He is Greater.....John 3:30 says He must become greater, I must become less"

In my work with young families, we present research-based information to help families raise happy and healthy children.  I was looking through some curriculum today and came across a list worth sharing.  The topic is on resilience and how to raise resilient children.  I think this is even more important than trying to raise children who never have a reason to struggle, or suffer, or endure hardship.  God tells us in His Word that in this life there will be trouble......so rather than worry about what could possibly happen to our sweet babies, lets consider this list of things children need to grow up to be resilient.  If we can help our children accomplish these things, then when the storms of life come, they will have tools to cope.  They will be less likely to give up or run in fear.  They will be survivors.  This list is taken from greatkidsinc.org which is an evidence-based curriculum .   Researchers have found that children need to have the following:   1.  Felt loved by th

Today marks the third anniversary of the death of someone very important in our family.  She is remembered today by family and friends in a very aching and painful way because her death was sudden and unexpected.  I read over and over, as people remember her on social media, that they wish they could just talk to her again, get a hug, hear her laugh.  Many had not been able to talk to her for far too long....and her death has left a very large empty place for them. Have the conversations.  While we can.  If there is someone you have not talked with for awhile......change that.  Reconnect.  Call them.  Go visit.  We do not know how much time we all will have and if you can, have the conversations now. My auntie came from California this week to visit her brother because she wants a chance to see him and talk to him now, while she can.  She got on a plane and came to town to have.....the conversations.  If his condition worsens and one of these days he takes his last breath here o

A young friend asked me recently what my typical routine is for devotion/time with God.  I did answer her.....but I think it would be a good idea to unpack it a bit more today, since it is Sunday and all. My days are rather full and chaotic from the moment my feet swing off the bed and hit the floor......until they swing back up again at the end of the day.  I can usually manage an hour or two before bed to just sit and watch a crime drama or two.  It is how I unwind and forget the intensity of my day.  I wish I could say I get up at 5am every morning for quiet time with the Lord, in His word, in worship.  That is the goal, people.  For now, this is how it works for me. I love Sunday Morning worship in church.  I love my church.  I love the people, the heart, the pastor......and we are not a perfect church but a living, breathing vessel of God.  If we are not in our home church, we try to worship else where and occasionally I watch a sermon on television......one way or anothe

The next big holiday, Valentine's Day, is a week away!  When my brother and I were small, my mom always gave us a gift at Valentine's Day.  Chocolates, or some sweet treat that reminded us all day that she loved us.  In later years, the grandmas would send packages to my children with Valentines day cards and treats.  What a sweet, sweet holiday (pun intended)!  A day set aside to consider people we love and either say it with words or flowers or candy or gifts.......I love you.  Simple words. Being loved is so important.  It validates us.  It makes us feel important and special.  When we feel important and special we behave as important and special people.  I never, ever doubted I was loved by my family.  I always knew it, not just because of a Valentine's day wish, but because that sense of being someone who mattered came regularly.  I pray I am also imparting this in my home, to my husband, my children, even my dogs.  Today, love walked into my house at 4:34pm in t

John 14:27......."Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  For several years now, I have taken a similar photo of this scene.  I love this place.....it is so, so peaceful.  It is peaceful when I am standing in this spot on the sand, looking out over the lake with my camera in my hand.  It is peaceful when I wake up there in the morning, and only the earliest risers among us are awake, sipping coffee, doing morning devotions, visiting quietly.  It is peaceful in the night when we hear the loons and occasionally an eagle.  It is not a busy lake and there are no parties happening out on the water.  Sometimes a skier or a jet ski will zip past but as quickly as they come they also move on, around this really big and beautiful body of water in Minnesota.  Even now, 6 months later, as we fight through winter in Iowa, I can see the photo and feel the peace in it. 

I'm sending out a call among us all....to do good things.  Lots of good things.  Every chance we get.  Not just once a day, or schedule from 12-1pm......as often in the day as possible......do good things.  Yesterday someone gave me 2 bags of things to share with someone else who needed them....blankets, baby items, etc.  Today, someone offered an item that this same friend was in need of yesterday.  Doing good things has a 100 percent return, folks.  God shows off like crazy....sometimes even before we can ask.....and good things come back to us. In case you can't think of good things to do today, here is a little list to get you started.  I trust that God will help you once you are rolling...... 1.  Reach out to someone who might be hurting.  You don't need to fix anything.  Just let them know that their pain matters to you and that they are not alone in it. 2.  Help single moms.  Every day. 3.  Write an encouraging note to a teen-ager.  Their buckets are never f