Focusing on Fussy Eaters

“Last night I made three meals for my son and he would not even take one bite! What am I going to do with my fussy kid?” This was the start of a conversation I had with an exasperated mom. The little boy was extremely finicky. Mom was at the end of the line, not…

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All Natural, No Preservatives

“I’m dancing right now!!!” This was the text message I received from Scott, my husband, when I informed him of the plan to make zucchini relish with my mom last fall. He’s my mother’s biggest relish fan, the one who can hardly eat a bratwurst or hot dog without the sticky condiment dripping out each end…

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Where are You? Walking with God

A couple months ago my friend, Sarah, and I took a trip to the North Shore of Minnesota. While hiking Gooseberry Falls we came upon numerous signs with maps of the area. Each included “YOU ARE HERE” to advise hikers as to their exact location. We had to laugh each time we read the words.…

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Silver, Gold and 3:00 AM Girlfriends

Friends are balm for the soul. Ladies, our girlfriends are a special gift from God. And the benefits of friendship are plentiful! Proverbs 27:9 tells us, “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” When we face difficulties, friends help us though with love, support,…

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Fostering Kid Friendships

I’ll never forget my son’s first day in kindergarten. He hopped off the bus, pumped his little arms in the air, and announced, “I have a new best friend!” What a relief for both of us! He and his new BF rode the bus side-by-side everyday, played together on the playground, and sat next to…

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What God has Joined, Let No One Separate

A dad in a parenting class once said, “As soon as the kids came on the scene, I slipped down a notch on my wife’s radar screen. The dog and I now compete for second place.” His wife poked him the ribs with her elbow and frowned as the other parents at the table laughed.…

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Road Trips- Reconnect, Refresh, Redeem

I love road trips. The uninterrupted family time, the open road, and new places…totally exciting. It’s also a terrific way for me to reconnect and grow closer to Scott and the boys. The benefits of road trips with the family are many. Learning opportunities in academic skills such calculating mileage, determining expenses, using money, and…

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A.C.T.S.- Grow

The past three weeks have been spent discussing safety and kids. But can we really keep our kids safe? Do we really want them to be safe all the time? Taking risks can be good for kids to build confidence and experience new activities. My ministry partner, Lori Wildenberg, has sage advice for all parents…

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Hot Tips for Fire Safety

My family and I were at a friend’s home for a barbecue when the boys were little. The kids were playing together, adults talking and laughing. Everyone was having a good time when all of a sudden there was a blood-curding cry. One of the preschoolers had put her hand on the side of the…

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No Helmet, No Wheels

A number of years ago Scott, my husband, came home from work later than usual due to an accident. He was not involved but was the first one on the scene. A few blocks from our home he came upon a woman sprawled out on the side of the road, her bicycle twisted beside her…

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