by Janel Breitenstein | Nov 4, 2026 | emotional health, Parenting
This past weekend filled my (okay, crusty-ish, bordering on burnout) little heart with happiness: Three-fourths of my kids were home. The guys all went camping. (I happily stayed at home in fuzzy socks and watched some Friday Night Lights.) My son cooked stew. We...
by Janel Breitenstein | Sep 11, 2026 | closeness and intimacy, closeness; intimacy, encouragement, faith, humility, work
I’m typing to you, friends, from a Jason’s Deli somewhere in an airport. I just dropped off my daughter at college the first time; my heart feels kind of tinfoil-y–crumpled, not easily smoothed. This trip has also meant lots of time with friends and...
by Janel Breitenstein | Jul 15, 2026 | Home and Hospitality, simplicity
Recently, I returned from a mind-blowing trip to Asia, in part because of my husband’s and my role with Engineering Ministries International—which provides design services to organizations in developing countries around the world that love Jesus and help the poor....
by Janel Breitenstein | Jun 12, 2026 | prayer, Questions to take your relationships deeper, time alone with God
In a strange and sudden turn of events—thanks to a generous financial supporter—I’ve been traveling with my husband in Asia for the last month. It’s meant meaningful conversation with some of my favorite global workers, and with strong and beautiful...
by Janel Breitenstein | May 16, 2026 | anger, Family, motherhood, Parenting, relationships
You will never (ever) find me writing a book about potty training. I was terrible at it, perhaps in part because at one point, I had four kids four and under. I was just trying to only have two in diapers rather than three. In fairness, all my children, now young...
