Life

Are You Constantly Correcting Your Kids? Try Connecting Before You Correct…

Are You Constantly Correcting Your Kids? Try Connecting Before You Correct…

by Elise Daly Parker 

Several years ago I learned about a concept that has forever changed the way I communicate. It’s called Connect Before You Correct. We yearn for connection — with kids, spouses, parents, siblings, and friends. And the way we build those connections is by communicating, hearing and being heard, giving and receiving love, being concerned for one another, and coming alongside each another in the journey of life. But life is busy, juggling home life, work life, marriage, schedules, who has time for relationship?  [Continue Reading...]

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...

Discovering The Many Benefits of Rest

Discovering The Many Benefits of Rest

By Sharon Gamble

I came across a Bible verse the other day that reminded me of my reluctant submission to the concept of rest.   Here it is: …In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.  (Isaiah 30:15).  

That part about “you would have none of it?”  That was me.  [Continue Reading...]

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...

Are You Too Tired, Too Comfortable to Make New Friends?

Are You Too Tired, Too Comfortable to Make New Friends?

by Elise Daly Parker

Do you ever feel like you’ve got enough friends to keep up with? And besides, making new friends can be a little uncomfortable…awkward even. Well I’m generally a people person. I like people. I grew up in a tribe of five. I am genuinely interested in people’s stories and I like to know what makes them tick. I am blessed with a lot of friends. I love them, but I feel like I don’t get enough time with them as it is.

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...

DON’T MAKE RESOLUTIONS - GET SMART

by Kimberly Amici

This year, let’s go beyond the good intentions and create a plan that will help us achieve those things that are on our heart. But where and how do you start? A good place to start is by creating SMART goals. The acronym SMART stands for: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. When creating goals for the New Year here are some things to consider:

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...

What's Your One Word for the New Year?

What's Your One Word for the New Year?

by Elise Daly Parker

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Happy New Year!

Did you choose your One Word for the New Year?

I have been reflecting, thinking, praying and have finally come up with my One Word for the New Year. Before I tell you what it is let me tell you a little about my journey. [Continue Reading...]

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...

5 Gifts You Can Give A Parent Of A Child With Special Needs

5 Gifts You Can Give A Parent Of A Child With Special Needs

by Noelle Rhodes

Being a parent of a child with significant struggles has made the journey of parenting...unique. Though at times, it has been hard and heartbreaking, it has turned out to be a great adventure that has changed my life forever. It has deepened my faith and has taught me huge life lessons. [Continue Reading...]

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...

New Year, New You Try Some Transformation Through the Power of a Series of FREE Bible Studies

New Year, New You Try Some Transformation Through the Power of a Series of FREE Bible Studies

By Barbara Ruglio

For me, New Year resolutions don't stick. I start off strong then gradually slip back to familiar routines that don't work. How do I make lasting change in my life? The Apostle Paul asked the same question.

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...

A Prayerful Letter from a Mama to Her Baby Boy

A Prayerful Letter from a Mama to Her Baby Boy

By Micalagh Beckwith Moritz

As we enter a new year, 2016, I reflect on 2015, the year you were born. It has been a time of upheaval in our society - so many major issues are being questioned and re-examined - from race, to sexuality, to religion, to basic rights, to the earth we depend on for our life and sustenance. 

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...

Susanne Says - Part 2 of Anxious Anyone? A Look at Everyday Anxiety and Hurry Sickness

Susanne Says - Part 2 of Anxious Anyone?    A Look at Everyday Anxiety and Hurry Sickness

by Susanne Ciancio, LPC

Stress is defined as "a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances." However, anxiety is a reaction to that stress. Anxiety includes worry about what "may" happen. Mark Twain is quoted as saying, "I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened." It's commonly believed that 90% of things we're anxious or worried about never come to pass!

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...

How to Make the Changes You Want to Make in the New Year

How to Make the Changes You Want to Make in the New Year

by Elise Daly Parker

How do you mark the New Year? Do you make resolutions? Do you embrace a theme? Or maybe you’re a One Word for the New Year type like me. Regardless of how you mark your New Year, now is a good time to take a look back and ask yourself a few questions. The best way to do this is to...

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...

How to Host a Jesus Birthday Party for Your Community

How to Host a Jesus Birthday Party for Your Community

By Kristin Hill Taylor

Each December, we sing “Happy Birthday” with a chorus of friends. We eat cake, bring donations, make crafts, and hang out with other families. But the honoree is no regular man. He’s the savior of the world.

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...

Susanne Says - Anxious Anyone? How to Alleviate Stress This Christmas Season

Susanne Says - Anxious Anyone?  How to Alleviate Stress This Christmas Season

By Susanne Ciancio, LPC

The most joyous season of the year is upon us and, although it's cold and dark outside, there is a promise of warmth from glowing fireplaces, twinkling lights, amazing aromas, and some of the best food offered in the entire calendar year! Yet we know this season among all seasons can be the most stressful of all. Why is that?

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...

Celebrating the Thanksgiving Baby - An Excerpt from Peace In The Process

Celebrating the Thanksgiving Baby - An Excerpt from Peace In The Process

by Kristin Hill Taylor

On Saturday, November 21, 2009, my sister-in-law Angela asked me what my perfect timing would be for Ben to be born. Leigh, my son’s birth mom, had been on bed rest because he’d threatened to come early, so we were glad he was still inside growing at 38+ weeks. I answered Angela’s question honestly: Sunday or Monday.

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...

Susanne Says – How to Have a Transformed Mind – Part 5

Susanne Says – How to Have a Transformed Mind – Part 5

By Susanne Ciancio, LPC

This month I'll finish up by discussing what may be going wrong in fulfilling our desire to have a renewed mind. God has a part to play. He won't do our part and we’re not supposed to "try" to do His part. 

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...

Lessons from Motherhood: Part 2 - Everyday Holy Moments

Lessons from Motherhood: Part 2 - Everyday Holy Moments

by Micalagh Beckwith Moritz

One of the many perks of spending time with a baby often (whether you’re a mom, a nanny, an aunt, or a close friend) is getting the chance to see the world through a baby’s eyes. As a mom of a now five-month old, I’ve learned a lot during this season of my life (some lessons I wrote about in my last post).  One of the things I am pondering recently is attentiveness to holy moments.

Enjoy what you read? Share it with others...