As a mom of ten kids I’ve discovered that often the best things we can teach our kids aren’t about things they can see, but they’re about the unseen things. Things like justice, equality, friendship and faith. In our world they often see prejudices and injustice. Usually kids know this isn’t right, but they don’t…
When Your Grumbles Humble You… and Finding Gratitude Instead
Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! — James 3:9-10 I’d been having huge, grumbly blowups. Mostly on Fridays.…
Don’t Get Lost in the Middle of Ingratitude
One weekend my whole family traveled with me on a speaking trip to a homeschool conference. John drove and helped at the book table. I spoke. The kids attended workshops for their age groups, covered every inch of the exhibit hall, and made new friends. After packing up all our things, we arrived back at…
Helping Kids Cultivate God’s Goodness in their Lives
What lessons did you learn in the garden as a child? Personally, I remember the wonder of seeing new sprouts poke through the dirt and green strawberries brighten to red under the summer sun. Gardening taught me about God’s good creation, and as I became a mom I understood that patience and cultivation related…
5 Traits of a Good Friend (and How to Help Kids Develop Them)
As a mom of both young kids and older ones, I’ve learned how important it is for my children to find good friends. It’s been said that we are most like the five people with whom we spend the most time.. This is especially true for our kids. Kids pick up characteristics they see. They…
The Importance of Reading Aloud to Kids (and Getting Truth Deep In Their Hearts!)
I didn’t grow up in a reading home, but when I was in the sixth grade my family moved next to a library and that changed everything. I fell in love with books, and I was swept away to imaginary worlds. Yet so many times I wished I had someone to talk to about the…
Hardships of Teens and Tweens: Why having God’s Word to stand on while growing up is important
One of the most challenging times for kids is their tween and teen years. Changes happen rapidly within them and around them. Kids often feel unsure and unsteady. Yet when we understand their biggest struggles, we can also help them find a firm foundation to keep them strong. Here are three things to look out…
5 Scriptures That Address Key Issues Teens Are Dealing with Today
I have three teen daughters and one more who is right on their tail. I’ve also raised teen sons into adulthood. (Quite a feat!) During the teen years, there are so many concerns heavy on a teen’s heart: interactions with other guys and girls, school pressures, school or relationship drama, feelings of insecurity, and worries…
How to Raise a Strong Girl in a Princess World
When my oldest daughter Leslie was 5-years-old she refused to wear pants… for a whole year… because she was a princess. I thought it was cute for the first month, but we lived in Montana. Have you ever tried to dress someone in a snowsuit while they were wearing a dress? I have seven daughters…
4 Tips to Help Our Kids Relate to Bible Stories
One of my favorite things to do is read Bible stories with my kids. I grew up going to church, but Bible reading didn’t really happen at home. I loved the flannel-graph stories that my Sunday school teacher told, but these stories were usually theme-based and told out of order. As an adult, when I…
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