Last year I received a card, which was truly symbolic of this Christmas. Through a frosty window pane, the illustrator depicted a family sitting by a fire. The light flickered over tiny pajama-clad figures, with rosy, starry-eyed faces upturned, eagerly listening to their father as he told a Christmas story. As serene as the portrayal appeared, I...

Oh no! Christmas is almost here! Have you ever had a difficult time trying to decide what to buy for your family at Christmas? If you're like millions of other people, the answer is yes. What if the grandkids simply toss your gift aside and mumble a "thanks"? What if that happens to you this year? What if the cookbook you wrapped so nicely...

A few things have converged in my son Jack’s life over the past couple months. Back in the spring, he and I began reading Take Your Best Shot by then-nine-year-old author Austin Gutwein.  It is the story of a boy who decided he didn’t want to wait until he was all grown up to do something big for God. Jack decided he wanted to attend a Christian...

Not every girl gets to be Daddy's little girl. Many are missing the father-daughter relationship that is so essential for any child to have. The following excerpt is from H. Norman Wright's A Dad-Shaped Hole in My Heart. Dads, see for yourself and learn how to help heal that 'dad-shaped hole' in your daughter's heart. Daughters or even sons, consider...

I grew up as a pastor’s kid. I am also adopted. My birth mom was only a teenager when she had me.  She was in an abusive marriage with an alcoholic. In order to give me a better life, my birth mother and biological dad thought it in my best interest to be given to a family who could better care for me than they could.  I was adopted by a Pastor...

"Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?  Actually, who are you not to be?" - Marianne Williamson I am standing in a crush of three-year-old pint-sized princesses. Surrounded by sparkling tiaras and frilly dresses, these little daubs of pink and purple are up way past their collective bed time.  We giggle.  We dance.  We...

If your family is floundering financially, it may be time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and make up a family financial plan. Consumer Credit Counseling Service suggests keeping the following tips in mind when developing your family budget: 1. Your budget should be tailored to your needs, values and priorities, with special consideration...