Last year, during one of those miraculously divine appointments that only our great God can arrange, a beautiful, bright-eyed college student walked into my life. As I’ve gotten to know this young lady, I’ve discovered that God has blessed her with a multitude of gifts. She’s smart, sensitive and compassionate. She possesses a heart…
Making a Place for God
Several years ago I was roped into trying to read the Bible in ninety days. I say “roped” not because I didn’t want to do it or because I thought it was a bad idea, but because I suspected it would be nearly impossible for a busy mom. But I eventually decided to give…
What Should We Teach Our Kids About Friendship?
People who know me say that I’m friendly and hospitable. Often, I’m asked to reach out to others because I have a knack for making people feel safe, cared about and loved. Extending hospitality and compassion to others is always a blessing, but may I let you in on a little secret? The reason…
The Bedtime Battle
If you’re raising small children or have raised small children, then you know the bedtime battle is real. I have the opposite problem now with teenagers in my house who nearly sleep more hours than they’re awake, but I do remember the days. I’ll never forget when my son disregarded that the consequence for…
Helping Our Teens Awaken Their Dreams and Live in Hope
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us… — Ephesians 3:20 Everywhere we go it seems people ask my daughter the same questions. “Where do you want to go to college?” “What do you want to…
Church of the Small Things: Things I Wish I’d Known When I Became a Mom
The Bible says, “Point your kids in the right direction — when they’re old they won’t be lost” (Proverbs 22:6 MSG), which means it’s our job to give them what is basically a road map for life. It takes work and perseverance and dedication to raise our kids. It takes sacrifice and commitment and dying…
Helping Our Kids Know That God Is Real
Last night in Kids’ Church we discussed the topic of being a hero. The program used the acronym H.E.R.O (helping others, evangelizing, relying on God, and obeying God). The kids shared different ways and places they can tell others about God. We came to the conclusion that anyone (age doesn’t matter) can share about…
Young Athletes: Persevere and Overcome Fear with Faith
My son walked off the wrestling mat with tears in his eyes and said, “I don’t want to do this anymore.” It was his first yer on the varsity team. He was so excited when the season started; however, it didn’t take long for him to become discouraged. The practices were great, his teammates…
How to Encourage Our Kids’ Spirtual Gifts and Passions
If you spend a few minutes with children, one thing you’ll learn quickly is that they are passionate. Passionate with their emotions. Passionate with their desires. Passionate about causes. Passionate about things. One second they want to be a professional ballerina, the next a firefighter. They want to play football one season, only to become…
How to Spiritually Prepare Your Family for The New Year
How does your family prepare for the transition from one year to the next? One of my favorite traditions is to gather our family and recall how God has shaped our lives during the past 12 months. During this hallowed time, we discuss where we’ve been, share our hopes and dreams, and prayerfully consider where…