Running into grace

A common misconception about my family is that since both of my grandfathers were evangelists and preachers, everyone in the family must be saints.…


How to avoid power struggles with your children

“I don’t want to take a nap! I am not tired! You are so unfair!”  “I am the only teen in the world who does not have social media! You are so…


How the discipline of Sabbath rest saved my daughter’s life

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8 ESV). My daughter, Megan, is a senior in college and struggles with perfectionism and…


My seven-year-old blubbered as she cried in much shame and sadness, “Daddy, here, take this money!”  A bit puzzled, I asked, “Why are you giving…

Visuals over verbals

For better or worse, we’ve been spending a lot more time together as families.  As parents, we’re serving not only as moms and dads, but also as…


3 truths for the child (and mama) who need to know the plan

It does not matter what we are doing, my five-year-old daughter wants to know the plan.  Where are we going? What are we going to do? Why? Who’s…


Raise your children to be independent: It's ok if its hard

The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate our nation’s hard fought victory over Great Britain, ultimately allowing us the freedoms we enjoy today.…


What Is Your New Year’s Resolution?

I was very interested to hear the responses when our Sunday School teacher asked the class what our hopes and dreams were for the New Year.…


Balancing Busy with Bored

Why are so many movies remakes these days?  What are the J. K. Rowling-like books of your child’s generation?  When is the last time…