The changing seasons are a glorious display of a creative God. But it is interesting to me how quickly we can forget the beauty that surrounds us. Not long ago, a friend was visiting from out of town. Not being from the Midwest, she couldn’t believe the beauty of the town I live in.…
Don’t Waste the Wait
We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. — Psalm 33:20–21 Have you ever noticed that there’s a lot of waiting in the Bible? Abraham waited for an heir. Hannah waited for a child. King David waited…
Love Anyway
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” —Matthew 5:46 Let’s be honest. Sometimes we just don’t see eye to eye with some people in our lives. Showing them love can be quite a challenge, especially when these people are difficult, different, or don’t always show appreciation. But learning to love…
The Hard Places That Make Us Holy
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone…
Helping Our Kids Build Godly Friendships
I’m not a helicopter mom, but I am a protective mom. I freely admit I shelter my kids. Not from everything, but from a lot of things – especially foolish friends. It’s odd but sometimes we talk about sheltering or protecting our kids as if that is a bad thing. But as I think back to…
Finding Solitude
After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. Later that night, He was there alone. — Matthew 14:23 I had just sat down on the couch. Finally! The day was over. I popped open my laptop to check a few e-mails and read the news. The kids were…
Hoodwinked: Building Bridges, Not Fences When Others Mother Differently
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. — Ephesians 4:2-3 Watch the Video Play the video teaching segment for session one. As you watch, record any thoughts or concepts that stand out to you.…
Forget Supermom, Just Be a Super Mom
There is no such thing as a superhero mother. No Supermom. No Wonder Woman. But there are ways to still be a super mom — the best mom you can be for your particular children. Here are eight ways to stop trying to do it all and start learning to be you. After all, we…
Are You in the Desert?
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands. — Deuteronomy 8:2 The desert can be a dangerous place. In Bible times it was always…
Waiting for Your Prodigal
While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. —Luke 15:20 Being lost is scary. Who doesn’t remember feeling alone, being disoriented, and finding yourself disconnected from what is secure and familiar? I…