This third week of Advent is focused on joy. The candle we light is the Shepherd’s candle. This week I’ve spent some time thinking about the shepherds and wise men and what I can learn about having Christian adults in the life of my children, a faith village. Years ago I took a family ministry class in seminary. We learned the importance of youth having five Christian adults (other than their parents) in their lives. This helps the youth make... Read more
As a family pastor and parent coach, I know many parents wonder, “When do you get serious about teaching your children about faith?” This is one of my favorite topics and I am excited to explore that with you today. The short answer is today, no matter your children’s ages, but there is much more for us to reflect on. Here are the three things we are going to consider: Children’s Capabilities God’s Capabilities Parent’s Capabilities (This may contain some... Read more
Just a few years ago, I kept a secret about my parenting. I was a rockstar parent when things were going well. I knew how to make life and discipleship fun. But… discipline that I felt good about was not in my skill set. I had a bad habit of going from fun mom to angry mom in moments. I hated it and felt great shame. Things have changed since then and now I want to equip families with grace... Read more
As Christian parents, we know we need to be grateful and we want our kids to be grateful. But, is gratitude developmentally appropriate? Can kids be grateful? Here are 4 tips to help you disciple this Thanksgiving. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 NLT Is Gratitude Developmentally Appropriate for Kids? Honestly, there isn’t a ton of research on... Read more
As a parent coach, I often get asked how to teach kindness to our kids. So with World Kindness Day right around the corner, November 13, I thought I would share 3 simple (and playful ways) to teach kindness. Why Teach Kindness? Siblings fight, kids knock down a friend’s block tower, sisters rip up art projects, and mean words are thrown around. But, they will grow out of it, right? It’s just a phase? Sometimes, yes. There are aspects of... Read more
October is National Book Month and I love to read. Most years I read up to 100 books, plus all the children’s books I read to my kids. But, there is one book that I turn to day after day, year after year, the Bible. Below you will find a handful of the actual books you will find in my home… on bookshelves, bedside tables, desks, and even on my kids’ bedroom floors. From my experience, they are some of... Read more
On October 22, 2023, Catholics worldwide will celebrate World Mission Sunday. I’m not a Catholic, but God has been speaking to me about missions lately. Though at one point in my life, I wanted to live in another country for the sake of Jesus, that isn’t what God is asking of me now. Recently, I have been thinking about introducing my kids to missions and our local mission field through serving together as a Christian family. What is World Mission... Read more
As a Christian parent, do you yell at your kids? How do you feel after a harsh interaction? Would you like to be able to parent without yelling? Me, too, haha! Please note some links in this article may be affiliate links. By purchasing through these links you will be supporting my ministry at no extra cost to you. See more on my disclosures page. Why Should I Quit Yelling? When I look at the Gospels, Jesus was protective of... Read more
Today I want to talk about something that this time of year can get a little controversial: Halloween. Should Christians celebrate Halloween? Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? First, I don’t think this is the right question to ask. I am not a fan of the word “should” or its negative, “shouldn’t.” “Can we” is probably a more appropriate question. But, that question still doesn’t have a simple answer. I believe the Holy Spirit can and will guide your family if you... Read more
One of the easiest ways to add more joy to your parenting is to do it God’s way. God created you, created parenting, and placed you in a particular time with particular kids. Read more
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