We’re adding onto the previous bedtime rituals we have: family prayer time; family cheer; group hug; spraying the pillows with lavender pillow spray; and playing a soothing lullabye on the lap-harp.

In the congregation where hubby and I attend, there have been nine babies born over the last few months. Therefore, the congregation has a Biblical Parenting class to help new parents (and “old” parents) alike. So, as... more

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Unless you don’t have teens or tweens, or if you live in a remote part of the Earth without access to news, you will, no doubt, have heard about the controversy plaguing super-teen Miley Cyrus and her squeaky clean image.

As with many popular superstars, Miley finds herself in a situation where pictures of questionable taste have surfaced, causing the teen great discomfort and embarrassment.

Miley is one of the few mega-watt stars that seems to have her head in the... more

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver (Proverbs 25:11)

It’s easy to get “caught up” as a parent, in disciplining your child, particularly if they have a myriad of behavioral, emotional and social issues. We want our children to “be okay” when they grow up, so we stress certain behavior to them.

But one underutilized tool is the “word fitly spoken.” I see the effects my words have on the faces of all of my children. They can be crestfallen, or light up like the sky on the fourth of July!

Of... more

A little over a year ago, the little girl who would later become my daughter, got sent home with a note for her foster mother. The note stated that she had been taking things from class. Sadly, this wasn’t the first incident, either. She had taken money from some of the other kids.

Fast forward a few months later - after the adoption and her transition to her new home - stealing is still an issue. Albeit abated somewhat, but nonetheless, our daughter has been taking things without permission.

It’s a complex issue for us, as her parents, to deal with, because... more

If you are a member of the church of Christ, and are in the process of adopting, read on for a potential source of funding: Sacred Selections.

The brainchild of Florida College alumni David and Dana Carozza, Sacred Selections was founded after feeling the need to “do more.” The Carozzas had previously disseminated information about adoption through their previous businesses. They estimate approximately 800 adoptions resulted from that small action.

They... more

Do your teenagers have a Christian radio station that they will actually listen to even when they are alone? Would they turn it on and listen to it if you didn’t make them. Would they switch to a different station if you left to go shopping? I guess if a radio station wanted to get teenagers to listen to their station they would probably have to play popular rock and rap songs, wouldn’t they. They might also need to offer concerts, contests, and prizes that would appeal to teenagers. I hadn’t thought about it much until last week when our Christian radio station... more

Over the weekend, as part of my (mumble)-eth birthday, I got a lap harp (think mini hammered dulcimer - sort of!). I also got lots of “fou-fous” (pampering stuff that smells nice). One of which included some lavender “pillow mist” (something you spray on your pillow as part of aromatherapy, that helps to calm the senses, depending upon the scent).

Quite unexpectedly, these gifts have turned into gifts for the whole family. As I’ve mentioned before, my son has had difficulty... more

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13, NASB).

I will not repeat the lyrics of the song my daughter composed for my birthday, as my age features in it prominently (though I think that’s very funny!), but today is my (mumble)-eth birthday. Last night, my kids took me to a store where you can create your own stuffed animal. The animal I chose had a portion of his purchase price as a donation to several charitable organizations dealing with special health needs. Therefore, I made Humphrey a bear with multiple special... more

Did you grow up hearing the Golden Rule? The verse that is frequently referred to as the Golden Rule is found in Luke chapter 6, verse 31 and it says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (NIV) I think that most children, even those who are not part of a church family have heard this rule. One of the purposes of learning Bible verses is so they can come into your mind when you need them. Believe me, after helping many children memorize verses to recite on AWANA club nights, I have learned many. Obviously, the children recognize these verses when I recite them as well.... more

The movie “Get Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed” will be opening on April 18, 2008 at theatres. Should you take your adopted children to see the movie? It is receiving a lot of publicity in Christian circles. Christians everywhere are being asked to go out and support the opening weekend of the movie by watching it themselves and taking friends. The official website even has several contests to encourage people to take friends to see the movie. We signed up for a contest that sends... more