Research shows that giving rather than getting builds a strong foundation for children to thrive. Children who learn to give early are less likely to get involved in destructive behaviors and are more likely to launch successfully into adulthood. Giving fosters a healthy lifestyle, engages life skills, and makes us happier and more joyful people. Ultimately, we know that giving …
“There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” C.S. Lewis (from his sermon “The Weight of Glory”) I’m in the back seat of a stranger’s car. After pleasant and perfunctory greetings, we travel silently together. I’m using Uber, a creative option for people to share their ride with others (though a little rattling for an …
In my late 20s, I prayed a dangerous prayer. As a young mom, I desperately wanted everything to be right. I desired to be the perfect parent, the perfect wife, the perfect daughter-in-law, the perfect neighbor—you get the picture! Yet, the words of those around me often revealed just how far I fell short. Many of those words came from …
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. I Corinthians 13:13 When most of us hear the word charity we think of doing good. However, charity is an English translation of the Greek agape love. In fact, it can be used interchangeably with the word love, particularly when referring to our relationship with …
You’ve very likely done all of the right and recommended things to prepare for the future: you’ve set aside retirement savings, you have life insurance and a will or estate plan. But how much do you know about the current reality of your finances? It’s common for one spouse or the other to manage the family finances. However, the reality …
It was a dangerous time in the country of Germany. In the 1930s and 40s, the church, eager for greater popularity, was swayed by the new political regime. Marches merging church and state included people chanting: “The future belongs to us! We are the future!” Yet many young people wondered where they would find their future. In the meantime, God …
Did you know that children who serve just one hour or more a week are less likely to be involved in at-risk behaviors than those who are not active in volunteering[1]? When children volunteer, they develop new social skills. They mature with a stronger sense of responsibility that will powerfully shape lifelong values and purpose. Best of all, the earlier children are involved in volunteering, …
All good stories have a messy middle. Characters start off filled with hope but soon enough, tension arrives and it looks like everything is falling apart. Think of your favorite movie or book. Without a few ‘sit on the edge of your seat’ moments and characters’ knuckle-biting decisions, you won’t have a compelling story. A story where everyone gets along and everything goes perfectly isn’t memorable. Tension paves …
