Tension. It's what happens when both ends of a guitar string are pulled taut. The right amount of tension means the string is in tune, prepared to be plucked or strummed in harmony with other well-tuned strings in the making of lovely music. But what if there's too much tension? Stretching, expanding, straining tighter and tighter until— SNAP! The string breaks somewhere near the middle, leaving two frayed, shortened, useless pieces of nylon instead of the long, whole, unharmed string that once bore a limitless capacity for beauty. There's a lot of tension in our nation and in our world ...Read More
Christian parenting
Training the Next Generation in Godly Stewardship
What comes to your mind when you hear the word "stewardship"? I used to associate that word strictly with finances. Though I probably realized on some level that the applications reach further, I neglected to flesh out what that looks like in real life. I've learned in recent years that stewardship is one of the most life-changing principles for Christ-followers living out our faith. So if stewardship isn't just about managing our money, what is it? Simply put, stewardship is recognizing our blessings and managing them well for the glory of God and the good of others. Stewardship starts with an ...Read More
10 Strategies for Encouraging Your Kids to Confide in You
I've been thinking a lot about strategies for encouraging your kids to confide in you. Let's start with a familiar scenario for all moms: "Mom, can I have a snack?" "Hey, Mom, can we practice our duet now?" "Mom, she's not sharing!" "Mom, will you check my Math?" "Mom, when is snack time?" "Can you help me with this, Mom?" "Mom, let me tell you about the dream I had last night." "Mom, do you remember that time when...?" "Mom!" "Mom?" "MOM!" I wish I had a dollar for every time my kids call my name each day. No, seriously. I really do wish that. And then I wish I earned extra money for all ...Read More
5 Warning Signs You Should NOT Be Disciplining Your Child
Most Christian parents are aware that the Bible—and particularly the book of Proverbs—encourages discipline of children. Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. (Proverbs 13:24) Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. (Proverbs 22:15) Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. (Proverbs 29:17) These are direct references to child discipline. But even more compelling are the implications of biblical examples. Take David, for instance. It seems from biblical accounts of ...Read More
