by Arlene | Jul 11, 2016 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Does your child have a youth pastor? Now that my oldest is going into 7th grade, youth group is around the corner. I have such fond memories of my youth pastors growing up. The year was 1983. I was a junior higher who was revved up to serve Jesus. Just a few years...
by Arlene | Jul 4, 2016 | Parenting, The Latest ...
I am very happy to have a patriotic 11-year-old who loves America! I asked my son Ethan to write an essay about the reasons why America is special. I offered him $5 for the writing assignment (our kids don’t get an allowance or money for chores; I like to offer...
by Arlene | Jun 27, 2016 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Today’s post comes from my 6-year-old daughter Lucy. Many of you know her from the big hair photo I’ve shown when she was a baby! She’s older now and her hair doesn’t stick up anymore, but she’s still got that sweet smile and...
by Arlene | Jun 20, 2016 | Giveaways, Parenting, The Latest ...
***This giveaway is closed. Congratulations to Tina H! *** My friend Jerusha Clark has written a new book with her husband Jeramy that will help you understand your teen and parent smarter. Does that sound too good to be true? I asked Jerusha to answer the...
by Arlene | Jun 19, 2016 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Although Father’s Day has come and gone, I wanted to include a little tribute to my husband James. In the same way we like to celebrate our birthday all month long (any excuse to eat cake is a good one), why not continue the celebration of dads? Step into the...
by Arlene | Jun 16, 2016 | Parenting, Podcast, The Latest ...
Download the podcast on iTunes or listen here: [iframe style=”border:none” src=”http://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4442902/height/100/width/480/thumbnail/yes/render-playlist/no/theme/legacy” height=”100″...
by Arlene | Jun 13, 2016 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Summer is a wonderful time to experience a change from your normal pace – even if it just means a weekend vacation away from work. What’s in your bag to read this summer? Here’s a great summer reading list from iBelieve.com. They included my book...
by Arlene | Jun 6, 2016 | Parenting, The Latest ...
It’s a word that can make the strongest parent quake in their boots….discipline. Whether you have a strong willed or compliant child, you will need to have a strategy for disciplining kids. Yes, a strategy. Don’t just discipline by your feelings...
by Arlene | May 16, 2016 | Parenting, The Latest ...
It’s been a little over a week since you were honored for Mother’s Day. If you need a little pick me up, you can watch this message I shared on Mother’s Day at my home church, Bonita Valley Community Church in Bonita, CA. It’s titled The...
by Arlene | May 6, 2016 | Parenting, The Latest ...
What an honor to be a guest on Focus on the Family radio today. If you missed it during your drive time, you can listen here online. Focus president Jim Daly and co-host John Fuller and I always have a good time in studio. They are both hilarious, kind, radio hosts...
by Arlene | Apr 25, 2016 | Parenting, The Latest ...
I came across this video recently – a treasure from the past! Please don’t ask why I shot it in the bathroom, but here is my Noelle from 6 years ago. She will demonstrate how your toddler can turn on and off the toddler tantrums, whining, and fussing....
by Arlene | Apr 5, 2016 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Have you experienced the transforming power of a book in your life? Of all the books in the world, the Bible has been the most transformative book in my life. The Bible has living, breathing power. And I want my children to know that power for living. That’s...
by Arlene | Feb 16, 2016 | Books I Like, Parenting, The Latest ...
What triggers your anger? A sassy child? When your hubby sits on the couch while you work in the kitchen? Telling your child for the tenth time to put the tablet away? I tend to get angry when timelines get tight. Fridays can be a bear. After school, we run a...
by Arlene | Dec 31, 2015 | Parenting, The Latest ...
When my husband James was a high schooler in the 80s, he was known to bring the “Word of the Day.” As a passionate Christian, he wanted to share Bible verses with his classmates. He would share the “Word of the Day” from the Bible verbally or...
by Arlene | Dec 24, 2015 | Parenting, The Latest ...
This week of Christmas, may you remember all that God has done for you. Hope has come in a manger. You are no longer alone or alienated from God. He is able to set you free, give you peace, heal your hurts, and fill your home with joy. May you and yours have a...
by Arlene | Dec 21, 2015 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Lucy’s here to say, “Four more days! Hooray!” (and also maybe “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!”)
by Arlene | Dec 14, 2015 | Parenting, Podcast, The Latest ...
Download the podcast on iTunes or listen here: [iframe style=”border:none” src=”http://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4016611/height/100/width/480/thumbnail/yes/theme/legacy” height=”100″ width=”480″...
by Arlene | Dec 11, 2015 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Here are 5 Christmas ideas to consider for your family. You’ll notice these activities are free or almost free. Sometimes just giving a twist to a normal activity makes all the difference in pointing your family towards the real meaning of Christmas. 1. Take a...
by Arlene | Dec 1, 2015 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Twenty-four days until Christmas. When you were a child, these words brought you great excitement! As an adult, they cause you to PANIC. So many presents to buy! The house must be decorated! The lines at the store are so long! We’re sick and we have to...
by Arlene | Nov 18, 2015 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Have you seen this GIANT teddy bear at Costco? I get such a kick out of seeing it while I’m shopping. Only in America could there be such a GREAT, BIG TOY in a warehouse! Who has space to bring Teddy home? I guess there’s a shopper with a Mack Truck out...
by Arlene | Oct 21, 2015 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Inspired by Jim Daly (Focus on the Family) who asked my kids, “Is your mom really a happy mom?” I decided to turn the camera on them to find out. As I write about in Day 22 of 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom, “thick skin required” when it comes...
by Arlene | Oct 13, 2015 | Parenting, Podcast, The Latest ...
Download the podcast on iTunes or listen here: [iframe style=”border:none” src=”http://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/3860341/height/100/width/480/thumbnail/yes/theme/legacy” height=”100″ width=”480″...
by Arlene | Sep 30, 2015 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Moms…it’s time to unleash your courage! Is there something you’ve wanted to try but you just haven’t quite mustered up the courage? This month, my kids were in a fantastic play at church called Agape League. They have been practicing since...
by Arlene | Sep 22, 2015 | Parenting, The Latest ...
Feeling stressed? Are you running around, getting one child to soccer, another to piano, and the last one to gymnastics? Having a full schedule seems like a badge of honor for parents. And although activities can certainly be wonderful for a family, too many of them...
