“Mom, I am one of the worst soccer players at our school,” said my 8-year-old son. Feeling sorry for him, I replied, “Oh don’t say that. I’m sure you’re decent!” Frustrated by my dismissal of his analysis, he emphatically replied, “No mom, I am actually pretty bad. I am really one of the worst players.” Then, I realized that I was projecting my insecurity onto him. He didn’t feel … [Read more...] about Why I Teach my Kids to Compare and How to Do It
Kids' Faith
Principle 7: Daily Pray For and Pray With Your Kids
Pray for your kids. Pray with your kids. I know you’ve heard this before. But read on. I promise you that you won’t feel preached at and you won’t regret reading this. I will never forget this image that a friend shared with me as she prayed for me. “I see you on a field where you planted a few seeds. A couple of them are sprouting, but they are tiny. You’re standing over those sprouting … [Read more...] about Principle 7: Daily Pray For and Pray With Your Kids
Principle 6: Quickly Forgive | Family, Kids, and Grace
“I’m sorry, sis. Forgive me. I won’t do it again.” “Well, you know what? You say this all the time. If you’re really sorry, you’ll stop doing it.” “I know. I’m sorry sis.” “Fine. Stop telling me you’re sorry and just stop being so annoying.” The conversation went something like that. It was many years ago, and I can’t quite remember what it was all about. But, I still remember saying … [Read more...] about Principle 6: Quickly Forgive | Family, Kids, and Grace
Let Earth Receive Her King! An Advent Reflection
I woke up one morning this Advent season with a song bursting from my heart. “Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing….” I’ve been ruminating on the words of this song. Although not a new song, I feel as though I have been caught up in its joy, its proclamation, and its hope this season. The lyrics capture … [Read more...] about Let Earth Receive Her King! An Advent Reflection
Can You Feast with Crumbs?
The other night, we had beans and rice for dinner. Nothing else. It was not by choice. This was what was served. Our kids and I spent a few days serving at a Youth With A Mission base in central California where we packaged dried food for the poor for distribution in various parts of the world. The hosts thought it would be good for us Americans to experience what many people in developing … [Read more...] about Can You Feast with Crumbs?
Rediscover Thanks Giving
Will you consider rediscovering thanks giving with me? More than any other years, I am glad that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Why? Honestly, it has been a tough year for me. It has been a year where I have felt deep pain on multiple occasions. From the sudden, tragic losses of lives, to my own failures in love and generosity, to feeling heavy from all the upheaval in our world, I feel … [Read more...] about Rediscover Thanks Giving