As we’ve grown on this parenting journey, we’ve had the privilege of meeting some amazing moms and dads—though trust us, they didn’t start out that way. All of these incredible parents have three things in common. 1. THEY PLAY TO THEIR STRENGTHS. These strong moms and super dads take the time to learn their parenting strengths, and with increased self-awareness, they overcome the challenge many parents face: comparing themselves to other parents. This challenge is not unique; it plagues ... [keep reading]
If You Want to Know What the Gospel Is, Ask a Kid
Two years ago I found myself teaching the 4–6 year-old Sunday school class at church. I can’t remember what lesson I taught that day. But I do remember teaching the kids a little trick to help them remember the message of the gospel. I asked the kids, “What is the gospel?” To answer that question, I taught them to stoop low with a closed fist and slowly whisper, “Jesus . . . died . . . for . . . our . . . sins . . .” unfolding one finger for each word so that by the end of the sentence each ... [keep reading]
Could Having the Right Motivation Be the Key to Better Health?
When I first started my healthy-living journey, my goal was to attain happiness by having the perfect body. (In other words, I started an unhealthy-living journey.) My motivation was not to become fit, body and soul. Here I thought I was aiming for the ultimate achievement, but I was actually aiming too low. Standards that feed and strengthen the spirit are far higher than earthly standards! If we want to be happy standing in front of the mirror, it has little to do with what we see with our ... [keep reading]
Embrace the Holy Hustle: How to Follow God’s Model of Work and Rest
Popular messages in faith-based circles tell us that we should slow down, rest, and care for our souls. On the other hand, the world is shouting at us to do more, be more, have more. As believers, how do we balance God’s model for work and rest with the passions and talents He’s given us? In my book Holy Hustle: Embracing a Work-Hard, Rest-Well Life, I take readers on an encouraging journey to discover how the right mix of hard work and the right kind of rest add up to blessings that just ... [keep reading]
Finding God in the Midst of Your Pain
You keep track of all my sorrows.You have collected all my tears in your bottle.You have recorded each one in your book.Psalm 56:8 NLT Sometimes the world doesn’t see your pain. Sometimes you grieve and suffer in silence. Long after the diagnosis, the divorce, the funeral, or the first waves of depression, you find yourself still hurting and hopeless. You wonder why nobody has noticed that you’re still not healed, you’re still not happy, you’re still not okay. My husband, Chris, often ... [keep reading]
What Gift Will You Bring This Christmas?
By Christianne Debysingh “They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11 NLT There is nothing more fun to watch than a child filled with great expectation as they open presents. The squeals of glee always put a smile on my face. I don’t know about you, but I love receiving presents. As a child, I would watch the presents ... [keep reading]
Going from Guilty to Grateful This Christmas
My brain has too many tabs open and I can’t figure out which one is playing music...and I have a feeling I’m not the only one feeling that way. Moms, in addition to the memorable year we’ve all gone through, our calendar is starting to fill up with holiday activities and family events. Even at a smaller scale it's a busy event season with family, friends, work, and doing our very best to end the year with peace and joy. I love it. I love the energy and enthusiasm that comes with the ... [keep reading]
Simple Prayers of Thankfulness
Wherever this holiday finds you, you can always find things to be thankful for, most important, the love of God. May these prayers draw you closer to Him and to others this Thanksgiving. *** Thankfulness Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:1-2 I ... [keep reading]
What to Say to Our Kids While We Wait
Has the frequency of “I don’t know” increased in your parental lexicon of answers this year? How many of your decisions have been tabled? How many of your family’s events or traditions have been postponed? How many of your expectations (and your children’s expectations) are now tempered with the trending mantra: Let’s wait and see? If we had not yet known or felt our mortal short-sightedness before, perhaps we know and feel it a bit more now. And if our kids had not yet known or felt ... [keep reading]
What Does Being a Great Parent Mean to You?
So he built an altar there, and called upon the name of the Lord, and pitched his tent there; and Isaac’s servants dug a well (Genesis 26:25). Would you rather be a great person or the parent of great children? That depends on what we mean by great. The challenge which all parents face is to communicate the vitality of their faith. The family accomplishes its purpose if children are able to hear and see in their parents the evidence of an authentic relationship with the Lord. If children can ... [keep reading]
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