I was raised in a Christian home and knew about Jesus from a very young age. However, I didn't fully understand the gift of grace He...

story about our family adoption and the blessing it is

Often, quiet people are just the ones who won't fight to be heard. Most will talk if you show interest and listen. The quiet person adds depth to a conversation because they think before they speak

A few things I have gained from sharing my story: 1. I find purpose in the difficulties I've experienced. Often sharing my story encourages others who are struggling. 2. I quickly learn about other people's hearts. Many people will listen without judgement. Others ask questions to clarify but don't make hasty judgments. Sometimes people judge and are not open to hearing or trying to understand my experience. I can quickly weed out those who are definitely not "my people." 3.

A friend told me she has a mental illness. How should I respond? Kind responses when someone opens up about their mental health: 1) Thank them for trusting you. 2) Remain non-judgmental. 3) Meet them where they are. 4) Ask them what you should know. (Rather than making judgements and assumptions ask questions. Everyone has unique challenges even if they share the same illness.)

One of the first lessons I teach children. God never sleeps. You can talk to Him anywhere and at anytime. God always takes the night watch

My Thoughts for Today: The heart of a giver thrives when loving. A generous soul wakes in caring contemplation. Feeling unloved, a mission to irradicate emptiness begins. Inevitably, one day the well of gifts runs dry. Must selfishness be obtained to survive? Or... will another's kindness restore a giving heart to life?

story of how I became a Christian

some people will dislike you and the reason may be unclear. tips on how to deal with disliking people and being disliked

preschoolers need play and one on one time with parents

Yep, too many adults are thoughtless on this one. Join conversations don’t take them over. Hijaking a conversation can drain the excluded/booted out person’s self worth. You may well have started them shaking trying to plan an unnoticeable escape. They may feel the shame that rightly belongs to you. There was a time when this would have broken my heart. Now, I walk away shaking my head thinking, “not my people, wouldn’t want them anyway.” I’ve found better. We can all be bet

Prayer is always the best place to start❤️ But… why limit God’s response? What if therapists, medication, etc. are the Lord’s way of answering a prayer? Depression is not a sign of weak faith anymore than a diagnosis of asthma, diabetes, etc. Depression (like any struggle) provides an opportunity to lean into Jesus. God is merciful and gracious. We live in a sinful world not void of suffering. I’m thankful we have Jesus who understands and partners with us in our suffering

The what, why, and how of authenticity?

My Thoughts for Today: Comfort zone? I don’t agree with that term. We each have a unique personality and temperament. Sometimes asking someone to get out of their comfort zone is an attack on their very being. I used to put pressure on myself to “get out of my comfort zone.” After countless efforts to “get out of my comfort zone” it never became easier. Instead, I was left with anxiety, self doubt, and loss of self esteem. I’m quite confident that one of my first acts of self