I grew up in a unique scenario. When I was thirteen, my mother launched a national homeschooling magazine for which she served as both publisher and editor. Within the first year she had already established relationships with many of the top Christian publishers in the U.S., featured Dr. James Dobson (among others) on the front […]
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Apologetics Begins at Home
I remember well receiving a letter on my pillow from my 13-yr-old daughter. It was full of questions that she wanted me to help her understand. I am grateful that I have the kind of relationship with my children that they seek me out as their primary source of information when they are struggling with […]
We Always Have the Time
On one side of my driveway there is an old dead tree. A leaning tree. It’s the kind of tree you can tell is hateful and spiteful. It is going to fall down, of course, but it certainly won’t do it on a normal day, like normal trees. No, this tree is going to make […]
Redeeming our Failures
Somedays you catch a glimpse of encouragement that makes your heart sing in this mothering journey. I had two today. The first was a line from a facebook blogger friend of mine, who wrote: “You moms just trying to survive: trust me, today’s exhaustion will bear fruit that will astonish you.” (Dorcas Smucker) Of course […]
I Homeschool, but not Primarily Because of My Children
“I could never homeschool my children. I don’t have enough patience. I couldn’t stand to have them around me that much!” Have you ever heard that line? What about: “I can’t wait for the school year to start! It will be such a relief to have the children back in school. They are driving me […]
What about Abuse?
Earlier this week, I wrote a blog entry about how much I am enjoying this season of life. I talked about how blessed I am, and how good God has been to me. I’m eternally grateful! However, this did not sit well with some people. In fact, apparently, my blog flat-out offended some folks. For […]
I Apologize
To all of those whom I have disappointed, I apologize. Let me give you some background. I’m a homeschooled graduate. In fact, I was one of the earliest ones in the modern era (1991). My family began homeschooling in 1978 (when it was illegal), and I have never spent a day of my life in […]
What is Family Renewal?
I recently asked some questions on Facebook, to see how well people who follow my page really know about who I am and what I do. I thought this might help you to come to learn more about our work. Here are the composite results, with comments below: The correct answer is: Family Renewal, LLC. […]
Parenting By Grace
I was sitting on the platform of a Christian parenting conference looking out over the audience. This was one of those end-of-the day “Q&A” sessions where all of the exhausted main speakers field questions and try to think on their feet. One of the other speakers had the microphone and was replying to a question […]
Allowance – What Should Parents Do?
Many parents rightfully desire for their children to learn good financial stewardship. To help children develop a budget and learn to manage their money responsibly, many parents give their children a weekly or monthly allowance. What is a Standard Allowance These Days? What do other parents give their children? According to one website: A 2012 […]
Forgetting: Removing the Excuse of “I Forgot”
“I forgot.” Ever get tired of hearing this “forgetting” excuse for why your child didn’t do what they were instructed? The fact is, children (people) generally remember what they want to. Have your children ever forgotten when you promised to buy them ice cream, or take them to the park? Nope! They will be sure to remind […]
A Family Mission Statement
It is very important to have a target. As a family, you need to identify what is most important to you and identify your goals. Our family has developed a simple Family Mission Statement that helps us to remember why we are on this planet, and what we hope to achieve. Every major corporation or […]
Nurture
When I was a young mom I had such high ideals and hopes about the wonderful children I would raise. I envisioned leisurely tea times when I could teach my little ones how to become mannerly ladies and gentlemen. I knew my children would always feel warm fuzzies because I would endeavor to always show […]
The Shopping Cart Test (Unforgiveness)
I was thinking about one particular Christian I know getting to Heaven and seeing another Christian they don’t like and never want to see again in this life. I wonder if they’ll get mad at God at that point and want to leave? Have anyone in your life like that? Also, if it won’t matter […]
Will a Well-Trained Child Depart?
“Train up a child in the way he should go (on his own customized path), and when he is old/older/grown he will not depart/will return.” (Proverbs 22:6) This passage has given parents and Bible teachers fits for many years. There are lots of different explanations regarding what this text is teaching (including a few I’ve […]