Emotions: How parenting can cause a heart change

I think one of the most annoying parts of parenting is when you are disciplining a kid, and you know that it’s something you are personally terrible…


Hindering hurt, rendering hope

Today hurts. Last week hurt. Last year hurt.  As I sit this morning, unable to pinpoint the source of my hurt, I feel distracted. See, hurt can be…


Talking with your kids about dating and relationships

My daughter, Monica, came home one day after grammar school and announced, “When I see boys I want to hug them and kiss them.” Then the question,…


5 things to do now for a less stressful (and more meaningful!) holiday season

Sometimes things can get a little stressful around the holidays, don't you think?  I’ve found that a little prepping ahead of time can make room for…


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…


Three ways to strengthen the bond with your grandkids

It’s been a few years, but I (Shellie) well remember my first bout of SAG. And no, I’m not referring to body parts, although I’ve seen my fair share…


The battle against shame starts in childhood

Since Genesis 3, shame has been Satan’s primary weapon against the sons and daughters of God. The reason shame is so powerful? Because it speaks to…


Stepmom: The place between rock and hard

When I saw the uncontrollable shaking shoulders of my stepdaughter-in-law as she wept at our wedding, I knew the stepmom life was going to be harder…


Hope for when honoring your parents is hard

Growing up, I had a good relationship with my parents. Honoring and obeying them came relatively easy. But when I hit adulthood, things got…