Envy and Jealousy. Every one of us is tempted by these two destructive attitudes. Parents and children alike. These feelings are often found in what I call the “comparison trap.” It might go like this: I wish I had a house like hers. She has a good marriage and well, mine stinks. He got … Read More about 6 Tactics You Need for Rooting Out Envy and Jealousy
How to Do Secret Valentines: A Fun ‘Family Builder’ Idea
Many of us have not been able to be with our family members during this pandemic season. Adult children haven’t seen each other, cousins often can’t be together. Saddened by being apart, we wonder, “What can we do to build the closeness that we long for?”
Here’s one easy idea!
Use Valentine’s Day to re-connect with one another.
Many of us have been a part of “Secret Valentines” (or “Secret Santa”), maybe at the office.
It’s always fun and creates a sense of camaraderie. Let’s use this idea in our families this year.
We have 21 grandchildren ranging in age from 9-23. Their families live in different cities. It’s a challenge to help them grow close to one another, particularly this year.
As parents more than anything we want our kids to love the Lord and each other. And this is true for our grandkids as well. But how can they love each other when they rarely see each other? As parents and grandparents, we can create opportunities for them to bond.
To foster this, here’s one thing we are doing this year: assigning each cousin a “Secret Valentine.”
What Good Things Does God Have for You in 2021?
This week I’m blogging over at Club31Women about the good, new things God has for you in this new year! Here’s an excerpt: 2020, a hard year. Disappointments, illnesses, political turmoil, personal losses, racial unrest, pandemic fatigue, fears for the future. But now? As we move into 2021, be encouraged. God has something new and good … Read More about What Good Things Does God Have for You in 2021?
Three Crucial Things to Pray for Your Kids (and Grandkids) in This New Year
Hope, fear, anticipation, disappointment. A roller coaster year. It’s easy to enter 2021 with mixed emotions. We are exhausted from the pandemic of 2020 which continues on, from a nasty election, political and racial riots, job losses, sicknesses, and just plain bad news. We stumble into this new year with trepidation for our kids and … Read More about Three Crucial Things to Pray for Your Kids (and Grandkids) in This New Year
How to Care for Your Pastor and His Family During the Holidays
You may not know this if you’ve never been on a church staff (or married to someone who is), but the holidays can be an especially stressful time for pastors and everyone else on the team. I’m writing this blog because a girlfriend recently said to me, Susan, you’re a pastor’s wife. Have you ever … Read More about How to Care for Your Pastor and His Family During the Holidays
How to Engage in Meaningful Conversations in a Superficial World
Recently a friend asked me, Susan, I often feel like our conversations with our adult kids and extended family members are superficial. How can we encourage conversations to go to a deeper level?” Another mother remarked, My teenager doesn’t talk. How can we get our kids to engage with others more naturally in conversations-both in … Read More about How to Engage in Meaningful Conversations in a Superficial World
6 Powerful Steps to Resolve and Prevent Conflict in Marriage
This week I’m blogging over at Club31Women about some lessons John and I have learned in our 51+ years of marriage. The truth is, every marriage has conflict. You need to know how to handle it well — and how to resolve it with love. I hope these ideas are helpful to you! So, do … Read More about 6 Powerful Steps to Resolve and Prevent Conflict in Marriage
A Fresh Approach to Retirement: Four Things You Need to Know
A few years ago my friend Barbara Rainey and I were either in or approaching the season of the empty nest. Another friend who was a few years younger asked us, How do you navigate the empty nest? I want to prepare. What do you do?” Bursting out in laughter we responded, We have no … Read More about A Fresh Approach to Retirement: Four Things You Need to Know