There’s nothing more important than building a strong family foundation that will withstand the storms of life. That means building your home on the truth of God.
My online dictionary defines a pow wow as “a conference or meeting for discussion, especially among friends or colleagues.” That’s why, when my husband and I were raising our three daughters, we often convened a family pow wow. We wanted a meeting designed for discussion. Sometimes our discussions were about conflicts we were dealing with as… Read More
When my family gathers for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, we’ll drag with us all the chaos that’s normal when enjoying family over the holidays. Especially when family includes grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. There’ll be an abundance of food, no shortage of belly laughter, plenty of eye-rolling, and stories we can’t wait to tell.… Read More
“There are so many things I wish I’d done differently while raising my daughters, but sitting together at the family table isn’t one of them.” I spoke those words in response to a question I’m asked often. Today my three beautiful daughters are grown with husbands and children of their own, and I’m often asked… Read More
My life changed the night Hurricane Camille devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast. August 17, 1969. I was 12 years old. The storm was predicted to be a big one. My dad and grandfather spent the day of the storm elevating our furniture and refrigerator with concrete blocks. Then my parents, brother, sister, and I headed… Read More
What does it mean to fill your home with the fragrance of Christ? For starters, it doesn’t take long for unpleasant smells to become offensive. Anyone who’s left a ripe banana in their car on a hot summer day can attest to that. 🙂 The same is true for families. Unchecked attitudes grow into offensive behaviors.… Read More
Godly parenting wasn’t on my mind when I attended a commissioning service several years ago for missionary friends about to leave for Asia. They were going to a country known to be hostile toward Christianity. And I felt so small. My friends were sacrificing so much for a task that was daunting. They’d already sold… Read More
When it comes to Christmas, I fight being a Scrooge. Not that I don’t enjoy making gingerbread houses with my grandchildren. Or driving far and wide for an impressive light display. Or belting Celine Dion’s Christmas album at the top of my lungs. I love every bit of that. But sometimes all the festivities seem… Read More
How do you build a strong family with kids who know without a doubt they’re loved and valued? A short time ago I pulled my favorite white sweater from the washing machine and found two loose threads dangling from a sleeve. It’s the sweater I wear in over-air-conditioned restaurants on summer days. It easily complements… Read More