[ad_1] Before my kids were born, I had an idealistic view of what parenting would be like. But it didn’t take long for my plans to be upended as the beautiful yet challenging adventure began. What struck me most was the independence exerted by each of my kids, an independence that sometimes led them down […]
[ad_1] Lashing out at my kids one day for a seemingly minor offense, they had had enough. “Why are you so angry all the time?” My son asked. “Yeah, Mom, you yell a lot.” This broke me. Growing up in a home where my mother yelled a lot, I often walked on eggshells, not knowing […]
[ad_1] We all like the idea of community, but do we know how to implement it? We know God created us to be in communion with Him and others. God Himself is a community of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The New Testament models community, and the modern church talks about it, but are we […]
[ad_1] “Never make light of the king, even in your thoughts. And don’t make fun of the powerful, even in your own bedroom. For a little bird might deliver your message and tell them what you said.” Ecclesiastes 10:20 (NLT) When I was in high school, name-calling was the rage. My mom had warned me […]
[ad_1] In Psalm 145:4, we’re reminded that “generation after generation stand in awe of your work; each one tells the story of your mighty acts” (MSG). This passage encapsulates a timeless truth about the power of generational influence. Yet, in today’s world, where the gap between the older and younger generations seems wider than ever […]
[ad_1] “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 One of my earliest memories of people-pleasing was around the age of four when my […]
[ad_1] Despite life’s challenges and unknowns, I’m convinced that being a father is about being present, involved, and being the father God has called me to be. The role of fathers in Christian parenting is multifaceted and profound. It’s a calling that requires strength and tenderness, wisdom and humility, and above all, an unwavering commitment […]
[ad_1] Friendships come in all forms from all different seasons of life. Your childhood friends, those you grew up with since elementary school, to those you played sports with during high school. Then comes college friends, roommates, friends of friends, not to mention friendships you may develop with co-workers or any other groups you belong […]
[ad_1] When two people commit to getting married, they vow to be together forever. But as the years go by, it is easy to get into a marriage rut, allowing small annoyances to bloom into bad habits. Those habits, when gone unchanged, can slowly erode a firm foundation of a marriage. Here are seven habits […]
[ad_1] When was the last time you had a fight, slept in separate bedrooms and had fantasies/fears that your marriage was over? Joe and Tamra, working with me on a recent Marriage Intensive, had a night like that in the middle of their Intensive counseling. “It’s over this time, doc,” Joe said during a frantic […]
[ad_1] A mother blurted out this question: “How much do you think should I get paid as a caregiver for my son?” Confused, the person she was talking to asked for clarification, and this was her response: “Well, my adult son still lives with me and does not really have a good paycheck. I am […]
[ad_1] Have you ever felt like you’re living in a world of surface-level small talk and polite nods, yearning for something more substantial? Well, my fellow believers, I’m here to tell you that it’s time to dive deeper into the refreshing waters of honest conversations. As Christians, we’re called to a life of authenticity and […]
[ad_1] When I was a child, my family was not built upon God but upon the world. As nice as it would’ve been to grow up with a deep knowledge of God and what He says about me, it simply didn’t happen this way. Sadly, many people across the world have the same childhood. This […]
[ad_1] Imagine you’re at a family gathering and there’s that one relative who always seems to push your buttons. They’re negative and judgmental and seem to thrive on creating drama. As you feel your blood pressure rise, you can’t help but wonder—how on earth are you supposed to love someone like that? We’ve all been […]
[ad_1] Friendship is a cherished gift from God, providing companionship, support, and a sense of belonging. As Christians, it is essential to cultivate friendships that are rooted in our faith and centered on God’s love. Building and maintaining God-centered relationships can enrich our spiritual journey and strengthen our walk with Christ. In this article, we […]
[ad_1] I’ll never forget more than twenty years ago when I went to a women’s conference with thousands of ladies. I had no idea what God had in store for me at that gathering of women from all over the world. I thought it was just a conference. I had no idea my life would […]
[ad_1] Many of us grow up in families where our parents do not treat us very well. We are emotionally abused; however, we are not physically abused. Due to not being physically abused, many people do not take our concerns seriously because our “safety was never at risk.” If a person undergoes any type of […]
[ad_1] After a rough spot in marriage, it is common to feel as though you may have married the wrong person. Once you see the way they handle conflicts or how they get irritable after a long day, it is easy to think you vowed yourself to a person you don’t even know. Although this […]
[ad_1] When you lose a spouse, it’s like losing a part of yourself. Your partner was the person you shared everything with—your joys, fears, and daily routines. The absence of that emotional support can feel like a gaping hole in your heart. Those quiet moments, like sharing a morning coffee or discussing your day before […]
[ad_1] July 3rd, 2024, marks my husband Ben’s and my first year of marriage. Most people look forward to celebrating fireworks on the 4th, but the fireworks in our hearts began just a day earlier. Ben and I dated for just over five years before we got married. In some ways, marriage has been exactly […]
