As a former rough water lifeguard and eager health enthusiast, I completely support physical exercise being part of growing a whole child.  However, I struggle with the emphasis on sports in today’s youth culture.  Every kid walks away from their chosen sport someday…….then what?  Many coaches and parents fail to identify the lifetime value of sports because they falsely assume they are training the next state champs. So when the lights go out, when the cheering stops, when it is time to “leave it on the field”…. what do we have when the game is over?

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.

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.

Recently when I thought of the renewing season of the beginning of the year, it seemed appropriate to consider it a time of sweet intentions. Considering the areas of physical, spiritual and relational health are just three areas to reset. Live the life you dream.

Raising a child well requires consistent thinking, planning and intentional actualization. Ideation of purposeful values succeeds with consistency, diligence and established routines. Part of the practical application of Biblical literacy in the home involves teaching children to serve. Here are 10 easy ideas for teaching a child to serve.

One of the most important jobs of parenting is teaching your child social skills. An often ignored skill is teaching a child how to interrupt politely. Whether you have been cut off mid-sentence or just completely shut down, you might remember a time that a child has abruptly interrupted the flow of conversation. Teach your child how to interrupt and master this social skill.

What is blooming outside your window? What is blooming inside your home? Any parent who loves the Lord personally should consider how to communicate spiritually with their child. Are your child’s spiritual roots growing deep? Are they planted a river of Biblical truth? Are they blooming from seeds planted by an intentional parent or mentor?

One of the best things we can teach our children is the joy of giving.  The past two Decembers several of our children served Christmas dinner to some local World War II veterans.  The students listened to their inspiring stories and gifted them with thank you notes.  What a privilege that our children could be exposed to these men who bravely served our country.