FamilyFire

One day, I decided to show my toddler-aged daughter a website based on one of her favorite movies.  Like I had anticipated, she had a blast smiling and laughing the whole time.  The next day as I was trying to get on the website again,… (more)

It’s coming.  Supply lists abound.  Backpacks are ready. New shoes are bought.  A brand-new school year is upon us.  What effect does this have on the children in your home?  Are they excited? Anxious? Filled with dread? When I speak on education, I often find… (more)

A time to begin again.  That’s what it really is. The beginning of a school year can be like our New Year’s Day: a time to consider where we have been, what we have learned and what we would like to try in a brand-new… (more)

He packed into a duffle bag, this boy of mine.  Simple items: shorts, socks, jeans, a belt.  Into ziplock bags went soap, shampoo, sunscreen.  He took a separate bag for snacks and a pillow with two pillowcases.  And then, in the early morning dark, my… (more)

While tweaking my timeline on Facebook the other day, I came across an old video I posted more than 4 years ago when my son was only 5.  He was sitting on one end of the couch, leaning on our (then) puppy.  I was on… (more)

They went to bed with dirty feet.  With heads that smelled of sunshine and bodies slow with sleep, they climbed into their sleeping bags and nothing more was heard.  I love camping. Sometimes it feels like the whole wide world is headed off for a… (more)

Have you ever called your teen lazy or thought them unmotivated? You are not alone. People who are depressed are often perceived as lazy in part due to the lack of drive and motivation. Do you believe depression is real? Do you wonder if it… (more)

We call it “dead-face.”  It is commonly seen displayed by teenagers hoping to communicate a lack of interest in the topic at hand.  An empty stare.  Flat affect.  Silence.  Dead-face.  And it is not allowed in our home. Even when my children were very young,… (more)

So many people told me that life after children would be drastically different.  Yet, when they shared this bit of truth with me, I could often sense a sneer or a bit of cynicism that turned the wonder of impending parenthood into something I needed… (more)

I once met a young man who insisted marriage ought to be a 50/50 relationship. He dug into his position, and would not listen to my counter-arguments. Each spouse must contribute half, he said, or the deal is off. He was convinced that any other… (more)

We noticed it first when we walked through this property, listed for sale years ago.  The lot was simple and spacious, the house functional and fine.  But in the backyard, surrounded by a low, white fence, was a garden we could not wait to plant.… (more)

I drove through the neighborhood near our home in the middle of a warm summer day.  I know of the families who live in those homes.  I have seen their children climb on buses during the academic year. And yet, as I drove, I did… (more)

When I worked the night shift—often several night shifts in a row--I would feel guilty over how much time I was missing with my kids. I would make plans for taking them somewhere fun the minute that I woke up to compensate for my absence.… (more)

As the weather warms and school lets out, how can we approach the months ahead?  While the summer allows us plenty of time to enjoy relaxation, it all can also offer us the opportunity to focus on areas of needed growth. My husband and I… (more)

I am one of those moms. I am a mom who makes my children work.  All four of my kids do chores in our home nearly every, single day. When my children were very young, I found myself cleaning up their messes, working hard to… (more)

Everyone desires to be loved unconditionally. We are insecure beings and long to be affirmed. We desire to feel loved, regardless of our shortcomings. Children especially—even adult children making poor choices--want to know that they are loved and accepted by their parents. How do we… (more)

The weather is changing.  The days are warmer.  Schedules are slowing and summer is here.  As this beautiful season falls upon us, God’s hand in creation is evident in brand new ways. Last week, my son and I were in the backyard as the sun… (more)

Late at night, the hallway light falls softly on their faces.  It is quiet, and all my children are asleep.  I can see their long lashes lying lightly on their cheeks.  I can hear their breath, strong and deep.  The rooms fill with the smell… (more)

Your child misbehaves.  She speaks disrespectfully, or he breaks a family rule.  Feelings or bodies are hurt and your emotions rise.  What do you do next? Parents have countless choices to make in any given day, but the decision to punish or discipline is one… (more)

Seemingly without thought, a teen standing near my son began complaining about his school.  With all his 16-year-old wisdom, he spoke badly about his teachers and about the administration’s policies.  I watched as he rolled his eyes, shook his head in disgust and then glanced… (more)

As we sat at the table, finishing our meal, talk turned to the sermon that day.  We discussed the topic, the verse and the message. Even our 9-year-old had something to add.  I loved listening to their voices discuss things I knew nothing of at… (more)

It is almost time.  As a momma of four children, I am already finding myself dreaming summer dreams.  I am imagining barefoot children with sun on their faces running freely through the sprinkler in the backyard.  I am eagerly awaiting leisure time to sleep in… (more)

It made sense to be scared.  The ultrasound technician kept taking pictures.  The room fell quiet.  And then she stepped out. My husband and I were left alone wondering what was wrong.  We had seen a heartbeat on the screen, so surely all was well. … (more)

Sex is an important part of God's plan for marriage. God wants you to enjoy and celebrate your spouse sexually. This perspective on sexuality came as a surprise to a couple we were counseling as they entered their second marriage. They had both come to… (more)

Children develop their ability to understand and use language in a wide variety of ways.  As parents, we can support this work using simple games and activities.  When we provide a safe and loving environment for our children and look for ways to make learning… (more)