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…
4 Ways to Honor God on Valentine’s Day
I love loving the people who are special to me. I love all things sweet and sappy and sentimental. I love red puffy hearts and pink shiny bows and glittery Valentine cards. I love heart-shaped pancakes in the morning, heart-shaped sandwiches at lunch and heart-shaped pizzas for dinner. I love presents covered in heart wrapping paper…
How to Help Your Kids Crush Comparison
How to Help Your Kids Crush Comparison My daughter was in second grade when she decided that she hated her hair. Anyone can see that her hair is beautiful; in fact, strangers have often stopped us on the street to tell us so. She has gorgeous light brown ringlets with blonde highlights that frame her…
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…
Do You Need a Hug Today? Why We Should Share Hugs Year Round
December is one of my favorite months of the year. That’s because I see my friends and family in December more than any other time of year. In addition to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we meet up at school concerts, class parties, church, cookie swaps, and gift exchange luncheons. We may shop together, cook…
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…
Is Better Better?
In God’s worldview, some values rise higher than comfort and happiness. Consider the most concise verses in the Bible on spiritual formation: We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. — Romans 5:3-4 In Paul’s mind, character gets built by learning to persevere through…
Motivating Teenagers to Read Devotions
As the mother of two teenagers, I’m always looking for good influences, whether it be people, videos, or books, that will reinforce the lessons we have spent over a decade teaching them at home. It came as a total shock to me when my husband and I transitioned from the coolest parents that our…
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…