TOP TEN REASONS I LOVE PARENTLIFE MAGAZINE

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After sitting in three different waiting rooms yesterday (how everyone's appointments landed on the same day is another post LOL) and sifting through the plethora of periodicals available to women everywhere, I easily came up with the top ten reasons I love ParentLife magazine.

10. The editors. William Summey (father of two) and Jodi Skulley (mom of one) tackle parenting issues from a parent's perspective! Imagine that! :) Each article is planned with the specific focus of helping YOU raise your children from a biblical standard--which is just what they each want for their own families!

9. It's all-inclusive. ParentLife has articles for moms, dads, and also, single parents.

8. Challenging issues. ParentLife has never been afraid to take on the challenging issues that most parents face at some time or other, like educational choice, financial hardship, and struggling marriages.

7. Expert advice. Each issue carries 10 pages of age-appropriate advice--just when you need it! From breast-feeding to toddler tantrums to tween angst, ParentLife has got you covered.

6. The Cool Factor. I knew there was something for everybody when my April 2010 issue arrived. Skillet (one of my kids' favorite Christian bands) was on the cover! After years of writing for ParentLife, my kids finally read the magazine, LOL. (Too bad I didn't write that article!)

5. Much-needed encouragement. I love reading ParentLife and knowing that I am not the only person who cares about Christian parenting. Sometimes it feels that way, but there are a lot of us out there! :)

4. Evangelism. In every issue, you'll find that there is an invitation to salvation in Jesus Christ. You can use ParentLife as a witnessing tool when you pass it on to lost or seeking friends and allow it to open up a dialogue about spiritual things.

3. Balance. I'm concerned about my children's spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. ParentLife is too.

2. Blog. ParentLife's blog is a great extension of the magazine. Right now you can watch an interview with author Mary Beth Chapman (Steven Curtis Chapman's wife...once again, we have reason #6).

1. Heart. ParentLife authentically seeks to equip and encourage Christian parents on their journey of raising children from newborn to twelve years of age.
Since my giveaway started yesterday, I've been surprised to hear from lots of folks who have never heard of ParentLife! Well, go right now to enter my giveaway! Maybe you'll be the winner of a year-long subscription! Click HERE to enter!



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Interview with Author Angie Smith

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Many of you are already well-acquainted with Angie Smith and her blog, Bring the Rain. I was blessed to meet Angie through a feature I wrote for ParentLife magazine's December issue (now available!). Angie is a homeschooling mom, a gifted writer/blogger, and a follower of Christ. She and her husband Todd (of the CCM group Selah) followed Christ through the difficult pregnancy and death of their daughter, Audrey Caroline, just a few years ago. Through this tragedy, Angie became one acquainted with Christ's sufferings, and she speaks with the hope, compassion, and wisdom that comes after such a trial in her new book, I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy. I so enjoyed my interview with Angie! There wasn't room in the article for everything we talked about, so I saved this portion of the interview exclusively for my Mom Seriously readers. Angie is a gal who will provoke your desire for a deeper walk with the Lord.


MS: You know, Angie, in your book you write about how much the suffering you have experienced has caused you to grow into a deeper and richer walk with Christ. I think most Christians understand that suffering has huge benefits in the long run, but most of us don't ever think about asking God for suffering. We don't ask God to make life more difficult in order to become stronger in our faith. That is really the opposite of what we ask from God.

Angie Smith

Angie: It is a profound thing to invite suffering. I do believe God wants us to be in line with His will. When there are times of suffering that come into our lives, we recognize that it is time to give Him glory. That's when we say to God, I’m willing to be your servant. If this suffering is what it takes to make the soil rich, then bring the rain.

MS: Do you see a movement in and among today's generation of Christians who are willing to take more risks when it comes to life as a follower of Christ?

Angie: I do feel that, in general, there is a movement in my generation and younger who are stepping out in faith, who don’t necessarily fit into the perfect, happy life. This is a community of believers who are rising up to say that, if you’re going to God to be your aspirin, then you’re missing the entire point of Christianity. For instance, I recently met a girl named Katie who ministers in Africa. She's adopted 18 children. She's only 21! Hers is not a "religion" that is a pretty, sitting-in-church-with hymnals, present-out-of-duty kind of thing. If you’re a follower of Christ, you’re in good company if you’re choosing to put yourself in a situation that isn’t pretty, or safe, or easy.

MS: You have four daughters here on earth, three of whom experienced your baby Audrey Caroline's brief life with you. Your book shares the many ways that you and Todd helped your girls connect with and know their baby sister. Time will tell the many ways Audrey's life will affect them, but how do you think going through the rain has affected the way you parent and pray for them?

Angie: I really hope that God will fill the gaps that I know that I am leaving in my parenting. I feel like I know my daughters' hearts, and they have such beautiful, innocent love for the Lord. My prayer for them is that they will continue to grow into women who will ask for rain and be at peace with whatever God has for them. To stand up for whatever He calls them to, even if it isn’t popular.


You can read more about Angie, her story, and how she and her family grew when God brought the rain in the December issue of ParentLife magazine! I'm also excited to announce that you'll be hearing a lot more from Angie when she takes over the Mom's Life column in ParentLife beginning in March 2011! You can't imagine how thrilled I am that my 8+ years as a columnist for ParentLife are sandwiched between Beth Moore and Angie Smith!

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Backing Off This Black Friday: An Interview with Author Karen Ehman

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Author Karen Ehman

 Karen Ehman is an organizing guru and the author of several super-helpful books for those who are organizationally-challenged (like me!). I talked to Karen recently about the challenges of staying organized at Christmas, particularly when it comes to dealing with all our kids' STUFF--and this time of year, all the incoming STUFF! But it doesn't have to be that way! Read on for a different approach (actually, an ancient approach) to gift-giving.

MS: Karen, how about some encouragement for moms on this Black Friday? As we enter into the holiday shopping season, I think it's a great time to caution moms against getting too caught up in the hoopla, and sometimes even a spirit of competition, when it comes to Christmas celebrations and glitzy gift-giving. How can we stay focused on Christ and keep the commercial and secular aspects of Christmas from stealing the spotlight?

KAREN: While my husband and I have made many mistakes and missteps in the rearing of our brood resulting in some "I wish we could go back and do that all over again" feelings, there is one decision we have never regretted. That is our decision as brand new parents to simplify the Christmas gift-giving and NOT spoil and splurge and give into our kids' every whim (and going into debt in the process).
Every year since our daughter Kenz was born (over 19 years ago), our kids have received these at Christmas:

• One thing to open on Christmas Eve --usually pj's, slippers, a stuffed animal to sleep with---something they can use right then as they try to fall asleep with all the excitement.
• In the morning, a stocking full of treasures and treats.
• And then, they open their three gifts from us.

MS: Did you say only three gifts?

KAREN: Yep...I said three. That is all baby Jesus received--remember gold, frankincense, and myrrh? When my kids were younger, the categories were:

• one toy to play with
• one book to read
• one item to wear

MS: How has this evolved as your kids have gotten older? The one toy to play with gets more expensive as they move into their teens!

KAREN: You're right! Over the years, we heard about others doing this idea, often with a twist. So we morphed this tradition into a gold gift, a frankincense present, and a myrrh package. Here is the concept:

GOLD-- this, like gold, is a highly desired item; precious; maybe even pricey (thus my annual shenanigans on Black Friday--trying to secure the best deal).
FRANKINCENSE--Because the real frankincense was burned during prayer and arose heavenward, the gift in this category is something that will draw them closer to God. Perhaps a new Bible, a book series, a CD or tickets to an event or concert.
MYRRH--Myrrh is a burial spice used to cover the whole body. So the myrrh gift does the same thing. It goes on the body. In past years this has been rain boots and a new coat for Kenz, a hunting jumpsuit and camo boots for Mitch, or Spence's favorite Detroit Tigers player jersey.

By following this tradition, we have opted out of the "keeping up with the Joneses" contest that often takes place each year. Our kids don’t beg for tons of items since they know there is a number limit on how many we will buy.

MS: Karen, thanks for these great ideas! Mom Seriously readers, you can learn more of Karen's great parenting and organization strategies in her books: The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized: *Manage Your Time *Eliminate Clutter and Experience Order *Keep Your Family First and
Homespun Memories for the Heart: More Than 200 Ideas to Make Unforgettable Moments. Be sure to visit Karen's blog and her FB page!

  

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For Wherever You Have Been, And Wherever He Is Taking You

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From time to time, my husband and I will surprise our children with an unexpected trip. We pack their bags behind closed doors. One of us instigates a diversion while the other sneaks the luggage into the back of the van. With Academy Award-winning nonchalance, we announce that we need to go somewhere. It’s usually not until we turn onto the Interstate that they begin to ask: “Hey, where are we going?”

Rich and I have surprised the kids with a visit to see their cousins who live in a neighboring state. One frosty winter weekend we drove a couple of hours away and stayed overnight in a hotel that had an indoor swimming pool. There are plenty of ways to surprise the kids closer to home, as well. Once the children thought they were going to the grocery store, and instead, we went to get fast food and see a movie. The element of surprise makes everything more fun!

On a recent outing, my nine-year-old realized we were navigating roads that he’d never before seen.

“Where are we going?” he asked.

“You’ll see,” his dad smiled.

My son settled back happily into his seat and grinned. “Thanks, Dad,” he said, “for wherever you’re taking us.”

My children have come to the place where they realize that wherever Daddy is taking them, it will be a good thing. It doesn’t have to be revealed to them during the journey. They’ll understand the details once we arrive at our destination. Because of our proven track record, they can rest in the assurance that their parents have taken care of everything: pajamas, toothbrushes, even swimsuits. After all, it’s no surprise to us that the hotel has an indoor swimming pool--we’re the ones who planned the trip!

Thanksgiving beckons us to spend an extended weekend dwelling in thankfulness, providing the perfect opportunity for reflection. As I ponder my Christian journey this year, I have to question my own spirit of gratitude. Certainly, I’m thankful for the multiple blessings that the Lord has mercifully heaped upon my family and me. But can I continue to offer praises of thanksgiving for everywhere my Father took me? Or do I just thank Him for the places I wanted to go?

Do I thank Him for health but withhold praise for a two-week bout with pneumonia? Do I raise my hands high in gratitude for writing opportunities but keep my arms tightly crossed when I consider the number of articles that were rejected? Do I praise Him for spiritual victories yet at the same time fail to mention my appreciation for the inner struggles that nearly devastated me? Do I childishly reserve my standing ovation for the trips by the drive-through window and yawn at the bounty bought with seed, time, and harvest?

As I look back over the past year, I see some definite surprises between the on ramp of 2003 and the exit up ahead. Billboards promised cheap eats and rest stops, but there have been many delays due to construction. When my grandmother died earlier this year, I thought it was one trip for which I was prepared. My family had been expecting Mammaw’s death for years, even praying for it, asking God to take her home as she languished in a nursing home. Rather than breezing along in the fast lane, I found myself in the middle of a congested thoroughfare on which grief and guilt collided and traffic came to a standstill. As I give thanks this year, can I go beyond thanking the Lord for a godly grandmother to thanking Him for the things about her death that I cannot understand? Can I thank Him for the profound heartache that I experienced? Can I thank Him for the things about our relationship that can never be changed?

In everything, give thanks. Thank God for the bumps in the road. Thank Him when the map is unreadable. Thank Him for car trouble. After all, doesn’t your Heavenly Father have a proven track record? Settle back in your seat, child of God, and thank Him for wherever you have been--and for wherever He’s taking you.*

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*This article by Rebecca Ingram Powell was originally published in the November 2003 issue of ParentLife magazine (LifeWay Christian Resources)

MTOD: Homeschool Edition #5

Think homeschoolers don’t qualify for higher education? Think again! Universities are eager to enroll homeschooled students because over the years they have proven themselves to be more than qualified to meet the rigors of a college workload. Check out the statistics HERE.

 

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My Pure In Heart Pictures

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Better late than never...here are a few of my pics from the Pure In Heart Conference in Tampa, FL!

That gorgeous castle is the backdrop for the keynote speakers in the main sessions. It is definitely "ooohh" and "awwwww" worthy! Who's that behind the keyboard? My favorite princess!

Several of our teen volunteers for the 11-12 year old group! They were great!

• You can see lots more photos on the Pure In Heart Facebook page!
• Read more about Pure In Heart Conference and watch a video when you go HERE.
• Pure In Heart Founder Susan Henson wants moms to understand the culture their daughters confront. Read that post HERE.

  

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Mom's Tip of the Day #125

The best place to begin instilling Christ’s commands to “love one another” and “put others above ourselves” is in the sibling relationship.

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MTOD: Homeschool Edition #4

Have a special box of toys for younger children that are to be enjoyed only during your older child/children’s school time. This must be the only time of day that those special toys come out. Period. Make sure that these items are some of their favorite playthings.

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Weekly Wrap-Up: Successfully Brainwashed!

New to Mom Seriously? Welcome! You'll find tons of great parenting articles, homeschooling encouragement, and every day, a Mom's Tip of the Day. Enjoy!

Are y'all as excited about Thanksgiving as I am? Whoo-hoo! We have not taken much of a break since we started school, so the boys and I are ready for a few days of rest. 

One thing we won't be taking a break from: The Light And The Glory: Did God have a plan for America? -- the classic by Peter Marshall and David Manuel. I am nearly ashamed as a veteran homeschooling mom to admit that I have never read it. Danya read it a few years ago when she was doing David Quine's Starting Points Curriculum, but I did not join her for that one. Now, Derek and I are reading it, and we LOVE it!

I picked up the Anne of Green Gables movie collection from the library and am planning to enjoy that over the break as well. Anyone an Anne Fan? I will not be putting up anything red or green (LOL) until FRIDAY--the day after Thanksgiving! I know some of you are starting early, and one of my favorite people in the world has her shopping done (as in...COMPLETELY!) by the end of October--every year!-- but to me, it is just not Christmas without some hustle and bustle, you know?

John Davidson

When I was a little girl, my sister and I loved playing the Christmas records (yes, class, vinyl records!) that my mom ordered from Reader's Digest. We grew up listening to John Davidson, Steve and Eydie Gorme, and Doris Day singing the classic holiday songs. I remember how we would beg and plead to start listening early....and it was just absolutely out of the question! LOL!

My first Thanksgiving in my own home with Rich, I decided that I was liberated, and I pulled out my own Christmas music (I opted for Elvis' Blue Christmas) and started playing it the Monday of Thanksgiving week. While no thunder clapped nor did lightning strike me down, I felt sooooo guilty that I couldn't do it! I mean, I felt baaaaddd! So, my friends, indeed, I was successfully brainwashed, and I continue to enjoy Thanksgiving--and my fall decorations-- until the clock chimes (guilt-free, I might add) around 8 o'clock Friday morning. Then, Katy, bar the door! it is officially Christmastime! :)

Enjoy all the Weekly Wrap-Ups at WeirdUnsocializedHomeschoolers.com!


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Mom's Tip of the Day #144

Zero in on a Christ-honoring lifestyle by showing your middle schoolers how volunteerism, loyalty, servanthood, and other unnoticed, behind-the-scenes work glorifies God from a thankful heart. It is your personal example (and attitude) that will help them navigate the stormy seas of adolescence with purpose!

Today's tip is from Season of Change: Parenting Your Middle Schooler with Passion and Purpose --FREE SHIPPING!

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To Be An Instrument of His Peace

Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is discord, pardon.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is error, truth.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is sadness, joy.

Where there is darkness, light.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled, as to console.

To be understood, as to understand.

To be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving, that we receive.

It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned.

It is in dying, that we are born to eternal life.

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Mom's Tip of the Day #137

 

It will take time to really pray for your baby and for his future… Let this fact alone motivate you to pray: The enemy knows the power of prayer. Do you?

~From Baby Boot Camp

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The Emergency Room Reveals the Global Emergency of Lostness

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Many years ago, I was sitting in the emergency room holding my son David (then five years old). While playing with some friends, David had fallen and cut his face on a concrete wall. The bleeding was under control, but the cut would require stitches. On this particular day, there had been a major traffic collision nearby, so victims of the accident were being rushed in to the ER. Their needs were immediate as their lives hung in the balance. We had to wait several hours before we could see a doctor and get my little David stitched up.

The emergency room is a world of its own. It rotates on an axis that spins impartially between life and death. In the waiting area, I held David in my lap as the chairs around me filled up. The automatic doors opened continuously, admitting family and friends of the people involved in the traffic accident. Complete strangers had been brought together by disastrous circumstances. They now shared a common bond as tension, fear, and sorrow began to permeate the atmosphere. I sat in silent reverence of the tragedy as inwardly, I put David’s minor injury into perspective. I was not waiting for a verdict. I knew that David would be fine. The people around me, however, had no idea what lay ahead. With tears in their eyes and terror in their hearts, they hoped for the best.

Into this delicate environment swaggered a loud and arrogant drunk. He

Mom's Tip of the Day #114

Keep at least one drawer or cabinet shelf in your kitchen empty. You’ll be surprised at how good that empty space can make you feel.

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Pure In Heart is on Facebook!

What a great weekend!

We had such a blast at the Pure In Heart Conference Saturday! It is so hard to describe everything that goes on and just the atmosphere at the conference--it is so unlike anything else! One mom I met kept saying, "I just didn't know, I didn't know--I didn't know what this day would bring!" I think that she, like a lot of the moms there, really didn't expect to meet God the way she did at this event. Moms go for their girls. They go wanting their daughters to get a divine perspective on life, love, and the LORD. And what they don't expect is how God has plans for them to meet Him in new ways. They are surprised by His love and concern for them--for the moms. They are freshly taken aback by His nearness, His tenderness, His "I'm-still-right-here-ness." Isn't He so good like that? :)

Danya and I just loved our teen volunteers! At every conference, we have had the privilege of learning a few of their stories, and it never fails to move me. I'm thankful for all those teens who gave up their Saturday to be the extra hands and feet--and hearts--that we need for our PIH girls.

Want to see people's comments and pics of last weekend's Pure In Heart Conference? Check out the FB page HERE.


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Mom's Tip of the Day #123

A true commitment to courtesy comes with a lifestyle of practicing good manners. It has to begin in your own home.

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MTOD: Homeschool Edition #3

If you and your husband are not in agreement about the decision to homeschool, then don’t do it. Jesus said, “A house divided will not stand.” A mom who is not supported by her husband when it comes to this particular endeavor will not make it.

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Follow Along!

Want to know what's going on at the Pure In Heart Conference this weekend? Please follow me on Twitter or my author page on Facebook! I will be posting what's going on as well as prayer requests as we go! I'm going to try to balance the updates between what is really necessary/entertaining/enlightening and what is just obsessive. :) Thanks for your prayers, everyone! May the Lord move in a great and mighty way!


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Mom's Tip of the Day #113

Children can learn to pick up their toys, unload the dishwasher, and make their beds. It takes time to teach them, but it is worth it.

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Hoping You Get Caught!

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One of the best things about the Pure In Heart Conference is that I get to serve alongside my daughter Danya. We make a pretty good team! A few years ago, Danya served as a contributing author for the Bible study I wrote on the book of Ruth: Get Real! Embrace the Reality of Ruth.   Today I'm sharing an excerpt she wrote for Get Real!  (This was written when she was 15 years old.)

Caught

Have you ever broken something made of glass? Glass is strong, but once something hits it, it shatters into a million pieces. I dropped a glass cup once while unloading the dishwasher, and it broke into several pieces. Now, imagine a glass jar sitting on top of a refrigerator, filled to the brim with