My Daughter, My Sister, My Friend

As my firstborn daughter has both graduated and turned 19 within the last year, I find our relationship–and my role in it–changing. For years I have tried to bring her up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, but... Continue reading →

Planting Seeds and Harvesting Love

by Kaylene Yoder // Comments off

When I was a young girl, the ‘title’ I most wanted to hold was Mom. I am both honored and humbled that God has chosen to gift me with this name despite my failings and undeservedness. I am richly blessed... Continue reading →

Square Pegs and Pigtails

by Kaylene Yoder // Comments off

My daughter is a quirky kid. There, I’ve said it. Despite my feeble attempts to make her fit comfortably within society’s norms, her square peg refuses to fit other people’s round holes. For those of us blessed with little girls... Continue reading →

Helping Little Girls Manage Big Emotions

by Kaylene Yoder // Comments off

As far as I can remember, I was not a highly emotional child. I had 3 older brothers, so I was always hearing “Be tough” if I fell down or got my feelings hurt. But when I had a daughter... Continue reading →

Raising Confident Daughters

by Kaylene Yoder // Comments off

The words came out of my mouth before I could stop them. I think the other girls at the party will be wearing jeans. Are you sure you want to wear your Easter dress? “I like this dress, Mom. It’s... Continue reading →

A Note to My Future Daughter-in-Love

by Kaylene Yoder // Comments off

Hello, dear one! I thought you should know upfront that at this point, I have had no direct experience with raising girls. I have a beautiful niece, and I was daycare or preschool teacher to many girls over the years.... Continue reading →

Beauty Queen or Brainiac? ~ On Raising Daughters

by Kaylene Yoder // Comments off

“Please, Mommy, please!” She begged with round eyes and crinkled nose. Her most fervent desire? To sign up for the local beauty pageant and wear a fancy dress. It’s one aspect of mothering a daughter that I never anticipated….as a... Continue reading →

Dear Daughter, What You Really Need to Know About Beauty

by Kaylene Yoder // Comments off

Dear Daughter, Maybe you’ve heard the name Joshua Bell. If not, let me introduce you. Joshua Bell is a Grammy award winning violinist. The man can play some violin. Yet one of the things he’s most famous for is a... Continue reading →

The Teen Years: Holding on to the Wonder

by Kaylene Yoder // Comments off

As a teenager, I’d secretly lift clothes from my mom’s closet and wear them. When Mom left for work in the morning, I’d wait for her car to pull out of the driveway. Then I’d go into her closet and... Continue reading →

When I Can’t, God Can

by Kaylene Yoder // Comments off

Becoming a mom is a daunting thing. All kinds of thoughts went through my head during pregnancy. What will we name her? What will she look like? Oh my goodness, we are going to be the sole caretakers of this... Continue reading →