LAUNCHING… The 1 Corinthians 13 Parent Series

Dear friends, Those of you who know me well are aware of the fact that Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday. And this year will be extra special with the official launch of The 1 Corinthians 13 Parent Series: Raising Little Kids with Big Love and Raising Big Kids with Supernatural Love and the companion Study…

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Tales of Tattling

A young boy with short brown hair and a green shirt smiles while resting his chin on a blue cushion, as if savoring a moment free from tattling. The background is softly blurred, focusing on his cheerful expression.

“Mom, Johnny is ….” “Dad, tell Whitney to stop…” “She touched me!” “He looked at me!” Tattling… it’s enough to drive a parent crazy. But telling can be good. What’s the difference? To get a handle on tattling and to train children to tell, they need to know the difference. “Telling is a report that…

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Bible Basics for Big Kids

A person in a blue long-sleeve shirt sits with hands clasped in prayer position, resting on an open Bible that lies open on the wooden table.

The text read, “Mom, can you talk?” When a message arrives from a college kid with a request to talk, a mama drops everything and texts back, “Yes!” The phone rang a few minutes later. “Mom, I’m really stressed out about finals.” We talked for a few minutes about how he was studying for his exams,…

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Bible Basics for Little Kids

A young boy with closed eyes holds a small black Holy Bible against his forehead, its cover adorned with a cross. The softly blurred background glows with gentle lights, enhancing the serene, contemplative atmosphere.

How well do your children know God’s Guidebook for life? How well do you as a parent know the Word of God? Many parents in 1 Corinthians 13 Parent classes don’t feel well-equipped to lead their families in faith matters. Let me reassure you…you do not have to be a theologian. You do not have…

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Point to Prayer

Two hands form a heart shape, framing the sun against a vibrant sunset sky, reminiscent of a moment of prayer. The horizon and ocean softly visible in the background add to the serene and romantic atmosphere.

Prayer provides peace for the people of God, providing a sanctuary in moments of fear, doubt, and crisis. Prayer also gives us the power to go on. “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace (Psalm 29:11 NIV). Peace is exactly what families need today. That peace comes through…

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The Smile Business at Christmastime

A person in a white vest and blue scarf gently cradles a red, glittery Christmas ornament with both hands. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the rich, dark green foliage, evoking the festive spirit of Christmas.

Christmas Eve was not a typical day at my house as a child. Festive? Yes. Busy? Definitely. Purposeful? Absolutely. The day began early with preparations for the annual Christmas Eve deliveries. Sturdy paper plates were piled high with delicious cookies. Jars of homemade pickled herring were decorated with bows. My dad’s smoked chickens were labeled…

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Parenting Unchained

Cover of "Parenting Unchained" by Dr. James D. Dempsey. Features a smiling family of three outdoors in a green field, embodying the joys of parenting. The father carries a child on his shoulders, while the mother walks beside them under a clear, sunny sky.

When I find a book that really speaks to me, I share it with you. Lori Wildenberg, my ministry partner, and I have had the honor of working with Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, founders of the National Center for Biblical Parenting. Lori and I were on the NCBP team at an Association of…

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Tissue & Bubble-Wrapped Memories

A gingerbread man ornament, adorned with white icing details and a red nose, hangs on a Christmas tree branch, evoking warm memories. In the softly blurred background, glowing yellow lights create a cozy holiday ambiance.

As soon as the remnants of Thanksgiving dinner are packed away in Tupperware containers, my mind turns to Christmas. Traditionally on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Scott, our two boys, and I visit the local tree lot to choose the perfect Christmas tree. Scott trims the lower branches, fits the trunk into the stand, and with…

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The Thanksgiving Proclamation

A statue of a seated man in a suit rises among leafless trees, evoking a peaceful moment of reflection. With the blue sky and tall buildings as a backdrop, the scene suggests a city park setting in winter, capturing the season's essence akin to the tranquil gratitude of Thanksgiving.

On October 3, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln issued the Thanksgiving Proclamation. The third Thursday in November was set aside as a national holiday of thanksgiving and praise. To celebrate our national heritage and to draw upon the words of this great president, here is the first page Lincoln’s address. By the President of the United…

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Fostering Thankfulness

A holiday meal spread on a kitchen counter featuring a carved turkey, dishes of stuffing and casserole, and a salad. The warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere of thankfulness, with serving utensils at the ready for grateful guests.

Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather, celebrating with thankful hearts. To grow an attitude of gratitude in your family, recognize both the large and small gifts in life. Set the stage for thankfulness by noticing the blessings. Be intentional about how you’ll portray gratitude at the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day. Start your…

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