A woman at church raised her hand when the congregation was asked for volunteers to help a family move into their new home. The job entailed moving heavy furniture and boxes up and down stairs and I wondered how a woman with her serious health conditions could volunteer for such a difficult, physical job. She’s an older, single woman... >Read More

Tags: charity, Culture, Family, help, homeless, Self, serve, volunteer, World

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In difficult economic times like these, it’s natural to search for ways to cut expenses and reduce the pressure on your family income. Among the many ways to lower expenses, the easiest may seem to stop making donations to your favorite charities. If we truly believe in what these organizations are doing, discontinuing our financial support means...... >Read More

Tags: budget, charity, communication, Culture, donate, Family, family values, finances, generous, healthy marriage, Money, newlywed, priorities, taxes, values, volunteer, World

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It would turn out to be another fateful day.  We were all together as a family with friends at a Mountain Lodge and I took a break from all the activity to relax and read in my room. That's where my daughter's boyfriend, Dan, found me and that began the fateful part of the day. He asked if we could... >Read More

Tags: adult children, better parenting, commitment, communication, Culture, Family, healthy marriage, marriage, priorities, values, World

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I have my meals planned this week. But rather than posting my plan (it's just pasta Monday, fish Tuesday, meatless on Wednesday, frozen leftovers on Thursday), I thought I'd post my rationale for eating together.  When I was out walking recently, my daughter Katie said to me, "You know what I like about our family, Mommy? We eat together. It's...... >Read More

Tags: attitude problems, better parenting, character develoment, Culture, dinner, eat together, Family, FamilyLife, FamilyLife Favs, menu planning, parenting essentials, plan ahead, quality time, Shelia Wray Gregoire, teenages, teens, values, World

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As we move through life, each new stage brings its share of joy and challenge. Just as April showers bring May flowers, it is often only after hard work, perseverance and planning that we see the benefit of our efforts. Planning for your financial future is no different.  Saving and planning can be incredibly beneficial when you are faced with...... >Read More

Tags: april showers, challenges & conflicts, communication, Culture, FaithLife Financial, finances, financial, healthy marriage, LIFE, Money, plan ahead, protecting your marriage, save, World

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Grieving is a unique experience. It’s a process that is as individual as the people it affects. Oh yes, there are predictable stages … but the experience of loosing someone  dear to you is truly a very personal journey. Recently I said goodbye to my dear Dad. It’s hard to believe it was only a couple of months ago. I’ve processed... >Read More

Tags: challenges & conflicts, Culture, death, faith, Family, family issues, Father, gail rodgers, grief, hardship & suffering, healthy marriage, LIFE, loss, parent, priorities, spirituality

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Do you welcome visitors into your home? Many issues hinder us from entertaining. You might think your house is too messy or too small. Perhaps you don't cook very well or couldn't compete with the birthday party that your neighbor threw for her daughter. Maybe you are just too busy. 1 Peter 4:9 says, “Offer hospitality to one another... >Read More

Tags: Culture, dinner, friends, gracious, guests, hospitality, humble, Self, welcome, World

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