The Bible: A Family’s Guide to Life

Faith lessons and family values are rooted at home, in what a child learns, observes, and lives each day. So, how well do your children know the Bible, God’s Guidebook for life? Can your children defend their beliefs? Can they stick to biblical principles and family values despite the whims of society? I’ve noticed in…

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9 Warning Signs of Drug Use

“My kids would never drink or use drugs.” Yes, that’s what we all think, right? How many of us have taught our kids from little up not to smoke, drink, or take illicit drugs? Yet, alcohol and drug abuse is rampant in youth culture. The lure of drugs and alcohol can creep into any family.…

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Managing the Family Calendar

Managing the family calendar is no easy task! Families are stretched to the max. Most are overwhelmed. How much is enough? My family is too busy! I’m exhausted and my kids are too! These are the comments often made by both moms and dads when talking about the family calendar. It’s so easy to get…

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Freedom of Speech vs. Love and Respect

Is anyone else tired of watching the news, reading social media, and listening to talk radio or podcast? It boils down to freedom of speech verses love and respect. Everyone seemed to have an opinion. Yes, we have freedom to speak and the right to assemble, but what part of our constitutional right of free…

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Six Signs of Bullying Behavior

Bullies are everywhere, especially these days. Kindness is at an all time low. Bullying behavior is not just mean, it’s contempt and cruelty. It is more than teasing, it’s repetitive and unwanted. The goal of the bully is to dehumanize and ostracize the targeted individual. Surprisingly, bullying can begin as early as age five, the age…

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10 Tips for Winter Playtime

Outdoor play is really good for kids. It’s good for everybody to enjoy the great outdoors. Get little ones bundled up to play outside during the winter months. The snow adventures are well worth the effort! Here are a few tips to get geared up for a day in the snow. Schedule a family meeting to…

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Faithful Grandparenting on the Airwaves

The new book, Faithful Grandparenting: Practical Ideas for Connecting the Generations is hitting the airwaves! Carol Olsen and I have been busy with radio personalities, podcasters, and bloggers. The interest in the book has been fabulous, and humbling. Shug Bury, HIM4Her Ministries: Women’s HOT Topics, was our first two-part interview. Thanks Shug for the endorsement and time…

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Faith-filled Christmas Books for Kids

There are a lot of Christmas books about Santa, elves, and even llamas. Focus on the true story of Christmas. Find faith-filled books for kids to teach them the REAL reason for celebrating. Through the years, Scott and I have given our boys hardcover Christmas books, focusing on Jesus. They each have a mini holiday…

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The Christmas Snowflake Tradition

    Snowflakes are indicative of Christmas in Minnesota. For a snow lover, a white Christmas is of the utmost importance! My family’s Christmas snowflake tradition fills my heart with love, light, and snowflakes. Traditions bind families together, creating and maintaining connections to the past, especially Christmas traditions. This time of year, we often return…

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The Simple Gold Bracelet

Post by guest blogger, Diane Applehoff. Watch for more stories, ideas, and strategies to connect to the younger generation. A simple gold bracelet is my most cherished gift! When I was young, the most interesting relative I knew was my mother’s sister, Almira. She was truly a  fascinating person. She was a missionary nurse who…

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