Being a parent is just hard work. The stages of childhood change rapidly. Approaching the subject of dating with your child can be downright intimidating. Before you begin, know that dating is radically different from how it was when you were a teenager and young adult. Sexual promiscuity is rampant. Sexual identity, date rape, binge drinking, emotional cheating, sexting and a host of new and more shocking behavior is the normal for today’s teens. Becoming more acquainted with today’s culture is a necessary, on-going job of today’s parents.

As a mom of two beautiful daughters, the topic of beauty materializes often. This article is intended to encourage the validation of the beauty in your daughter and mine. It is imperative that we speak intentionally to the dehumanizing of our daughters by the culture. What are the messages they hear which define beauty?

Due to the financial strain families feel in the current economy, discussions about food costs occur more frequently than ever. Many rising costs offer us little options for keeping our funds in-line with earnings. However, food is one of those more flexible categories. Discover easy-to-implement ideas on how to save money without scissors.

Need MORE time? Looking for ideas to boost efficiency in your daily routines? Scrutinizing your everyday with the goal of more play time and more learning time created by less housework? Contemplating a new scheme for less energy extended toward house maintenance? Consider a few of these ideas to improve your management of home and time.

Some of us love the process of cleaning just as much as we enjoy the results. Others struggle with the patterns necessary to maintain their living space daily, weekly and seasonally. In order to live this life well, we must create a plan to maintain our space. Let’s be honest, maintaining a home is hard work. Grab some of these ideas to successfully clean as a couple.

I am really just a simple girl blessed beyond words. As a mother of five beautiful children, a grateful wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a teacher and a follower of Jesus Christ… I stand humbled. This book is about my journey through parenting intentionally while navigating through the challenges of raising five very unique children. This book is full of practical tips and inspiration.

Who will be influenced by my life? Who will be influenced by your life? Who will be influenced by those you influence? Consider the roles that you play. Are you living as a strong influence in these roles? What might be preventing you from having the influence you desire? Woundedness? Fear? Insecurity? Habits? Selfishness? Jealousy? Need for apologies? Need for forgiveness? Explore the ways you might intentionally lean into your roles with influence!! Our conversation offers five ways to strengthen your influence.

Women are inundated by lies about God, about ourselves, our marriage and about children.What are some of these lies? What are the truths needed to combat these lies?My beliefs represent my worldview. It is critical that I renew my mind with the truths that God reveals in His Word. Initially, that means that I must know God’s Word. Continually, I must identify toxic thinking and pursue healthy, truthful thinking. Regularly, I must celebrate with a grateful spirit. It is the every day habits that make up my life.

Because I know God as my Father, I am confident of who I am in Him. His fondness for me is unfathomable, reliable and true. On any day when the vortex of the world threatens to vomit fear, despondency and panic, I still. Grabbing a front row seat somewhere near nature allows me to breath deeply and remember my identity as a deeply loved child of God.