Resources for Parents and Teens

Why I Do an Annual Reading Challenge (and you should too!)

Why I Do an Annual Reading Challenge (and you should too!)

Apparently, I am a girl who loves a challenge.
Maybe it is because I played soccer on boys teams, or because I grew up with brothers, or because I read a lot as a child and have an adventurous heart. Whatever the reason, I have always found it difficult to turn down a challenge!
All these years later, I am finding that to work in my favor…
I know a lot of people make resolutions this time of year, but they don’t work out very well for me. I am kind of an all or nothing person, so when life gets in the way, as it inevitably does, I end up throwing my hands in the air and bumping my resolutions to the curb like last week’s trash.
However, I do much better with a challenge! There is something inherent in a challenge that brings out my competitive nature and renders me much more likely to succeed…

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The Gift of Hope

The Gift of Hope

It is two days before Christmas.  A stack of presents sits on the bed waiting to be wrapped.  There is laundry to be done, food to prepare, and a half-dozen items still left unchecked on my to-do list. Yet, I find myself returning to the gifts.  I have...

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Dancing in the Waiting

Dancing in the Waiting

I took my boys for their much overdue annual check-ups today. As is the case with most doctor appointments, we found ourselves seated in the waiting area for a good 15 minutes before the nurse called their names. What do you do with two rambunctious, energetic boys in...

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Investing in Teens, Part 3: Ready to Listen

Investing in Teens, Part 3: Ready to Listen

It’s 11:27pm and my bed is calling. I finish brushing my teeth and walk into my bedroom, and then hear footsteps in the hallway. “Hey Momma, do you have a minute?”
Why is it my teens never want to talk when I’m ready to listen? It seems like, without fail, they always approach me at the most inconvenient times!
Oh, that happens to you, too?

As exhausting as parenting can be some days, our time to speak into our teens lives is limited, and we cannot waste it. But before we can speak, we must be intentional about listening, so they know how much we care.

Today I want to share a few ways we can make the most of opportunities to get our kids talking, so we’ll be ready to listen when the time comes.

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A Day in My “Mom Life”

A Day in My “Mom Life”

“It’s going to be a great day. It’s going to be a great day. It’s going to be a great day!” I mumble to myself, pulling back the covers and forcing myself out of bed. I really need to pee, but apparently so does the puppy, so I head downstairs first and wait by the...

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Advent: Obedience in the Unexpected

Advent: Obedience in the Unexpected

“I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” Now granted, Mary did not know all the trials that lay ahead, but she had to at least know the immediate repercussions of this unexpected announcement. And still, she chose obedience, without hesitation. In this season of advent, I am asking myself this question: When god brings me hard assignments, do I respond with such an accepting, obedient heart? With such trusting faith?

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Heath Fam Goes West: Part 3

Heath Fam Goes West: Part 3

MOAB, UTAH Well friends, the adventure continues! After several days visiting friends and family in Colorado, we loaded up our rental vehicle and headed towards our next destination:  Travel Day 6: Moab, Utah It was a beautiful drive; we couldn’t get over the...

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Waiting for Perfect

Writing Challenge Day 3 I have had moments all through the day today when I could have made time to write. I didn’t though; I wasn’t ready. I kept tossing around different ideas in my head, waiting to see which one would stick. I could be practical and write about the...

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