Family.
There is so much wrapped up in this word, Family.
It’s the people we do everyday life with. The people that drive us crazy, the people we cannot possibly think about living without, the people we adore, and the people we need a real break from now and again. Family.
Guarding your heart has always meant to me to be something that I would do to protect myself from wrong thinking, from a selfish nature and from sin.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
You know guarding my heart from anything that would distract me and pull me away from my center, Jesus. And while that’s true I have begun to realize that there is another guarding of my heart that is maybe not so good.
Read MoreAre you concerned about the level of communication you have with your children? It’s frustrating when you can’t really seem to connect with each other - especially about the things that matter! Effective communication not only enables you to understand each other, but it also strengthens your bond and creates a future relationship that will last.
Read MoreFamily culture is a way of life, intentional and un-intentional - every home has a culture.
What is yours?
Healthy and life-giving?
Dysfunctional and exhausting?
I LOVE the scripture in Deut. 6: 5-9 that gives us such a wonderful hint into what our culture should look like at home. ..
Read MoreFamily meetings can be as formal or informal as you want. It is helpful to have a general format to follow, meaning that you know ahead of time what you will address. One thing Tim and I learned early on is that we MUST GIVE space for everyone to share and to make sure that we (as parents) did not just talk at them. This was a meeting for all of us to be heard.
Read MoreConsidering how much noise, mess, and time pressures kids create, you’d think they thrive on disorder. LOL! However, too much chaos can affect their physical and emotional development, so it is important to create a healthy atmosphere daily!
Read MoreIf you live in a blended household, you almost certainly recognize the dedication and stamina needed for a happy home. Although many families struggle through years of challenging communication, you can use specific strategies to help yours relate and function more peacefully.
Read MoreWhile I’ve learned that it is important to wait to be asked for MY advice, I am quick to ASK for it from my wise friends and family. Careful, of course to not weigh my decision too heavy on what those that give me advice will think if I don’t quite follow their advice. Your friends and family that are your wise advisors should ultimately be FOR YOU…they will listen and support not TELL YOU what to do.
Read MoreAlthough your children can learn to read and write at school, there are many beneficial life skills that schools rarely provide. Life skills are really up to us as parents. Here are just a few that all adults and children should have.
Read MoreSome simple tips to create good relationships with your kids and to live at peace in your home.
Read MoreThe everyday ordinary rhythm of family life packed with a little bit of intention and a whole lot of heart.
So now here we are, 21 years later. Kadin just turned 18 a few months ago and we are thinking it is time to open up our hearts, our living room, our kitchen table, our good times, our really hard times and every beautiful moment in between and share our approach, our best stab at leaving a legacy by raising warriors!!
Read MoreParenting is challenging and frustrating. It’s hard to know if you’re doing the right things and making wise choices that will benefit your children. It can sometimes feel like there’s no good answer for many of the parenting situations you find yourself in. In parenting, as in the rest of life, perfection isn’t a possibility. Do your best and shoot for excellence and intentionality instead!
Read MoreNaturally, as parents, we love our children and want them to be happy. However, once they become teenagers, things seem to change. Suddenly, the happy, carefree days of childhood turn into one moody day after another.
Read MoreAre you always wishing you had more time available to you? The truth is, you probably have plenty of time. You’re just not focused, and you’re not using your time wisely.
Read MoreAs parents we all hope that our kids will grow up to be happy, healthy responsible adults, don’t we?
Read MoreFamily conflicts often escalate during times of change. For example, when multiple generations are sheltering under one roof instead of going to work and school as usual.
Read MoreIn my e-book “No Longer A Victim – Surviving to Thriving” I help people find their way through victimhood to abundant life. There are many tools and mindset changes to help us be free. It is so helpful to see movies that inspire us to be greater, to overcome, to keep fighting.
Read MoreOne of the tools is to fill our minds with scripture, books, and films that can inspire and transform our thinking. Start seeking out inspiring stories and literature. Reading about how others persevered and rose above life’s challenges can add fuel to your fire and turn you into a survivor.
There is no one who is more aware of your past than you’re your Heavenly Father. No one wants you whole more than your Loving God. Most of our struggle with being a victim is in our mind and we need to replace negative thoughts and lies with truth. Obviously there is way more scripture that brings healing than this list, but it is a start.
Read MoreWe all have areas of our lives that we could play the victim. Many of us were a victim to others’ behaviors and actions or just life circumstances that impacted us greatly. We may be living with some of the aftermath of those people and events, but we do not have to be a victim for the rest of our lives because of them!
Read MoreThrive is built on faith & family values and it's mission is to move individuals and organizations from surviving to thriving with passion and purpose.
5840 Sterling Drive, Suite 140 | Howell, MI 48843
Tel: (248) 496-1812 | Thrive Linktree
PRAYER REQUESTS | LIVINGSTON COUNTY RESOURCES
