Don't Say Something Permanently Painful, Just Because You're Temporarily Ticked Off!

Karen Ehman

In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26–27

I wrestled with several plastic grocery bags as my purse swung wildly from my shoulder. I was trying desperately to free up a hand to open the back door that leads from our garage into the kitchen. Tired from a long day of errands and appointments, I just wanted to get into the house, put the groceries away, and then collapse on the couch.

As I fumbled with my keys and stepped up onto the landing that leads into the kitchen, I nearly tripped and broke my neck. I also broke out into a horrible rant as I saw the reason for my near trip and fall.

“Kenna! Mitchell! Spencer! You kids get out here right now and take care of these shoes and boots. I am sick and tired of how you all just toss your shoes here with absolutely no regard for what I’ve told you. You know your shoes go on the rug. I don’t want to ever see this junk lying here again. You hear me? You are all so lazy! Now I said get out here … right now!”

My kids heard me all right. So did half the neighborhood.

How to Avoid a Wasted Life

How to Avoid a Wasted Life

Summer Saldana

I’ve always loved this quote my pastor often refers back to,
“Seek not to avoid a wounded life, but rather seek to avoid a wasted one.”

And, it’s been present in my thoughts even more so lately as we finish up the first month of this new year, and life attempts to drag us back into old patterns and habits. The newness has started to wear off, and it’s easy to let that fresh hope slip through our fingers. The purposes we may have set out to achieve can easily begin to appear blurry.

A New Year's Resolution

Beth Guckenberger
Goals, Faith, Following God

Every year, (I mean every year), I say,  ‘This year I will not make New Year’s Resolutions.”

(Which end up being false promises and short-sighted solutions to issues greater than this plan I am concocting can fix.)

And yet, I can’t resist. I tell friends and family and radio audiences and social media networks about dreams I have to read more, eat less, rest regularly, learn new skills. I can’t help it. The idea of being re-made into a better version of myself calls me every time.

Finding Ways to Connect as a Couple

Finding Ways to Connect as a Couple

Angela Richter

Many times couples get married and start off so excited about starting their lives together as husband and wife.  They have fallen in love and enjoy spending time together, and everything feels new and exciting! 

However it's not too long before real life kicks in and the newness wears off.  Sometimes romance doesn't come as easy and life can get hectic!  Our schedules get crazy, babies are born and trials often enter our lives.  When this happens couples can forget how to connect!

10 Ways to Show Love to Your Kids without Spending Money

Rachel Wojo

Recently I was astonished to come across a 2013 statistic on how much money Americans spend on Valentine's Day.  Consumers spend nearly $2 billion on flowers and $2 billon on candy each Valentine's Day according to CNN's library statistics. Wow- that's a lot of love.  And a lot of money.

While gifts are wonderful, money doesn't equal love and neither does love equal money. There are many ways your kids can see love in action and today I thought we could explore 10 ways to show love to your kids without spending money.

Live With Deep Intention

Christin

It's difficult in today's noisy world to see what lies beyond it -- an unseen eternity. There was a time in my early years of marriage when I thought more eternally, but today I struggle to see that place through the chaos, the distractions, and all the voices. Being eternally-minded requires some intentional effort. 

As the new year rolled in, I wanted to set some time aside to think about what God would have for me in 2015 -- more so for our family. How would He have me accomplish His will?

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