBYE, JUST SEE YOU LATER Friday morning, we got a phone call, the kind you never want to receive. We jumped on a plane, my husband first and the kids and I followed, to see my sister-in-law and my dear friend who was on life support, an unexpected complication to her diabetes. We WHEN GOD MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE (IT'S OFTEN TO BRING My husband spent 11 years in a job he sometimes hated. During those long years, we constantly reminded ourselves to choose joy! to be grateful! to love what we’d be given! But working to live instead of living to work can be draining. Especially when you dream of doing something that matters. We had countless conversations WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT When we give our children everything they want (because everyone else has it), it speeds up their childhood: We have six year olds addicted to technology, carrying around their own ipods and iphones without limitations; eleven year old sons playing bloody battles of Assassin’s Creed over the Internet with strangers instead of playing

ball

TELL THAT MOUNTAIN ABOUT YOUR GOD When we reflect on what God has already done in our lives, our hearts, our homes and we stop and praise Him for it –it changes everything. The same God who led you to the foot of the mountain is the same God who will lead you over it. Instead of telling God about the big mountain in front of us, let’s tell the mountains about our big God REMEMBER: AS FAR AS EVERYONE ELSE KNOWS, WE ARE A NICE Remember: As Far as Everyone Else Knows, We are A Nice Normal Family. March 10, 2013 by Kristen. I got pulled over for speeding in a school zone the other day. It was the first time in a long time and my heart beat wildly. I frantically searched for my license and I handed it over and I said, “Throw the book at me,” only not really. IT FEELS LIKE REDEMPTION We sat in lawn chairs that sat in lush grass. Kids around us, running with cupped hands, catching summer fireflies. Friends, Amber and Seth, drawn together by the uncommon, only to us, common. Seth leaned in and asked this question as if the night hinged on "I HOPE YOU WILL BE TREATED UNFAIRLY, SO THAT YOU WILL My parents used to say that I had a strong sense of justice. I think because I tattled a lot. I have always seen in black and white and lived by right and wrong. In the basement of my strengths, this looks a little like legalism and a lot like judgement. But when it is

WE ARE THAT FAMILY

you know the ones. Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down,

I think

FAMILY ARCHIVES

December 2, 2015 by Kristen. Nearly 7 years ago, I chased my toddler daughter right into the arms of another mother at the park around the corner from my house. When I scooped her up, I apologized to the stranger who had caught my running tot. THE PROBLEM WITH THE CHILD-CENTERED HOME I held up a finger when she opened my bedroom door, reminding her I was on an important call and didn’t want to be interrupted. But she ignored my attempt to quiet her and asked the question loudly as if MY ONE FINGER in the air meant nothing. I pointed again, more forcefully.

My 7 year

TELL THAT MOUNTAIN ABOUT YOUR GOD When we reflect on what God has already done in our lives, our hearts, our homes and we stop and praise Him for it –it changes everything. The same God who led you to the foot of the mountain is the same God who will lead you over it. Instead of telling God about the big mountain in front of us, let’s tell the mountains about our big God 100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE SPRING We love Spring around here! Today is the first day of Spring Break and we have VERY little planned. Woot! We plan to sleep late and knock off a few things on this massive list: Make kool-aid play dough Put fresh flowers in your kitchen Decorate an old pair of GOD CAN REDEEM ANYTHING. We sat in a circle and we waited. She cleared her throat and began telling her story, looking over at her husband as he nodded in support. I was 15 and in high school. I made mistakes. I got pregnant. It was so hard and I felt very alone. I leaned in because I wanted PASSPORT TO PURITY {GETAWAY} I don’t know how it happened. I tried to prepare myself, I really did. But I just don’t know if a mom’s heart is ready for this transformation: Little girl, first day of school 2010: Young lady, first day of school 2011 She’s a foot taller, curvy and check out those killer shoes. It happened A LETTER TO MY TEENAGED SON A Letter to My Teenaged Son. The week before you were born I had my first pedicure. It was a Mother’s Day gift from your Dad. I didn’t have to see my feet to know they were terribly swollen. I begged my doctor to induce me early–not because I was miserable, although yes. But mostly because I wanted to meet you. You are my only son. "I HOPE YOU WILL BE TREATED UNFAIRLY, SO THAT YOU WILL My parents used to say that I had a strong sense of justice. I think because I tattled a lot. I have always seen in black and white and lived by right and wrong. In the basement of my strengths, this looks a little like legalism and a lot like judgement. But when it is RAISING DAUGHTERS IN A WORLD THAT DEVALUES THEM: 7 THINGS First, the culture is supporting it. Movies, television shows, commercials, magazines, books they all glamorize sex and intimacy and the right of young women to go after whatever it is they think will make them happy. Second, we have a whole generation of young men who

are confused in

KRISTEN WELCH

Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down, I think there’s a

little

WE ARE THAT FAMILY

you know the ones. Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down,

I think

YOUR FAMILY WON'T REGRET DOING THIS FOR THE NEXT 30ISHI NEXT ONLINE SHOPPINGNEXT DEPARTMENT STORENEXT FRIDAYNEXT NEWS NETWORK It’s about the best 10 minutes of your day. This time last year, I wrote an e-Book that has 30 lessons to complete in however long it takes you. There’s no pressure in this easy-to-use guide that encourages family togetherness, conversation, connection and fun

FAIR TRADE FRIDAY

Fair Trade Friday, a ministry of Mercy House, is a monthly membership club that delivers high quality fair traded items to your door. The trendy items in the box are fairly traded and provide employment to women all over the world. Plus, they are really cute! There are multiple monthly options: our original (and very popular) Fair Trade WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT When we give our children everything they want (because everyone else has it), it speeds up their childhood: We have six year olds addicted to technology, carrying around their own ipods and iphones without limitations; eleven year old sons playing bloody battles of Assassin’s Creed over the Internet with strangers instead of playing

ball

TELL THAT MOUNTAIN ABOUT YOUR GOD When we reflect on what God has already done in our lives, our hearts, our homes and we stop and praise Him for it –it changes everything. The same God who led you to the foot of the mountain is the same God who will lead you over it. Instead of telling God about the big mountain in front of us, let’s tell the mountains about our big God WHEN GOD MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE (IT'S OFTEN TO BRINGBE COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE QUOTEBECOMING COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFO…BEING COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLEBEING COMFORTABLE IN

THE UNCOMFORTABLE

My husband spent 11 years in a job he sometimes hated. During those long years, we constantly reminded ourselves to choose joy! to be grateful! to love what we’d be given! But working to live instead of living to work can be draining. Especially when you dream of doing something that matters. We had countless conversations 12 QUESTIONS TO HELP KIDS THINK DEEPER ABOUT POVERTY 12 Questions to Help Kids Think Deeper About Poverty. Thinking about the poor–how they live, where they sleep, what they eat, why they are sometimes trapped in an impossible cycle- has done something phenomenal in my home: it has caused us to think less about ourselves. I cannot think of anything more than has changed my home than the kind

of

DIY EASTER {STRING ART} CROSS During (our long and sickly) Spring Break, we perked up to do a special (and easy) DIY project that we will stay out long after our Easter baskets are put away. Easter {String Art} Cross Plaque Supplies: Piece of unfinished wood (Hobby Lobby $2.50) Paint Embroidery string Small panel nails Hammer We painted our wood THE PROBLEM WITH THE CHILD-CENTERED HOME I held up a finger when she opened my bedroom door, reminding her I was on an important call and didn’t want to be interrupted. But she ignored my attempt to quiet her and asked the question loudly as if MY ONE FINGER in the air meant nothing. I pointed again, more forcefully.

My 7 year

KRISTEN WELCH

Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down, I think there’s a

little

WE ARE THAT FAMILY

you know the ones. Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down,

I think

YOUR FAMILY WON'T REGRET DOING THIS FOR THE NEXT 30ISHI NEXT ONLINE SHOPPINGNEXT DEPARTMENT STORENEXT FRIDAYNEXT NEWS NETWORK It’s about the best 10 minutes of your day. This time last year, I wrote an e-Book that has 30 lessons to complete in however long it takes you. There’s no pressure in this easy-to-use guide that encourages family togetherness, conversation, connection and fun

FAIR TRADE FRIDAY

Fair Trade Friday, a ministry of Mercy House, is a monthly membership club that delivers high quality fair traded items to your door. The trendy items in the box are fairly traded and provide employment to women all over the world. Plus, they are really cute! There are multiple monthly options: our original (and very popular) Fair Trade WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT When we give our children everything they want (because everyone else has it), it speeds up their childhood: We have six year olds addicted to technology, carrying around their own ipods and iphones without limitations; eleven year old sons playing bloody battles of Assassin’s Creed over the Internet with strangers instead of playing

ball

TELL THAT MOUNTAIN ABOUT YOUR GOD When we reflect on what God has already done in our lives, our hearts, our homes and we stop and praise Him for it –it changes everything. The same God who led you to the foot of the mountain is the same God who will lead you over it. Instead of telling God about the big mountain in front of us, let’s tell the mountains about our big God WHEN GOD MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE (IT'S OFTEN TO BRINGBE COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE QUOTEBECOMING COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFO…BEING COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLEBEING COMFORTABLE IN

THE UNCOMFORTABLE

My husband spent 11 years in a job he sometimes hated. During those long years, we constantly reminded ourselves to choose joy! to be grateful! to love what we’d be given! But working to live instead of living to work can be draining. Especially when you dream of doing something that matters. We had countless conversations 12 QUESTIONS TO HELP KIDS THINK DEEPER ABOUT POVERTY 12 Questions to Help Kids Think Deeper About Poverty. Thinking about the poor–how they live, where they sleep, what they eat, why they are sometimes trapped in an impossible cycle- has done something phenomenal in my home: it has caused us to think less about ourselves. I cannot think of anything more than has changed my home than the kind

of

DIY EASTER {STRING ART} CROSS During (our long and sickly) Spring Break, we perked up to do a special (and easy) DIY project that we will stay out long after our Easter baskets are put away. Easter {String Art} Cross Plaque Supplies: Piece of unfinished wood (Hobby Lobby $2.50) Paint Embroidery string Small panel nails Hammer We painted our wood THE PROBLEM WITH THE CHILD-CENTERED HOME I held up a finger when she opened my bedroom door, reminding her I was on an important call and didn’t want to be interrupted. But she ignored my attempt to quiet her and asked the question loudly as if MY ONE FINGER in the air meant nothing. I pointed again, more forcefully.

My 7 year

KRISTEN WELCH

Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down, I think there’s a

little

SUBSCRIBE - KRISTEN WELCH - WE ARE THAT FAMILY Subscribe: iTunes | Android How to Start a Blog: I’ve wanted to be a published writer since I was in the 8th grade. I was in critique groups and attended writer’s conferences and kept my rejection letters in a growing folder on my desk, along with my disappointment.

Do you know how

MEET KRISTEN

I’m wild about sweet tea and I have a thing for globes and maps. I love color and words and my house has a lot of both. I’m parenting teens and a young adult with my husband slash best friend of more than 25 years. I’m the founder of Mercy House and Fair Trade Friday

FAIR TRADE FRIDAY

Fair Trade Friday, a ministry of Mercy House, is a monthly membership club that delivers high quality fair traded items to your door. The trendy items in the box are fairly traded and provide employment to women all over the world. Plus, they are really cute! There are multiple monthly options: our original (and very popular) Fair Trade 7 PARENTING TRUTHS: DO WHAT IS RIGHT. NOT WHAT IS EASY She disobeyed. I threatened a consequence. She disobeyed again. I followed through with the punishment. And all hell broke loose. This scenario has happened countless times in our home with every one of my kids. And every time it is hard. It’s hard to WHAT WE EAT ON MONDAYS AND WHY IT MATTERS We eat the same meal at home on Monday nights for dinner. We aren’t in a rut. It’s not gourmet and there aren’t any secret ingredients. We are being intentional. Most of the world doesn’t have the luxury of having a pantry and refrigerator full of food with RAISING DAUGHTERS IN A WORLD THAT DEVALUES THEM: 7 THINGS First, the culture is supporting it. Movies, television shows, commercials, magazines, books they all glamorize sex and intimacy and the right of young women to go after whatever it is they think will make them happy. Second, we have a whole generation of young men who

are confused in

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF WHEN YOUR JOB IS TAKING CARE It’s my job to take care of people. Often our yes shows us that taking care of others is taking care of ourselves because it gives us purpose and fills a deep need within. But some days we have to choose between caring for others and taking care of ourselves. I try to balance it all. And sometimes I get it right and sometimes I don’t. I’M NOT GOING TO SAY GOODBYE, JUST SEE YOU LATER Friday morning, we got a phone call, the kind you never want to receive. We jumped on a plane, my husband first and the kids and I followed, to see my sister-in-law and my dear friend who was on life support, an unexpected complication to her diabetes. We WHAT I WANT MY DAUGHTERS TO KNOW ABOUT MY WEDDING Dear Daughters, A few months ago you were both in a wedding and between that and all the popular TLC bridal shows on Netflix and the breathtaking wedding boards on Pinterest, it’s got you asking questions about my wedding. So, I want to tell you about it.

KRISTEN WELCH

We are THAT Family. you know the ones. Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God.

WE ARE THAT FAMILY

you know the ones. Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down,

I think

FAIR TRADE FRIDAY

Fair Trade Friday, a ministry of Mercy House, is a monthly membership club that delivers high quality fair traded items to your door.The trendy items in the box are fairly traded and provide employment to women all over the world. Plus, they are really cute! YOUR FAMILY WON'T REGRET DOING THIS FOR THE NEXT 30ISHI NEXT ONLINE SHOPPINGNEXT DEPARTMENT STORENEXT FRIDAYNEXT NEWS NETWORK The bible in the post is an Adventure Bible. They have them in boy or girl colors and also in an Early Reader version too. My kids had those as soon as they could read so they could feel like they were participating by reading verses as the table together. WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT i have seen the t.v. program that shows people 600 lbs I cant help but blame the parent or parents What a waste of money and of human dignity to allow a child to eat ENOUGH to gain that, True love for a child does not lead to allowing fat to accumulate to obesity,, And so I believe social services need to step in when a child becomes obese. to help the parent and the child.. TELL THAT MOUNTAIN ABOUT YOUR GOD I wrote this post six months ago. Today I woke up needing it more than ever. Some days we wake to an insurmountable mountain in front of us. Obstacles that weren’t there the day before–and then suddenly they are looming large in front of us: a diagnosis, WHEN GOD MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE (IT'S OFTEN TO BRINGBE COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE QUOTEBECOMING COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFO…BEING COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLEBEING COMFORTABLE IN

THE UNCOMFORTABLE

My husband spent 11 years in a job he sometimes hated. During those long years, we constantly reminded ourselves to choose joy! to be grateful! to love what we’d be given! But working to live instead of living to work can be draining. Especially when you dream of doing something that matters. We had countless conversations 12 QUESTIONS TO HELP KIDS THINK DEEPER ABOUT POVERTY Thinking about the poor–how they live, where they sleep, what they eat, why they are sometimes trapped in an impossible cycle- has done something phenomenal in my home: it has caused us to think less about ourselves. I cannot think of anything more than has changed my home than the kind of conversations that open DIY EASTER {STRING ART} CROSS During (our long and sickly) Spring Break, we perked up to do a special (and easy) DIY project that we will stay out long after our Easter baskets are put away. Easter {String Art} Cross Plaque Supplies: Piece of unfinished wood (Hobby Lobby $2.50) Paint Embroidery string Small panel nails Hammer We painted our wood THE PROBLEM WITH THE CHILD-CENTERED HOME I held up a finger when she opened my bedroom door, reminding her I was on an important call and didn’t want to be interrupted. But she ignored my attempt to quiet her and asked the question loudly as if MY ONE FINGER in the air meant nothing. I pointed again, more forcefully.

My 7 year

KRISTEN WELCH

Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down, I think there’s a

little

WE ARE THAT FAMILY

you know the ones. Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down,

I think

YOUR FAMILY WON'T REGRET DOING THIS FOR THE NEXT 30ISHI NEXT ONLINE SHOPPINGNEXT DEPARTMENT STORENEXT FRIDAYNEXT NEWS NETWORK It’s about the best 10 minutes of your day. This time last year, I wrote an e-Book that has 30 lessons to complete in however long it takes you. There’s no pressure in this easy-to-use guide that encourages family togetherness, conversation, connection and fun

FAIR TRADE FRIDAY

Fair Trade Friday, a ministry of Mercy House, is a monthly membership club that delivers high quality fair traded items to your door. The trendy items in the box are fairly traded and provide employment to women all over the world. Plus, they are really cute! There are multiple monthly options: our original (and very popular) Fair Trade WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT When we give our children everything they want (because everyone else has it), it speeds up their childhood: We have six year olds addicted to technology, carrying around their own ipods and iphones without limitations; eleven year old sons playing bloody battles of Assassin’s Creed over the Internet with strangers instead of playing

ball

TELL THAT MOUNTAIN ABOUT YOUR GOD When we reflect on what God has already done in our lives, our hearts, our homes and we stop and praise Him for it –it changes everything. The same God who led you to the foot of the mountain is the same God who will lead you over it. Instead of telling God about the big mountain in front of us, let’s tell the mountains about our big God WHEN GOD MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE (IT'S OFTEN TO BRINGBE COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE QUOTEBECOMING COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFO…BEING COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLEBEING COMFORTABLE IN

THE UNCOMFORTABLE

My husband spent 11 years in a job he sometimes hated. During those long years, we constantly reminded ourselves to choose joy! to be grateful! to love what we’d be given! But working to live instead of living to work can be draining. Especially when you dream of doing something that matters. We had countless conversations 12 QUESTIONS TO HELP KIDS THINK DEEPER ABOUT POVERTY 12 Questions to Help Kids Think Deeper About Poverty. Thinking about the poor–how they live, where they sleep, what they eat, why they are sometimes trapped in an impossible cycle- has done something phenomenal in my home: it has caused us to think less about ourselves. I cannot think of anything more than has changed my home than the kind

of

DIY EASTER {STRING ART} CROSS During (our long and sickly) Spring Break, we perked up to do a special (and easy) DIY project that we will stay out long after our Easter baskets are put away. Easter {String Art} Cross Plaque Supplies: Piece of unfinished wood (Hobby Lobby $2.50) Paint Embroidery string Small panel nails Hammer We painted our wood THE PROBLEM WITH THE CHILD-CENTERED HOME I held up a finger when she opened my bedroom door, reminding her I was on an important call and didn’t want to be interrupted. But she ignored my attempt to quiet her and asked the question loudly as if MY ONE FINGER in the air meant nothing. I pointed again, more forcefully.

My 7 year

KRISTEN WELCH

We are THAT Family. you know the ones. Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God.

MEET KRISTEN

I’m wild about sweet tea and I have a thing for globes and maps. I love color and words and my house has a lot of both. I’m parenting teens and a young adult with my husband slash best friend of more than 25 years. I’m the founder of Mercy House and Fair Trade Friday

RHINESTONE JESUS

Rhinestone Jesus - Kristen Welch - We are THAT Family . WHAT WE EAT ON MONDAYS AND WHY IT MATTERS We eat the same meal at home on Monday nights for dinner. We aren’t in a rut. It’s not gourmet and there aren’t any secret ingredients. We are being intentional. Most of the world doesn’t have the luxury of having a pantry and refrigerator full of food with RAISING DAUGHTERS IN A WORLD THAT DEVALUES THEM: 7 THINGS I took my daughter shopping one night over Spring Break. It’s flip flop and shorts weather down here in Texas about 10 months out of the year, not to mention my girl gets taller every minute. She passed me up months ago. Shopping with my teenager should be fun. And mostly it

is, except for

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF WHEN YOUR JOB IS TAKING CARE “Mom, can I have one?” I looked longingly–lovingly--at my secret chocolate stash that had just been discovered by my child. Shoot. It was for a rainy day. Or a sunny one. Oh, let’s be honest, the weather doesn’t matter. I hide chocolate and eat it alone, okay? No one would blame me for 7 PARENTING TRUTHS: DO WHAT IS RIGHT. NOT WHAT IS EASY She disobeyed. I threatened a consequence. She disobeyed again. I followed through with the punishment. And all hell broke loose. This scenario has happened countless times in our home with every one of my kids. And every time it is hard. It’s hard to WHAT I WANT MY DAUGHTERS TO KNOW ABOUT MY WEDDING Dear Daughters, A few months ago you were both in a wedding and between that and all the popular TLC bridal shows on Netflix and the breathtaking wedding boards on Pinterest, it’s got you asking questions about my wedding. So, I want to tell you about it. I’M NOT GOING TO SAY GOODBYE, JUST SEE YOU LATER Friday morning, we got a phone call, the kind you never want to receive. We jumped on a plane, my husband first and the kids and I followed, to see my sister-in-law and my dear friend who was on life support, an unexpected complication to her diabetes. We THE TRUTH ABOUT CHURCH NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT Our churches have everything these days–killer kids programs, cool and traditional decor, an array of worship styles, and some even have bookstores and coffee shops, fitness classes, x-box game rooms, multi media events, but something is lacking.

KRISTEN WELCH

We are THAT Family. you know the ones. Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God.

WE ARE THAT FAMILY

you know the ones. Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down,

I think

FAIR TRADE FRIDAY

Fair Trade Friday, a ministry of Mercy House, is a monthly membership club that delivers high quality fair traded items to your door.The trendy items in the box are fairly traded and provide employment to women all over the world. Plus, they are really cute! YOUR FAMILY WON'T REGRET DOING THIS FOR THE NEXT 30ISHI NEXT ONLINE SHOPPINGNEXT DEPARTMENT STORENEXT FRIDAYNEXT NEWS NETWORK The bible in the post is an Adventure Bible. They have them in boy or girl colors and also in an Early Reader version too. My kids had those as soon as they could read so they could feel like they were participating by reading verses as the table together. WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT i have seen the t.v. program that shows people 600 lbs I cant help but blame the parent or parents What a waste of money and of human dignity to allow a child to eat ENOUGH to gain that, True love for a child does not lead to allowing fat to accumulate to obesity,, And so I believe social services need to step in when a child becomes obese. to help the parent and the child.. TELL THAT MOUNTAIN ABOUT YOUR GOD I wrote this post six months ago. Today I woke up needing it more than ever. Some days we wake to an insurmountable mountain in front of us. Obstacles that weren’t there the day before–and then suddenly they are looming large in front of us: a diagnosis, WHEN GOD MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE (IT'S OFTEN TO BRINGBE COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE QUOTEBECOMING COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFO…BEING COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLEBEING COMFORTABLE IN

THE UNCOMFORTABLE

My husband spent 11 years in a job he sometimes hated. During those long years, we constantly reminded ourselves to choose joy! to be grateful! to love what we’d be given! But working to live instead of living to work can be draining. Especially when you dream of doing something that matters. We had countless conversations 12 QUESTIONS TO HELP KIDS THINK DEEPER ABOUT POVERTY Thinking about the poor–how they live, where they sleep, what they eat, why they are sometimes trapped in an impossible cycle- has done something phenomenal in my home: it has caused us to think less about ourselves. I cannot think of anything more than has changed my home than the kind of conversations that open DIY EASTER {STRING ART} CROSS During (our long and sickly) Spring Break, we perked up to do a special (and easy) DIY project that we will stay out long after our Easter baskets are put away. Easter {String Art} Cross Plaque Supplies: Piece of unfinished wood (Hobby Lobby $2.50) Paint Embroidery string Small panel nails Hammer We painted our wood THE PROBLEM WITH THE CHILD-CENTERED HOME I held up a finger when she opened my bedroom door, reminding her I was on an important call and didn’t want to be interrupted. But she ignored my attempt to quiet her and asked the question loudly as if MY ONE FINGER in the air meant nothing. I pointed again, more forcefully.

My 7 year

KRISTEN WELCH

We are THAT Family. you know the ones. Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God.

WE ARE THAT FAMILY

you know the ones. Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down,

I think

FAIR TRADE FRIDAY

Fair Trade Friday, a ministry of Mercy House, is a monthly membership club that delivers high quality fair traded items to your door.The trendy items in the box are fairly traded and provide employment to women all over the world. Plus, they are really cute! YOUR FAMILY WON'T REGRET DOING THIS FOR THE NEXT 30ISHI NEXT ONLINE SHOPPINGNEXT DEPARTMENT STORENEXT FRIDAYNEXT NEWS NETWORK The bible in the post is an Adventure Bible. They have them in boy or girl colors and also in an Early Reader version too. My kids had those as soon as they could read so they could feel like they were participating by reading verses as the table together. WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE KIDS EVERYTHING THEY WANT i have seen the t.v. program that shows people 600 lbs I cant help but blame the parent or parents What a waste of money and of human dignity to allow a child to eat ENOUGH to gain that, True love for a child does not lead to allowing fat to accumulate to obesity,, And so I believe social services need to step in when a child becomes obese. to help the parent and the child.. TELL THAT MOUNTAIN ABOUT YOUR GOD I wrote this post six months ago. Today I woke up needing it more than ever. Some days we wake to an insurmountable mountain in front of us. Obstacles that weren’t there the day before–and then suddenly they are looming large in front of us: a diagnosis, WHEN GOD MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE (IT'S OFTEN TO BRINGBE COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE QUOTEBECOMING COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFO…BEING COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLEBEING COMFORTABLE IN

THE UNCOMFORTABLE

My husband spent 11 years in a job he sometimes hated. During those long years, we constantly reminded ourselves to choose joy! to be grateful! to love what we’d be given! But working to live instead of living to work can be draining. Especially when you dream of doing something that matters. We had countless conversations 12 QUESTIONS TO HELP KIDS THINK DEEPER ABOUT POVERTY Thinking about the poor–how they live, where they sleep, what they eat, why they are sometimes trapped in an impossible cycle- has done something phenomenal in my home: it has caused us to think less about ourselves. I cannot think of anything more than has changed my home than the kind of conversations that open DIY EASTER {STRING ART} CROSS During (our long and sickly) Spring Break, we perked up to do a special (and easy) DIY project that we will stay out long after our Easter baskets are put away. Easter {String Art} Cross Plaque Supplies: Piece of unfinished wood (Hobby Lobby $2.50) Paint Embroidery string Small panel nails Hammer We painted our wood THE PROBLEM WITH THE CHILD-CENTERED HOME I held up a finger when she opened my bedroom door, reminding her I was on an important call and didn’t want to be interrupted. But she ignored my attempt to quiet her and asked the question loudly as if MY ONE FINGER in the air meant nothing. I pointed again, more forcefully.

My 7 year

KRISTEN WELCH

We are THAT Family. you know the ones. Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God.

MEET KRISTEN

I’m wild about sweet tea and I have a thing for globes and maps. I love color and words and my house has a lot of both. I’m parenting teens and a young adult with my husband slash best friend of more than 25 years. I’m the founder of Mercy House and Fair Trade Friday

RHINESTONE JESUS

Rhinestone Jesus - Kristen Welch - We are THAT Family . WHAT WE EAT ON MONDAYS AND WHY IT MATTERS We eat the same meal at home on Monday nights for dinner. We aren’t in a rut. It’s not gourmet and there aren’t any secret ingredients. We are being intentional. Most of the world doesn’t have the luxury of having a pantry and refrigerator full of food with RAISING DAUGHTERS IN A WORLD THAT DEVALUES THEM: 7 THINGS I took my daughter shopping one night over Spring Break. It’s flip flop and shorts weather down here in Texas about 10 months out of the year, not to mention my girl gets taller every minute. She passed me up months ago. Shopping with my teenager should be fun. And mostly it

is, except for

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF WHEN YOUR JOB IS TAKING CARE “Mom, can I have one?” I looked longingly–lovingly--at my secret chocolate stash that had just been discovered by my child. Shoot. It was for a rainy day. Or a sunny one. Oh, let’s be honest, the weather doesn’t matter. I hide chocolate and eat it alone, okay? No one would blame me for 7 PARENTING TRUTHS: DO WHAT IS RIGHT. NOT WHAT IS EASY She disobeyed. I threatened a consequence. She disobeyed again. I followed through with the punishment. And all hell broke loose. This scenario has happened countless times in our home with every one of my kids. And every time it is hard. It’s hard to WHAT I WANT MY DAUGHTERS TO KNOW ABOUT MY WEDDING Dear Daughters, A few months ago you were both in a wedding and between that and all the popular TLC bridal shows on Netflix and the breathtaking wedding boards on Pinterest, it’s got you asking questions about my wedding. So, I want to tell you about it. I’M NOT GOING TO SAY GOODBYE, JUST SEE YOU LATER Friday morning, we got a phone call, the kind you never want to receive. We jumped on a plane, my husband first and the kids and I followed, to see my sister-in-law and my dear friend who was on life support, an unexpected complication to her diabetes. We THE TRUTH ABOUT CHURCH NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT Our churches have everything these days–killer kids programs, cool and traditional decor, an array of worship styles, and some even have bookstores and coffee shops, fitness classes, x-box game rooms, multi media events, but something is lacking. * Skip to primary navigation * Skip to main content

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WE ARE THAT FAMILY …

YOU KNOW THE ONES.

Hi there, world changer. I’m glad you’re here. I hope my words encourage you as a wife and mom and remind you that you’re not alone in your yes to God. It’s okay to be real and a little irreverent and mostly vulnerable in this safe space. Deep down, I think there’s a little bit of that family in all of us. Read More about We Are THAT Family …

MEET KRISTEN

I’m wild about sweet tea and I have a thing for globes and maps. I love color and words and my house has a lot of both. I’m parenting teens and a young adult with my husband slash best friend of more than

25 years.

I’m the founder of Mercy House and Fair Trade Friday and sometimes I write books. I love traveling and experiencing new cultures, trying new foods, and I’m a big fan of all things fair trade. I share my broken and beautiful story in my memoir, _Rhinestone Jesus_

, and I share how

it’s changed the way we parent in Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World and Raising

World Changers.

Want

to read the newest book? Click here. _M_y life is messy and redeemed and I’m grateful for the chance to

live it.

Read More about Meet Kristen LATEST POSTS FROM THE BLOG ARE WE STILL IN 2020? The other day I mentioned a fond memory to my kids. My husband, youngest daughter, the dogs and I had driven halfway between our college kids' university to meet up for dinner. As you do when you're all homesick for each other. We grabbed dinner to go and ate at a park--very global pandemic. I ... Read More SURPRISE! I WROTE A CHILDREN’S BOOK I have dreamed of writing a children's book for more than 30 years. Well, I did it! And do you know what's even better? It’s available today! I wrote it for Mercy House Global and one of my friends (and employee) illustrated it and that makes me so happy. It's pretty amazing to check something ... Read More MERCY HOUSE GLOBAL IS A TRUE STORY Over the past decade, I’ve cried a million tears, told a thousand stories and witnessed the miracle second chances of a hundred teen moms and their babies that are still alive long after the world left them for dead. This is the true story of Mercy House Global.  At first news of the global ... Read More LIVING A PARADOX: THE TRUTH ABOUT A CONTRADICTORY LIFE I'll never forget the moment of clarity I had in the middle of the pasta aisle. It was the day after I returned from a trip to Kenya with my family. I ran into an old friend next to the spaghetti sauce and she hugged me and said, "so, was your trip to Kenya just ah-maazing!?!?" She drug out the ... Read More SUBSCRIBE TO KRISTEN’S NEWSLETTER

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