Melinda’s Blog
I Write for Kids
I write for your kiddos. As a child, I went through the motions of visiting my father every other weekend. Even though my father loved me and my brother, the bling fell flat and lacked meaning. I wasn’t sure why. Life at home remained stable but colorless. When I was...
I Write for Moms
I write for you, momma. I remember the day well. We had three kiddos and a baby. In an I-was-here-first moment, my six-year-old son ran into the house and slammed the door on his younger brother. Not wanting to interrupt my nursing babe but also desiring justice, I...
The Legend of the Water Vessel
The Legend of the Water Vessel Original author unknown. Retold by Melinda Poling. A lady owned two water pots. She walked miles each day to carry water home from a distant stream. In time, one of the vessels cracked. Each time the woman carried the heavy water...
I’m the Dumbest Mom That Ever Lived
I remember the day well. We had three kiddos and a baby. My six-year-old son just ran into the house and slammed the door on his younger brother. It was definitely an I-was-here-first moment. Not wanting to interrupt my nursing babe, but also desiring justice, I felt...
101 Reasons I Love to Homeschool : Part Three
When I was completely overwhelmed keeping up with my toddler, grade school students, and high schoolers, I took time to pray. Eventually, I made plans with a friend to co-op together. It was such a great experience. We taught together three years in a row. Our...
101 Reasons I Love to Homeschool : Part Two
Going back to school. For me, this now holds great memories as well as anticipation. Homeschooling continues to be the the venue God uses to refine us---drawing us closer to each other and ultimately Himself. Spending time with the people God gave us and depending...
101 Reasons I Love to Homeschool : Part One
We can: listen to Elizabeth Elliot as we sweep and/or mop. hike on a sunny day with friends. stop and pray any time someone is in need. run with my teens in the morning. jog with my littles round our living room/kitchen island. read great books for fun. read for...
Do My Children See Me?
Whining Complaining Arguing Nitpicking Hiding from problems or people Making unwise financial decisions Harnessed by worldly goods Unhappy Lashing out Consumed with outward beauty and comfort Gripped with unfruitful habitsActing in...
Bug, Bug, Spider Book Review
I’ll bet you don’t know all the creepy crawlies in this book. From Colorado-potato “disaster” makers, to helpful garden peacekeepers, Audrey Sauble sets the stage for learning and fun. A tangible and accurate resource, this tool alone equips us to school on the go--be...
If You Ask
Repeatedly our teenage sons said, “Caleb needs to quit the binky.” Perhaps they were right, but I wasn’t ready. Caleb, soon to be three, was our rough and tough, all boy, happy-go-lucky guy. He also held the record of being our first ever binky baby. So much so, that...
3 Steps To Living Un-Confined
It’s January. The holidays are over, company is gone, and my house needs a freshness. I pondered this in the store while considering the six-inch pots filled with vibrant green foliage in my hands. Two little life-giving fresh air producers. Once home, I looked over...
Sap for Our Soul
A dear friend of mine is from Norway, where her family owns a 500 year old homestead. The history of how the home was crafted gives me great pause. In anticipation of building a home that would survive great storms, my friend’s great, great, great grandfather...