In my parenting classes, one of the things that I often teach parents is the difference between "acceptance" and "approval". Parents sometimes equate acceptance with approval as they come across differences or unwanted behavior in their children. As I was reading Psalms 1 this morning. I was reminded of how important it is to process the distinction between acceptance and approval in all aspects of life, not only in parenting. The author of Messy Grace, Caleb Kaltenbach says it so ... continue reading...

Are you wondering what you're going to do with your kiddos all summer? Do you feel overwhelmed with all that you have to do and want to do? Well, I have this one summer survival hack that will not only help you this summer but all year round. One of the best ways to keep stress low and joy high in your heart and home this summer is by creating structure and consistency through rhythms and routines. I know the word "structure" can sound scary but it doesn't have to be. Structure ... continue reading...

What God has taught me through snuggling. So first I have to confess that I'm not a big snuggler. I will snuggle with my kids and husband but I'm not the person who will come up next to you on the couch and want to snuggle. But as a mom snuggling is required. So I've come to love it. One of the things all 3 of my boys needed when they were babies and toddlers was morning snuggle time with us before they got going in their day. One child would be completely frazzled if he didn't get ... continue reading...

I realized after writing my bible study for women that many non-Latino and maybe even Hispanic people have never read or owned a Bible study or Christian book written by a Latin American. So I'm sharing with you a list of some Christian books written by Latin Americans so you can expand your already diversified home or church library to include the voices from people of color. 10+ Christian Books & Bible Studies Written by Hispanics The Truest Thing About You by David Lomas - ... continue reading...

Where there is connection there is influence. That statement is true in so many ways. I remember standing in the kitchen with one of my boys in a battle of wills. He refused to do what I asked him. Then it hit me--what am I going to do if he outright refuses to do what I ask him. We both took a break and then when I readdressed the issue at hand. I reminded him that we are on his side. We are not against him. What we are asking him to do is because we love him not because we get great ... continue reading...