The Lord has chosen you to be His treasured possession. — Deuteronomy 14:2 I first heard about the practice of cutting when our oldest daughter was in middle school. We lived in southern California at the time, and a couple of girls in her grade had been seen with razor marks on their arms. My…
Trusting God in the Face of Unanswered Prayer
My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. — Matthew 26:39 “Stop trying to figure God out.” That’s the counsel I got from one of my daughters as she listened to me verbally wringing my hands. God hadn’t answered another one…
Praying for Your Child’s Use of Technology
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. — Philippians 4:8 At first glance, our family room looks idyllic. Hundreds of books — titles I think of as classics — line the…
Praying for Mental and Emotional Health
I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise…
Praying for a Job
Praying for a Job I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you. — Psalm 32:8 I can’t tell you how many parents, when they heard I was working on this book, let me know they had a story to share. I…
Being Joy-Full
In Your presence is fullness of joy. — Psalm 16:11 NASB “I need a leaf blower. But for people.” I chuckled when I saw that line on a tea towel — and I think Warren Wiersbe might have laughed too. “People” represent one of four joy stealers the Bible scholar identifies in his commentary on…
The True Purpose of Prayer
This is to my Father’s glory… — John 15:8 When I was growing up, my family spent two weeks every summer at a Christian camp that catered to families and singles of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It didn’t matter what denomination you came from, or whether you liked traditional or contemporary worship;…
Praying for Your Child’s Relationship with Siblings
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! — Psalm 133:1 That’s mine! He hit me! She hit me first! It’s not fair! Do we have to play with her? Go away! No! Yes! No! Yes! No! Any family that has more than one child has, at some point, experienced…
Praying for Physical Health, Safety, and Security for Your Children
Praying for Physical Health, Safety, and Security for Your Children “Lord, Why Did This Happen?” I know I’m not the only mother who has ever questioned God’s tactics. Even my “spiritual giant” friend, Susan, found herself wondering what was up when her son Michael started suffering from violent stomach pains. Their pediatrician had dismissed…
Praying for Your Teen Rebel
“My wayward children,” says the Lord, “come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.” — Jeremiah 3:22 NLT “Don’t talk to your kids about God as much as you talk to God about your kids.” I forget where I first heard that line, but it’s one of my favorite pieces of…
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