Our imaginations paint summertime as a period of rest… sunshine, sweet tea, and sleeping in. But when was the last time you really felt that relaxed? Even our children now tend to fill the summer with camps, activities, and day trips. Our "vacations" quickly get filled with budgets, competing desires, tight schedules, cramped cars, and … Continue reading Can you relax on vacation?
Sibling rivalry has occurred since the first generations. Abel and Cain. Jacob and Esau. It is difficult to live in very close proximity to other people, and for young children it is natural to struggle on the path to learning life skills such as sharing, empathy, conflict resolution, and problem solving. Conflict between siblings is … Continue reading Managing sibling rivalry
God is our holy and perfect Father, and He gives us earthly fathers to protect, care for, and raise children. Yesterday we celebrated Father’s Day. Will you join us in prayer for our fathers today? O God, you are our good Father. We praise you that we can trust you in absolutely everything. We thank … Continue reading A prayer for fathers
As your kids get older, they may want to spend more time in their rooms, on technology, or out of the house. This doesn’t mean your job as a parent is done! These are the times to be more curious, more supportive, and to find more teaching opportunities to guide your child’s social life as … Continue reading The 5 W’s to monitoring teens
Almost every moment of our lives, we are communicating something to someone. You may be talking with your children, yelling at your employees, or sitting quietly with your aging parent. We communicate by sharing information, expressing emotions, and simply by being present with someone. Communication happens on many levels, and includes more than just talking … Continue reading What is “communication” anyway?
"But I pray to you, Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters. Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up … Continue reading Prayer during suffering in Psalm 69
Marriage can be a lot of fun… and hard work. It’s hard to be vulnerable. The family routine day in and day out can get boring, or stressful, or tiring. It’s hard to put others’ needs ahead of our own. That’s why date nights are so important. Do you remember why you fell in love … Continue reading The Value of a Date Night