Melinda’s Blog
Loving during Rough days – Kids and parents alike
It was probably twenty years ago. Sure, we’ve had rough days since then. But that one made an impression on me that I think of every rainy season. It was late winter. Everyone had been inside, all 8 of us, back then. And each of us had stepped on one another one too...
Kids Can Surprise You!
Hello Friends, I hope you all are seeing the peaks of sunshine this winter as a welcome warmth. It sure does a body good to see sun after ice, snow, and rain. Mid-January is when we get away to the beach for our church planning retreat each year. We were delighted to...
Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Christmas decoration and Christmas present. The words of this familiar carol warmed my soul: God rest ye merry gentlemen,Let nothing you dismay. Remember Christ our Savior,Was born this blessed day. To save us all from Satan's power,When we were gone astray. Oh,...
Chasing God’s Grace
My daughter sat with my laptop open on the bathroom counter reading her speech to me while I cleaned the bathroom and switched laundry. Maybe I was caught up with what she was saying or maybe I was having a -moment- All I knew was that I couldn’t find the setting I...
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...