The Christmas Snowflake Tradition

Close-up of a green wreath adorned with sparkling crystal snowflake ornaments. Bold red text across the top reads "The Christmas Snowflake Tradition" with a web URL below.

    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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Making Christmas Calm & Bright

A close-up of a decorated Christmas tree branch reveals sparkling red and gold baubles. In the foreground, a detailed bauble adorned with golden trees takes center stage, while twinkling lights in the background enhance the festive Christmas ambiance.

Family, friends, and festivities make for a fun holiday season but not necessarily a peace-filled Christmas. Pose the following questions to your family at a family meeting to determine priorities and prepare for a calm and bright holiday. A little preparation and attainable expectations will make a huge difference for everyone. • Who will we…

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Summer Planning for Families

A child gleefully slides headfirst down an orange and blue inflatable water slide, splashing water in every direction. Set on lush green grass, this playful scene perfectly captures a quintessential summer moment.

Considering the hustle and bustle of the school year and the COLD we’ve experienced this winter, planning summer activities will be fun!. Begin your family meeting with prayer, asking the Lord to guide you in your plans. End the meeting with a fun dessert you typically serve in the summertime. Keep in mind, Mom and…

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A Family’s First Pet

A young girl with a pink bow in her hair is peacefully sleeping on a couch, resting her head next to her pet Boston Terrier. Both are snuggled up on a white blanket, creating an incredibly cozy scene.

Children and pets are a natural combination. Through the years, our golden retrievers tagged after the boys across the yard, through the woods, and even off the end of the dock into the lake for a swim. Having access to a best buddy, especially one who never talks back, is a gift for a kid.…

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A Family’s First Mission Statement

Word cloud on a teal background featuring faith-related words like joy, faithfulness, love, kindness, Jesus, God, gentleness, self-control, respect, peace, and mission in various sizes and shades of purple and black.

Is your family more important than a Fortune 500 company? Most parents in classes I’ve led eagerly nod their heads and respond emphatically, “Yes, of course!” Large corporations and organization have mission statements to use as a guide for business practices and to set the tone of the company’s culture. Yet most families don’t have…

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Give the Gift of LOVE to Your Family

A top-down view of a round container filled with colorful crayons in various shades, reminiscent of the vibrant mix of landscapes you might see on a road trip. The container sits on a wooden surface, with crayons arranged closely together, showcasing their lively hues.

“Mommy, I wuv you dis much and even moooore!” My youngest would reach out his arms as far as they would go, wiggle his fingers to try to reach even further, and tell me just how much he loved me. Every time my heart would melt. “I love you more,” I’d respond, pulling him into…

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Making a Plan for Summer

Two young boys enjoy the summer sun near a pink inflatable pool. One boy in a navy shirt looks excited, his mouth open, while the other, in a green shirt, is focused on the water. Trees and cars provide a backdrop to their lively outdoor adventure.

The school year is ending. Summer vacation is upon us. It’s a time of transition from rigid schedules to a more fluid time with fewer commitments. With this new found freedom can come stress for parents. Here’s a strategy to keep balanced and on track this summer. Begin with a family meeting focused on summertime.…

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He Said/She Said…on Leadership in the Home

Two people wearing sweaters form the shape of a heart with their hands, symbolizing unity and leadership. One person dons a green sweater with red pants, while the other sports a gray sweater with brown pants. The background is softly blurred.

This month on Faith First Parent, I invite you to get to know four women I respect, admire, and really enjoy. Each has found her sweet spot in serving God and others. I hope you’ll enjoy their stories and be inspired by their passions and labors of love for the Lord. Today, Tricia Goyer shares…

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A Gift for Valentine’s Day and Beyond from 1C13P

A decorative, illuminated sign spelling "LOVE" in bold, glossy red letters with white circular lights on each letter serves as the perfect romantic gift, set against a blurred background with hints of red and other patterns.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrate with A Gift for Valentine’s Day and Beyond. Gear up for the Day of Love, February 14, with these ideas from the 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting Team. Ideas, recipes, thoughts, activities, and more… all for you! And it’s a FREE gift, from us to you! Download A Gift for Valentine’s Day and Beyond. …

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Bring It Home at Christmas

A small nativity scene with ceramic figures of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus is set against a blurred background of warm golden Christmas lights, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere.

The December blog posts have been to encourage you to slow down, serve others, and enjoy family Christmas traditions. In essence, creating a more purposeful and thoughtful holiday season. In light of the horrific tragedy in Newtown, CT focusing on matters of faith seems more important than ever. There’s only One who can overcome evil…

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