I was amazed. My ten-year-old son's notes during the Wednesday night Bible study rivaled my own. I didn't have to force him, or even cajole him. He simply held out his hand to receive the study materials offered by our pastor, and got to work. His spelling wasn't great, and his sentence structure was lacking. But in this situation—who cares? He was taking the initiative to hear, ponder, and record spiritual truth, and I couldn't have been more thrilled with this son of mine. My son—who is working hard to overcome attention-deficit hyperactive behaviors. My son—who usually struggles to sit through the Sunday ...Read More
Practical Tools and Tips to make Bible Memory Easy!
"Mom, my brain is full of too many verses." My 7-year-old daughter told me this recently when she was feeling frustrated about memorizing a particularly difficult Bible verse. And what was my response? "That's impossible, sweetheart. There's no such thing." My words were full of compassion, and I understood her frustration so we took a break and came back to the Scripture later. But I meant what I said. It's impossible for a Christian to fill her brain with "too many verses." Few of us would argue the importance of Bible memory. It's a discipline most Christians know we should be doing, but if we're honest, ...Read More
God or Country? A Biblical Perspective of Patriotism for Families
The summer is fast approaching, and with it we can expect backyard barbecues, swimming pools, and multiple holidays honoring our country. Our nation's birthday is smack dab in the middle of summer, after all; is it any wonder summer feels like the most patriotic season? Merriam-Webster defines patriotism as "love for or devotion to one's country." Seems simple enough, right? But it's not always easy to know what this looks like in practical, everyday life. How can we display patriotism when we're less than happy with what's happening in our government? When leaders dissatisfy us? When fellow countrymen disappoint ...Read More
Helping Kids Develop Delayed Gratification in an Instant Pot World
What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase instant gratification? Perhaps technological advancements like microwaves, DVRs, and Instant Pots? Or changes in commerce, like fast food restaurants, zero-cash-down, and zero-percent interest? Most of us would agree and have probably taught our kids that good things come to those who wait, faster doesn't usually mean better, and practically anything worth having requires time and effort. But teaching our kids to practice these truths is a pretty tall order in today's world of instant gratification. As Christian parents, it's wise for us to start with ...Read More
Sibling Squabbles: helping your kids be at peace with one another
Sometimes I feel like parenting would be a breeze if my kids would just get along. Can you relate? My husband and I, along with our three children, recently added a group of three siblings to our family through adoption. It has been a wonderful experience in many ways, but also a challenging one. On any given day, the boys are bickering with the girls, the older kids are fighting with the younger ones, or the sibling groups are at each others' throats. Blended families certainly pose extra challenges to sibling relationships, whether those families are a result of adoption or remarriage. But the truth is that ...Read More
Is My Child Really Saved?
I remember the day my firstborn made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ at age 4. It was a day of much rejoicing in our household, and in the households of grandparents and other extended family members as the news spread. But was my child really saved? Yet, in the midst of our joy and for many days afterward, my husband and I remained prayerful, very much aware of these sobering words spoken by Jesus: Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your ...Read More
Important Lessons from the Wise Men: a family discussion guide
One of my kids had a problem with a friend recently. One of my other kids had an issue with a class at school. Another one was struggling with his after-school routine. Two others had a major falling-out with each other. (Okay, let's be real. They all have falling-outs with each other every day.) What do my children need in order to have a godly perspective toward life and solve their problems in a way that honors the Lord? They need wisdom. If we adults haven't yet grasped our need for wisdom before we have kids, nothing quite drives the point home like parenthood. We understand how much we need wisdom. ...Read More
The problem is real. Show your kids how real families can help care for orphans.
It has been said that there's a worldwide orphan epidemic. More than 143 million children are in orphanages, in foster care, or on the streets. So why am I presenting you with this information? Many readers of this website are parents, and I know you're doing your best to bring up your family in a way that honors God. You have a lot on your plate, and a lot on your mind. After all, it's far from easy to raise your own kids these days, much less worry about the seemingly hopeless plight of someone else's. Plus, it's not easy to talk about orphans, is it? And when I throw out a number like 143 million...well, ...Read More
