The two nonnegotiables in our house

The two nonnegotiables in our house

Key Verse: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34 NIV). I’m the middle kiddo of…


Parenting with grace-filled habits: An honest reflection of “Habits of the Household”

Parenting with grace-filled habits: An honest reflection of “Habits of the Household”

Originally published on Denison Forum While reading Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Earley,…


Four parenting resolutions for the new year

Four parenting resolutions for the new year

The more I talk and think about New Year's resolutions, the more I see the divided camps. It seems like people either love them or want nothing to do…


The relaxed mom’s guide to a joyful Christmas

The relaxed mom’s guide to a joyful Christmas

A few days ago, I was spending a little time journaling in my one-line-a-day book. The question was something like, “how would your mom describe you…


Making a plan for holiday family gatherings

Making a plan for holiday family gatherings

We’re entering the season filled with awe, wonder, gratitude, and dread. It’s that time of year where we get to spend time with the family we love.…


Preparing our special-needs child for large family gatherings

Preparing our special-needs child for large family gatherings

There’s nothing more wonderful than gathering with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. Sharing meals, baking cookies, giving gifts, and…


Creating a haven at home for teens in a noisy world

Creating a haven at home for teens in a noisy world

I set down four alarm clocks next to the cash register. The young cashier squinted at my purchases, as if to say, “You know nobody uses these…


Grateful in the small moments

Grateful in the small moments

Cranberry sauce may not be the star of the Thanksgiving table, but it is still an integral part of the dinner. This simple unassuming side can also…


Four ways to connect with your kids this Thanksgiving

Four ways to connect with your kids this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving evokes lots of wonderful memories for me. As a kid, my family would gather at my grandmother’s where the cousins would watch the…