How to Parent Like an Adult

We can't all be happy all the time, but we can try to keep moving toward maturity.

Summer Reading 2018

Summer reading lists usually entail works of fiction or history - something of a lighter fare that can be picked up and put down with ease. This list may or may not reflect that genre as much as it is some recommendations from what I (John) have read so far this year. A Severe Mercy … Continue reading Summer Reading 2018 →

True Identity: Discussion Guide

Back in October FamilyLife helped launch my new book, True Identity. The book is written for teens to help them process life's big questions. One of the things I've been asked for since the book released is a discussion guide for small groups. Well.... I've finally put one together! It's here for anyone to download. If … Continue reading True Identity: Discussion Guide →

Review: True Feelings – God’s Gracious and Glorious Purpose for Our Emotions

The last 5 years have been a journey of discovering my emotions. Several books have helped me wade through them along the way, and I'll add this one to the list. Because of a conflict that began 5 years ago, I realized with great urgency that I was a stuffer of my emotions. Until my … Continue reading Review: True Feelings – God’s Gracious and Glorious Purpose for Our Emotions →

Tips for Staying Well When Flu Lurks

Some of the things we do during winter to keep sicknesses at bay: Daily doses of elderberry syrup. If cold symptoms appear, up the dose to 3-4 a day. I make our syrup from dried elderberries and raw local honey. This is so much cheaper than buying it, which is totally acceptable if you don't … Continue reading Tips for Staying Well When Flu Lurks →

Book Review – Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters

John received a copy of the book, Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters by Erica Komisar (April, 2017) when he met recently with Randy Stinson. For those not acquainted with religious academia, Randy is the provost at the Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville. He is also the past president of CBMW (Council for … Continue reading Book Review – Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters →

Picky Eaters: 10 Tips for Transformation

When our oldest, who is extremely strong-willed, was about three years old, I remember gearing up for the dinner battle and telling this to my healthy-minded next door neighbor. Stone-faced she said, "He doesn't have to eat." Wut? She had two voracious preteens who could separately eat my husband under the table. They were not … Continue reading Picky Eaters: 10 Tips for Transformation →

One of the Best Things We Ever Did for Our Marriage

Early in our marriage we were confronted by a stark contrast in the way we viewed time. I, John, felt like my time was my own. All of it. Well, almost all. Julie felt that we should give more of that time away. She'd say yes to more things than I thought she should and … Continue reading One of the Best Things We Ever Did for Our Marriage →

Shop Smarter: Tips for Reading Labels

Admittedly, I'm a food snob (Julie here). Despite of this, it surprises some people that I don't shop often at Whole Foods. Most of my grocery needs are met at Kroger. Here are a few tips for label reading to help you navigate the tricky waters of "what is healthy?" I have a few guidelines … Continue reading Shop Smarter: Tips for Reading Labels →

A Tampa Bay Boardwalk Moment

We shared this story recently in a letter to a number of folks who partner with us in ministry. But it was too good not to share with a broader audience. I walked out of the Weekend to Remember in Tampa to get a quick breather. Though we were in the sunshine state, I’d yet … Continue reading A Tampa Bay Boardwalk Moment →