By Jenny Marcelene Standing in the toy and picture book-strewn dining room, I stared out our third-floor apartment window. The sun cast a shadow across the rocky, empty lot across the alley. Unsettledness crept across my heart. How do I teach my preschooler and toddler to follow Jesus? Discipleship felt like such a daunting task—even […]
7 Practical Ways to Cultivate Faith in Children from a Young Age Read More »
By Jen Ludwig Advent (from the Latin word adventus) means “coming” or “arrival” and is traditionally a time of preparation. During these weeks before December 25th, we are getting ready for the arrival of our Savior. We wait expectantly for the coming of the King through the eyes of the Israelites, who awaited the birth
A Time of Waiting: The Threefold Meaning of Advent Read More »
By Rachel Greening It was a practice I said I would never employ as I caressed my bulging belly, feeling my first baby’s tiny limbs flutter inside me. But when in the wilds of raising a toddler, it came out by default. “I’m counting to three!” I tell my 20-month-old daughter, who stands amid the
‘I’m Counting to Three’: Understanding Obedience and God’s Mercy Read More »
By Susan Cort Johnson Do you frequently use the word “blessed”? I consider myself blessed when I find a parking place in a crowded lot, have a warm fire on a cold, winter night, or wake up to the smell of coffee in the morning. We can list a multitude of ways God brings blessing
How Can We Bless The Lord? Read More »
By Cheryl Esper Balcom I flipped another page of my Bible, the thin paper crinkling. I frowned in concentration. I thought this would be simple. Surely, I could find examples of people giving thanks in the Bible. To my surprise, I wasn’t finding many. Locating ‘Thank You’ When we read the Bible, we encounter stories
3 Types of Biblical Thankfulness: Lessons from the Bible Read More »
By Colleen C. Howard Some days, my mind feels like a whirlwind, life unravels around me, and clarity’s nowhere in sight. I’m in motion, but going nowhere. Consumed by the chaos and heat of my circumstances. In these moments, I struggle to connect with God. But prayer can extinguish the flames of distraction, confusion, and
Stop, Drop, and Roll: A Powerful Prayer for Difficult Times Read More »
By Katherine Grote My four amazing children are my sun, moon, heart, and every other sappy thing people say. The oldest is 20-I-know-everything-about-life-can-you-put-some-money-in-my-account years old, two are teenagers, and the youngest is 11 going on 35. My kids are also the cause of the tic under my left eye and the reason I wake up
Finding Your Identity in Christ (Not in Your Kids’ Behavior): A Survival Guide for Moms Read More »
By Amber Ginter Anxiety is a natural, human emotion. It can arise uninvited and be triggered by life’s circumstances—the good, the bad, or the ugly. When anxiety takes over our lives, we may struggle to separate the feeling from the truth. Even as Christians, this fight can seem never-ending. Being a Christian doesn’t mean we
3 Strategies to Transform Anxiety Into Peace Read More »
By Joanna Eccles I’m in a difficult season with lots of changes and unknowns. I don’t like it—at all. My job ends soon, and I feel God calling me to move out of state. But I haven’t secured a new job yet. I love my current city, and I’m surrounded by family, friends, and Christian
How to Trust God in Difficult Seasons Read More »
By Sarah McClelland Whack! A plastic block launched from my toddler’s hand strikes me square between the eyes. I recoil at the sting. Whap! Another block strikes my chin. The rebellious streak went too far. Tears fill my eyes. I heave my pregnant body off the couch. Snatching the blocks and throwing them beyond the
4 Ways to Practice Faithfulness in the Little Things Read More »
