In a world that often seeks the extraordinary, there’s a peculiar charm in embracing the mundane aspects of our lives. Take, for instance, my penchant for America’s Test Kitchen. While some might consider this a rather dull facet of my personality, I find a unique joy in watching episodes of this cooking show, even those that are fifteen years old. This seemingly mundane interest made me consider what makes us happy and why. It wasn’t episodes of America’s Test Kitchen after all. Instead, it was considering the “test kitchen” of our hearts … and how to master the most important part of our liv ..read more

Today we’re talking about how to stop your child’s angry cycle. Once a child is angry, it’s easy for him to stay in a cycle of thoughts, emotions, and physical responses that feed his rage. Here’s what the angry cycle looks like and to stop the spiral.   How to Stop Your Child’s Angry Cycle The flash of anger in my tween daughter’s eyes surprised me. We’d been camping, and my 6-year-old had just burned her finger on hot ash. As I treat the wound, my older daughter strode toward us. “I hurt myself, too,” she said, with attitude. “Last night when we were making s’mores.” “Hold on,” I said ..read more

One night after dinner, I overheard my children debating whether Noah’s Ark could float with all those animals. Their curiosity and arguments made me chuckle. This interaction reminded me that faith can spark wonderful conversations and connect us meaningfully. Integrating faith into daily life can seem daunting for families looking to deepen their spiritual roots. Yet, it’s about creating moments for faith to grow, setting an example, and making faith a living part of everyday life. Here are eight practical tips to weave faith into your family life! 1. Set Aside Time for Family Devotions Cre ..read more

  This summer as your kids are searching for something to beat the boredom, it’s a great opportunity to teach your kids how to love their grandparents. Did you know? 10% of American children live with one or more grandparents. 1. Send them a letter. Even if they live nearby and even though it may cost mere cents, it’s still a grand gesture to send some snail mail. Toddlers can draw pictures (& moms can translate the picture if necessary.) Thanking them for their love and respecting their stories is always a beautiful thing to give elders. 2. Ask them questions. Asking anyon ..read more

In the journey of faith, “pressing forward” is a powerful call to action. It’s about moving towards the future with intention, guided by the divine purpose God has laid out for each of us. This call to action is beautifully encapsulated in Philippians 3:13, where the Apostle Paul talks about forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead. But what does it truly mean to press forward in our lives, especially when faced with the challenges and distractions of the modern world?       Finding Balance and Joy through God’s Guidance Recently, I had the opportunity ..read more

By Tricia Goyer   Once, I sat in a sunlit corner of a quiet café across from a friend who confessed, “I want to read the Bible, but I just don’t understand where to start or what it’s saying.” Do you feel the same? Many feel intimidated when approaching the Bible. If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. The Bible is a mix of history, poetry, and profound truths, making it sometimes hard for newcomers to understand. Here’s how you can confidently (and clearly!) begin to read and understand the Bible. 1. Choose the Right Translation The Bible has been translated into many versions ..read more

When we started adopting children, we went from one to seven within a span of five years. Embarking on the homeschooling journey with seven children presented a unique set of challenges and joys. In our home, the dining room became more than just a place for meals; it became the heart of our learning experiences. We embraced the beauty of a flexible and dynamic learning environment without a conventional classroom setup. What I share below isn’t just about the strategies and curriculums that facilitated our educational journey. It’s also about the love, patience, and unity that grew within ou ..read more

Finding Peace and Happiness through Confession In the complexity of human emotions, guilt and shame stand out as particularly challenging threads. These feelings are not strangers to many of us; indeed, they have woven their way through my life, creating a backdrop of darkness and despair. Perhaps you, too, have been haunted by these shadows, whether in your past or in your present moments. It’s a common realization that merely attempting to ignore such profound emotions does little to alleviate their burden.   Emotions serve as indicators, signaling the stirrings within our hearts. We o ..read more

Writer’s Desk with Sharon Hinck Award-winning author Sharon Hinck writes “Stories for the Hero in All of Us,” about ordinary people on extraordinary faith journeys. She has been honored with four Carol awards, and four Christy Awards for her novels and has written for a variety of devotion books. She has experience as a church youth worker, a choreographer and ballet teacher, a church organist, and an adjunct professor for Creative Writing MFA students. One day she’ll figure out what to be when she grows up, but meanwhile, she’s pouring her imagination into writing. When she isn’t wrestling w ..read more

Throughout life’s winding roads and unexpected storms, I’ve discovered a beacon of light that has guided me through the darkest nights and highest peaks: my faith. This unwavering belief has been my sanctuary, source of strength, and testament to the transformative power of a deep-rooted relationship with God. Here, I share the essence of how faith has been a pivotal force in overcoming life’s myriad challenges.   Finding Peace Amongst the Pain After releasing one of my early novels—a time of professional triumph—I was simultaneously navigating through a valley of deep personal loss. It ..read more