How to Teach Kids How to Abide in Christ
A while back a friend of mine got a dog. To say a few things changed when Marley arrived is an understatement. As I read the series of Facebook posts that followed in the days after Marley’s arrival I was reminded of what it means to abide in Christ. Join me over at Faith Gateway as I share what I learned. There’s also some tips on how we cant teach our kids to abide in Christ too!
A while back a friend of mine got a dog. To say a few things changed when Marley arrived is an understatement. Thanks to status updates everyday, I’ve been able to “meet” her. Not only do I get to see how adorable she is but I also get a peek into the adventures this family is having as they enjoy the newest member of their household.
As I read the series of Facebook posts that followed in the days after Marley’s arrival I was reminded of what it means to abide in Christ.
Join me over at Faith Gateway as I share what I learned. There’s also some tips on how we cant teach our kids to abide in Christ too!
The Ultimate Bible for Girls
Join me at Faith Gateway to hear about Ultimate Bible for Girls. It’s for preteen girls ages 8 through 12. In the simple to read NIV version, it’s packed with features that help them understand themselves and scripture better.
It feels like just yesterday my kids were small enough to fit on my lap. It was such a precious time. Our evening routine consisted of bath time and snuggles while reading Bible stories together. As they got older, they began to read big kid Bibles on their own. The stories were more complex and included fewer pictures. Then they reached the pre-teen years, and we transitioned to a full-text Bible. It was exciting at first, but the kids eventually lost interest in reading it.
I was disappointed. The solution to my problem was finding the “right” Bible for my kids. One they could learn from and enjoy on their own.
Join me at Faith Gateway to hear about Ultimate Bible for Girls. It’s for preteen girls ages 8 through 12. In the simple to read NIV version, it’s packed with features that help them understand themselves and scripture better.
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Helping our Teens Discover their Passions
uAs my daughter approaches adulthood, I encourage her to pray about her future and ask God to show her the dreams and passions He has placed in her heart. I am over at Faith Gateway sharing questions we can ask our teens to help them discover the passions they’ll purse as they become adults.
“Where do you want to go to college?”
“What do you want to do when you graduate?”
These are the questions friends and family are starting to ask my daughter.
I often ask her those same questions, plus…
“If you go to college, do you want to stay close to home or go far away?”
“Do you want to go to a small or big school, one in a city or suburbia?”
She doesn’t have the slightest idea; I’m not surprised because she’s only 15!
Even though I want to have this all figured out now, I’ve committed to telling my daughter that no matter what she does in life, or where she attends college, it will all work out. She need not worry, because God has a plan for her future that is “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” As she approaches adulthood, I encourage her to pray about her future and ask God to show her the dreams and passions He has placed in her heart.
I am over at Faith Gateway sharing alternative questions we can ask our teens to help them discover the passions they’ll pursue as they become adults. READ MORE…
How to Persevere and Overcome Fear with Faith
Every time he lost I had to hold myself back from running up to my son to hug and kiss the crushing disappointment away. Despite my experience with the sport, it was hard to see my son struggle with so much emotion. I wanted to make it easy for him. I wanted to rescue him.
Thankfully I didn’t. Because it became the season that he learned how to perseverance and overcome his fear with faith.
My son walked off the wrestling mat with tears in his eyes and said, “I don’t want to do this anymore.”
He was so excited when the season started; however, it didn’t take long for him to become discouraged. The practices were great, his teammates and coaches affirming and fun to be around. However, he was getting his behind kicked when he competed against other teams. Match after match my son tried not to cry as the referees declared his opponent the winner.
Every time he lost I had to hold myself back from running up to my son to hug and kiss the crushing disappointment away. Despite my experience with the sport, it was hard to see my son struggle with so much emotion. I wanted to make it easy for him. I wanted to rescue him.
Thankfully I didn’t. Because it became the season that he learned how to perseverance and overcome his fear with faith.
You can READ MORE about it over at Faith Gateway.
On Embracing Your Uniqueness
Growing up I felt like I didn’t fit in.
I was athletic enough to be on the team but not good enough to play in the games. I was friends at school with the popular kids but never invited to hang out with them after school was out. I wanted to play sports with the boys on my block while my friends just wanted to sit around and talk about them. I was smart and got good grades but took art instead of math, typing, and business like my friends.
It hasn’t entirely changed now that I am older. For years I indulged in a pity party but now I am doing things differently. Join me over at Faith Gateway to READ MORE.
Growing up I felt like I didn’t fit in.
I was athletic enough to be on the team but not good enough to play in the games. I was friends at school with the popular kids but never invited to hang out with them after school was out. I wanted to play sports with the boys on my block while my friends just wanted to sit around and talk about them. I was smart and got good grades but took art instead of math, typing, and business like my friends.
It hasn’t entirely changed now that I am older. For years I indulged in a pity party but now I am doing things differently. Join me over at Faith Gateway to READ MORE.
Pumpkin Spice and a Little Bear That’s Nice
To celebrate the cooler temperature and the turning color of leaves, I offer you not another product laced with pumpkin spice but a few but interesting facts about the fruit, yes fruit, that is causing such a stir.
To celebrate the cooler temperature and the turning color of leaves, I offer you not another product laced with pumpkin spice but a few but interesting facts about the fruit, yes fruit, that is causing such a stir.
Join me over at FaithGateway for pumpkins facts you and your kids will love!
How to Make Great Friends
Why is making friends so hard sometimes? I went through a season of my life where I felt like I had no friends. I had great relationships growing up, in college, and even in my post-college single days. However, after I transitioned to a stay-at-home mom and moved to the suburbs, I looked around and realized I didn’t know anyone.
I eventually met other moms with whom I could chat on the playground or other settings, but it was always small talk, and I longed for deeper connections. I looked around at other groups of women talking and laughing together and assumed they must all be best friends. Surely, they were getting together without me. I thought, “Doesn’t anybody want to hang out with me?”
After reading a few good books and listening to several podcasts on the topic, I learned a few things about friendship. It was time not only to get busy making new friends but also to be intentional about growing the relationships I had. I was eager to teach my kids what I discovered, too, because relationships get harder as they get older and there are a few things they need to know. In the process, I learned to…
Join me over at FaithGateway.com to read the rest of “How to Make Great Friends”.
Do you find making friends hard sometimes?
After reading a few good books and listening to several podcasts on the topic, I learned a few things about friendship. It was time not only to get busy making new friends but also to be intentional about growing the relationships I had. I was eager to teach my kids what I discovered, too, because relationships get harder as they get older and there are a few things they need to know.
In the process, I learned to…
Join me over at FaithGateway.com to read the rest of “How to Make Great Friends”.
The Benefits of Journaling Especially for Kids
I’m amazed at the things I forget because I don’t write them down. I am not just talking about what I need to do on a particular day or week; I’m referring to beautiful things God has done in my life and the truth I have learned through spending time with Him. Thankfully, I have journaled over the years, and I’m able to go back through the pages and remind myself of the goodness of God. As I do this, my faith grows.
I’m amazed at the things I forget because I don’t write them down. I am not just talking about what I need to do on a particular day or week; I’m referring to beautiful things God has done in my life and the truth I have learned through spending time with Him. Thankfully, I have journaled over the years, and I’m able to go back through the pages and remind myself of the goodness of God. As I do this, my faith grows.
Join me over at Faith Gateway to learn about the other benefits of journaling and how you and your kids can get started with this life-changing practice. READ MORE...
How to Simplify your Summer
I love summer!
I have been known to drive my family crazy with my big expectations for what the summer months bring. In my mind, I have endless time and resources to do all the activities and things I want to accomplish . However, my reality is slightly different. By the time school starts, I’m usually disappointed. I have home projects left undone and a list of friends with whom I didn’t connect!
Have you ever had this problem? Join me over at FaithGateway.com to read what I'm doing differently this year.
I love summer!
I have been known to drive my family crazy with my big expectations for what the summer months bring. In my mind, I have endless time and resources to do all the activities and things I want to accomplish . However, my reality is slightly different. By the time school starts, I’m usually disappointed. I have home projects left undone and a list of friends with whom I didn’t connect!
Have you ever had this problem? Join me over at FaithGateway.com to read what I'm doing differently this year.
Children and Body Image: How to Help Them Stand Beautiful
Sometimes my kids struggle wishing they looked different. My oldest daughter doesn’t like that her thumbs are different lengths, my middle girl hates her curly hair, and my son wishes he was taller.
The lies they believe, ‘if only I looked like _____, I would be ______” vs. the truth that will set them free…
Sometimes my kids struggle wishing they looked different. My oldest daughter doesn’t like that her thumbs are different lengths, my middle girl hates her curly hair, and my son wishes he was taller.
The lies they believe, ‘if only I looked like _____, I would be ______” vs. the truth that will set them free…
Join me over at Faith Gateway to check out two amazing books by author Chloe Howard which will help teach our children that they are fearfully and wonderfully made.
How to Help Your Kids Crush Comparison
At a young age, kids start to compare themselves and place their value and worth in how they measure up to their peers. Comparison is rarely healthy, and most of the time leaves us feeling discouraged and insecure. Moreover, it robs our kids of joy and prevents them from embracing who God created them to be.
At a young age, kids start to compare themselves and place their value and worth in how they measure up to their peers. Comparison is rarely healthy, and most of the time leaves us feeling discouraged and insecure. Moreover, it robs our kids of joy and prevents them from embracing who God created them to be.
I am over at Faith Gateway sharing a few ways as parents we can help our children avoid the trap of comparison. Join me there...
Unstoppable Me
Recently one of my kids faced a difficult situation. They were trying something new, and while they was enthusiastic about it at first, they began to be filled with fear as the day approached. I tried to convince them that everything was going to be okay but they didn’t believe me.
I sympathized with them and it broke my heart to see them want to give up. I remembered the words of my friend, “Now we are going to find out what you are made of!”
I knew if I let my kids quit it would only get harder for them to face her fears and do uncomfortable things. They needed to experience what it was like to meet something hard and push through it. If they didn’t, they’d get stuck and wouldn’t grow emotionally.
I second-guessed my decision numerous times that day but in the end I knew I made the right decision. It wasn’t easy, but my sweet child survived and is better for it.
The full story join me over at @FaithGateway for “The Courage to Be Unstoppable”.
Recently one of my kids faced a difficult situation. They were trying something new, and while they were enthusiastic about it at first, they began to be filled with fear as the day approached. I tried to convince them that everything was going to be okay but they didn’t believe me.
I sympathized with them and it broke my heart to see them want to give up. I remembered the words of my friend, “Now we are going to find out what you are made of!”
I knew if I let my kids quit it would only get harder for them to face her fears and do uncomfortable things. They needed to experience what it was like to meet something hard and push through it. If they didn’t, they’d get stuck and wouldn’t grow emotionally.
I second-guessed my decision numerous times that day but in the end I knew I made the right decision. It wasn’t easy, but my sweet child survived and is better for it.
For the full story join me over at @FaithGateway for “The Courage to Be Unstoppable”.
Everything is Better with a Friend
My kids gave me a long list of things they want to do once school gets out.
The list included going to the zoo, the park, museums, and the beach. They would like to make crafts, host play dates, and have sleepovers with their friends. These activities all sounds fun. However, I honestly don’t look forward to most of it. At least not with just them. I know that sounds awful but let me explain.
I love spending time with my little ones. The things we do together are super fun; there is plenty of laughter, joy, and teachable moments. But being with another mom and her little ones makes everything so much more fun.
My kids gave me a long list of things they want to do once school gets out.
The list included going to the zoo, the park, museums, and the beach. They would like to make crafts, host play dates, and have sleepovers with their friends. These activities all sounds fun. However, I honestly don’t look forward to most of it. At least not with just them. I know that sounds awful but let me explain.
I love spending time with my little ones. The things we do together are super fun; there is plenty of laughter, joy, and teachable moments. But being with another mom and her little ones makes everything so much more fun.
Meet me over at Faith Gateway to read more!
How to Help Kids Navigate Change and Uncertainty
Do you have a child facing a new change or struggle?
When my kids feel helpless, the first thing I want to do is fix what’s broken. But If I am not careful, I will create a culture in my home of making sure my kids are always comfortable. It may feel loving to stay one step ahead of the obstacles my kids may face, however, a parent’s job isn’t to be there for their kids all the time. It’s to teach them how to problem-solve and prepare them for life without us.
Do you have a child facing a change or transition?
When my kids feel helpless, the first thing I want to do is fix what’s broken. But If I am not careful, I will create a culture in my home of making sure my kids are always comfortable. It may feel loving to stay one step ahead of the obstacles my kids may face, however, a parent’s job isn’t to be there for their kids all the time. It’s to teach them how to problem-solve and prepare them for life without us.
Meet me at Faith Gateway to read about how to help kids navigate change and uncertainty. Read more
The Benefits of Playing Hide-and-Seek
When I was young, I loved playing Hide-and-Seek. While finding the perfect hiding spot, we'd often found objects among the trees. It was mostly stuff that people threw away, but to my friends and me these items were treasures. With each new find, we created an imaginary story about where they came from.
There are so many benefits to kids playing games like these! Join me over at Faith Gateway to READ MORE...
When I was young, I loved playing Hide-and-Seek. While finding the perfect hiding spot, we'd often found objects among the trees. It was mostly stuff that people threw away, but to my friends and me these items were treasures. With each new find, we created an imaginary story about where they came from.
There are so many benefits to kids playing games like these! Join me over at Faith Gateway to READ MORE...
A Few Ways You Can Touch Someone With Your Written Words
One of the things I miss most from my pre-smartphone days is getting a personal note in the mail. Even though emails are super convenient, they can not replace the feeling you get from receiving a postcard from a family member on vacation or a letter from a friend far away.
In the book, Easter Love Letters from God, kids can experience what it is like to get a letter from their Heavenly Father.
Join me other at Faith Gateway to READ MORE about this wonderful kid's book plus read about a few ways you can touch someone with your written words.
One of the things I miss most from my pre-smartphone days is getting a personal note in the mail. Even though emails are super convenient, they can not replace the feeling you get from receiving a postcard from a family member on vacation or a letter from a friend far away.
In the book, Easter Love Letters from God, kids can experience what it is like to get a letter from their Heavenly Father.
Join me other at Faith Gateway to READ MORE about this wonderful kid's book plus read about a few ways you can touch someone with your written words.
Creating a Culture of Creativity in Your Home
With thought and careful planning, we can create a culture in our homes where creativity can thrive.
Occasionally being creative is not enough to make it a part of our family culture. It must consistently show up in everything we do. This principle applies to your family values, no matter what they are.
Join me over at Faith Gateway where I am sharing some ways we make creativity a part of your life...
When my husband and I set out to write a family mission statement, the first thing we did was write down our values and passions. Our goal was to choose the top 5-7 ideals to represent who we were and incorporate them into our family culture. After much discussion, we settled on faith, integrity, generosity, excellence, love, legacy, and creativity.
Occasionally being creative is not enough to make it a part of our family culture. It must consistently show up in everything we do. This principle applies to your family values, no matter what they are.
Join me over at Faith Gateway where I am sharing some ways we make creativity a part of your life...
How What We Allow in our Home Affects our Family Culture
I received an email from my son's teacher recently. It was about his unkind behavior towards a friend. At first I was tempted to defend him and make excuses. But ultimately I realized I needed to examine our family's culture to see what I was allowing at home.
Join me over at Faith Gateway to read the full story.
I received an email from my son's teacher recently. It was about his unkind behavior towards a friend. At first I was tempted to defend him and make excuses. But ultimately I realized I needed to examine our family's culture to see what I was allowing at home.
Join me over at Faith Gateway to read the full story...
May the Faith Be with You
What I learned about God and His creation as a child laid the foundation for the awe and wonder I still have for who God is. Your child can have the same footing as they dig into God’s Word with these books!
As a child, I loved learning that God created the sun, moon, and stars on the fourth day. I was amazed to learn that a light year is the distance covered by light in a single year, which is equal to 5.88 trillion miles, and that the Milky Way is around 100,00 lights years wide.
What I learned about God and His creation as a child laid the foundation for the awe and wonder I still have for who God is. Your child can have the same footing as they dig into God’s Word with these books!
Helping Our Teen Daughters Find Their Own Beautiful
To navigate today’s culture and make good choices my daughter will have to decide what she believes about God and His Word and determine who she wants to be. Once she does this, it will easier for her to make choices, based on her values rather than her emotions.
“Finding your own beautiful has a lot to do with deciding what kind of person you want to become.” – Chelsea Crockett
To navigate today’s culture and make good choices my daughter will have to decide what she believes about God and His Word and determine who she wants to be. Once she does this, it will easier for her to make choices, based on her values rather than her emotions.
I am so grateful for role models such as Chelsea Crockett who share what’s it like, as a teen, to do life with Jesus. To hear more about an incredible resource for your teen join me over at Faith Gateway.