I don’t know what it’s like for you, but when I hang out with friends and acquaintances, I find it easy to begin comparing myself with them. I’ll take note of their talents and see how mine measure up, I’ll think about how my house compares to their houses, I’ll consider how our approaches to parenting are similar or different, etc. I … [Read more...] about 4 Ways to Quell Comparison
Growing Spiritually
Why and How to Share Tough Bible Stories with Kids
The Bible is full of stories that encourage us, show us how much God loves us, and leave us feeling inspired. However, it is also full of stories that depict violence, speak of curses, and leave us struggling to remember that God is good and just. I find it a little difficult to share these latter stories with my kids! In the past, I often … [Read more...] about Why and How to Share Tough Bible Stories with Kids
Seeing People, Not Problems
My church had a speaker in a few weeks ago who addressed the topic of diversity. When my husband and I heard that this was going to be the topic of discussion, we began trying to guess what he would say. To be honest, we weren’t all that excited to hear him speak. Because we are a mixed-race family, candid discussions on race and … [Read more...] about Seeing People, Not Problems
Imprinting Our Days with Good
I recently listened to the audiobook of Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren. It’s so thought provoking that I’ve listened to it twice! In this book, Warren discusses how we can be aware of God’s presence during the routines of everyday life. As she discusses making the bed in the morning, she mentions the concept of imprinting. … [Read more...] about Imprinting Our Days with Good
Why I Still Sing and Listen to Hymns
Some friends of ours suffered a heartbreaking loss a couple of months ago. As we were praying for them and feeling a little shaken, I kept thinking about the words of the second verse of “The Solid Rock:” “When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In ev'ry high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the … [Read more...] about Why I Still Sing and Listen to Hymns
Differences Between Hymns and Contemporary Worship Songs
My husband and I began discussing hymns and contemporary worship music a few weeks ago after we heard some radio personalities discussing what they considered to be some of the greatest worship songs of all time. As we debated the songs they mentioned, we began to wonder what makes one song a hymn and another song a worship song. I’m a … [Read more...] about Differences Between Hymns and Contemporary Worship Songs
5 Ways to Keep Kids Engaged During Family Devotions
Last week we discussed why family devotions benefit our kids, even when our kids are wiggly and distracted through them. Today we’ll consider some ways we can minimize the wiggles and still their wondering minds so our kids stay engaged during family devotions. How to keep kids engaged during family devotions Make devotions part … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Keep Kids Engaged During Family Devotions
Encouragement for When Your Family Devotions Look Like a Circus
A few months ago, as we ate oatmeal for breakfast, I read to my girls about Moses and the burning bush. My 3-year-old appeared deep in thought. When she spoke as I paused to turn a page, her statement left me speechless: “I know, mommy, let’s have doughnuts!” I wasn’t speechless because she shared some deep insight or asked an … [Read more...] about Encouragement for When Your Family Devotions Look Like a Circus
