If someone had told me 30 years ago, “you will need prayers and Bible verses to save your marriage,” I would have thought they were crazy. I was in love and happier than I ever dreamed possible. A few years later, real life settled in. I realized that prayers were …
When my firstborn was in grade school, I noticed that he would get cranky starting around August 1. It took me a few years (and the wisdom of a friend) to realize that he was feeling back-to-school stress. He enjoyed school, but the new routines, meeting new people, new teachers …
How to Handle Back-to-School Stress Without Fighting Read more »
I’ve always loved praying for my kids. I also love beginnings, and the start of the new school year is a wonderful beginning. It’s filled with promise and high hopes. While I pray for my kids every day before they get out of the car at school (or before they …
How to Pray for Your Kids as They Start a New School Year Read more »
While most people I know tend to think of the “lazy days of summer,” it sometimes feels like summer is busier than ever! Even when it’s not summer, life in general is chaotic. Between work, school, home, extended family, friends, and extra-curriculars, my husband and I sometimes struggle to really …
How to Stay Connected in Marriage When Life Is Chaotic Read more »
I wish I could say that miscommunication never happens in my marriage. After all, I specialize in effective communication skills! Yet, I’m human, as is my sweet husband. So, there are times we have miscommunications. Times when I think I said this, and he thinks I said that. Some of …
Your Effective Communication Worksheet for Christians Read more »
You may have bored kids this summer. It’s a common problem. My kids get bored, for sure. School is out, so that routine isn’t in play. Chores are important but certainly don’t take all day. Even time with friends is fleeting, in the grand scheme of things. Video games might …
How to Handle Bored Kids this Summer and Keep the Faith Read more »
I love summer getaways. Whether my whole family gets to go, or it’s just me and our youngest (like this year), the time away from our regular routine visiting new places is always fun. Yet I am always faced with the challenge of maintaining our faith and values while we’re …
Vacation and Values: A Christian Guide to Getaways Read more »
When my kids were younger, I really struggled with raising godly children during a potentially screen-filled summer. With summer break and empty days stretching before them, screens seemed like their obvious choice to fill the time. Sure, we had VBS, summer camp, chores, and vacations, but day-to-day busyness was gone, …
Raising Godly Kids When They Want a Screen-Filled Summer Read more »
In my marriage, it sometimes feels like I’m the only spouse trying. Like I’m the only one who wants to make this marriage as good as it can possibly be. Yet after 31 years of marriage, I also know that my husband feels that way sometimes, too. Introduction Marriage takes …
What to do when You’re the Only Spouse Trying in Marriage Read more »
by Matthew Townend NOTE FROM ANDREA: I’m thrilled to have a guest post today from Matthew Townend. I love that my friends get a different perspective than usual, but still in line with the faith-forward focus you’ve come to expect. If you enjoyed “Waiting on God for a Spouse” you …
