Here in the USA, gittin’ hitched is averaging $25,000 - 30,000 dollars per celebration. Gulp. Great pains are obviously being taken to plan the Big Day, but judging by the dismal outcome of too many of these pricey unions, many...

I opened my Merriam-Webster Dictionary app and the word of the day, CRUCIBLE, flashed at me in psychedelic neon. (I made that last part up.) OK, it may well be in black and white print, but the effect on my...

I have to ask, how are we assessing our kids? A proper assessment assures us we’re on the right track as we aim our children toward their destinies. When my sons were growing up, most schools administered broad assessment tests...

My daughter-in-law has always had a passion for gardening. This year she’s gone all out, studying, planning and growing what’s termed a square foot garden in multiple raised boxes built by her hubby.  The more I reflect on raising my...

I’m convinced that the fundamental and distinctive characteristics and qualities of an individual - call it their moral and spiritual DNA, is formed by what is taught and trained, ingrained in them day-by-day over years and years. This process creates...

After 34 years of parenting, I’ve put on a lot of miles in my journey as a mom. I’m now one of those people you young parents scratch your head and ponder…an empty nester. Yes, I’ve crossed to that mysterious...

With all the Hoopla of the Academy Awards buzzing on social media over the weekend, I was reminded of my favorite year's telecast so far, the 2011 Oscar presentations, and the film that dominated that year. I think you might...

We read to our kids out of books like Berenstain Bears, Dr. Seuss and Thomas the Tank Engine, but do we regularly open God's Word to our children? This common, all-time best seller—the Bible—isn’t just a book; it is a...

A guest post by Heather Michelle* F E V E R That dirty little 5-letter word indicating our normal 98.6ish body temp is climbing, spikes our anxiety level as well. Particularly mothers of young children sense fear’s grip as they...

We hosted dinner guests from India tonight. Jordan and Nicole. Missionaries' kids who met and married in India and are relocating to New Zealand. Early 20s and so precious. Jordan is a gifted musician/artist and Nicole is a photographer. It's so...