Parenting
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…
Read MoreTales of Tattling
“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…
Read MoreBible Basics for Big Kids
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,…
Read MoreBible Basics for Little Kids
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…
Read MorePoint to Prayer
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…
Read MoreThe Smile Business at Christmastime
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…
Read MoreParenting Unchained
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…
Read MoreTissue & Bubble-Wrapped Memories
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…
Read MoreThe Thanksgiving Proclamation
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…
Read MoreFostering Thankfulness
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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