As an avid reader and lover of books I can testify to the fact that there are many benefits to reading. Not only does reading expand the brain’s capacity to think creatively and use language, but it also opens up a world of adventures and imagination.

After I finish a good book, I invariably want to discuss it, and when I find someone who also loved it, I discover new details about the book through our conversation. I have spent so much time discussing books with my friends that we might as well start a formal book club. For this reason I have put a lot of thought into book clubs and choosing book club themes.

Most parents will experience a distinct moment when they ask the question, “When, where, and how should I start setting a good example for my child?” As Christian parents we know that God has given us children to teach and direct in the way of Him. It is a great responsibility! How do we know where to start?

Here a short guide to when, where and how to set a good example for your child:

I love Jesus. There is no doubt in my mind. I also love people, and I know that Jesus calls us to share His love with others every day. Even so, sometimes I get distracted. From paying bills to watching sports, grocery shopping to reading a good book, there are a thousand things to compete for my attention.

Then I come across a story that reignites that passion to see people come to know my God and His great love, stories of people with great passion and deep faith. God has used the these stories of missionaries from around the world to remind me of His calling to share His word and His love. As you read these stories, may your faith be renewed and your fire relit, as mine have been.

It was yet another sleepless night for me. Tossing, turning, mind-racing, heart-pounding nights were becoming the norm. My anxiety was most prevalent at night. This caused a season marked by stress and tiredness.

Though it no longer looks that troublesome, anxiety is an ongoing battle for me. And the more people I meet and speak with, the more I am convinced that I am not alone. From weathered adults with incredibly painful circumstances to children struggling with completing homework, anxiety is a form of suffering common to many, in varying degrees.

As an English teacher, I encounter idioms constantly.  As a student of languages, I find them constantly fascinating. As a Christian who seeks wisdom from scripture, I found biblical idioms reflected in God’s Word.

An idiom is a phrase that has a different meaning than the one suggested by the words that make up the phrase.  There is no logical reason that we say “It’s raining cats and dogs” or tell children “Don’t cry over spilt milk,” but we do.  What’s more, we understand each other.  Finding the correct meaning in these phrases is “a piece of cake.”

Have you ever felt lonely? I sure have. There are so many lonely people who could use some kind words on coping with loneliness.

For my daughter, it started in preschool and it got worse in Kindergarten. Kids are so nervous to go to school, because they are afraid of being alone. My daughter told me one day, “Although school goes great I am still very lonely. I have no friends.” It almost broke my heart.

During this difficult time of moral decline in our society, it is crucial to maintain not only a strong personal relationship with God, but also maintain a godly family, which is united to serve Jesus Christ.

One powerful way to develop your family unity with one another and with God is by reading the Bible together and having close fellowship as a family. I would like to suggest 10 Bible passages to read outloud with your family that I believe to be inspiring, encouraging, and thought-provoking.

Eating. It should be one of the most normal and natural things we do - just another part of our everyday life, right?

For many people today, it is more complicated than that.  The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) states that in the United States alone, 20 million women suffer or will suffer from an eating disorder at some time in their life, with the majority of cases found in girls between the ages of 13 to 18. It is integral that Christian parents know how to talk to their daughters about eating disorders.  

Over the last century, the doctrine of Inspiration (i.e. inspiration of Scripture) has become a centerpiece of discussion and interest, which in effect has raised many questions. For example, how can one know that the Bible is in fact inspired? If men wrote the Bible, how can it be of divine origins? How much of Scripture is actually inspired? Etc.

The heavy wooden door groaned as I pushed past with a silver cart laden with towels, hot water, and materials to build a splint. Closed blinds shed a dim light on a young boy lying restlessly on the hospital bed. His mother rose to meet me; her eyes too tired from caring for a sick child to return my smile as I entered the room.  She had been by his side almost every moment for the last 72 hours so that her son would have a friendly face whenever he was awake during the day...

Common Core standards have been adopted by the many states and the District of Columbia. In light of their widespread adoption and implementation, you might expect general agreement on what they are, their benefits, and their acceptance. Unfortunately, the debates surrounding the Common Core standards often serve to confuse those they affect most deeply: you and your students.

Here are some basic facts about the Common Core Standards in the high school years to help you gain a better understanding of the system your school is using, and the possible alternatives.

Summer is a great time to take advantage of fun, outdoor science activities! Whether you enjoy hiking with your child or cooking in the kitchen, there are many ways to engage your child in fun summer science projects.

A fun aspect about summer is being able to conduct scientific experiments outdoors in God’s creation. Some of these experiments are a little messy, but they clean up readily on a surface that can be hosed off.

Check out these 5 fun summer science projects for kids that is sure to keep them learning this summer!

The importance of writing a thank-you note cannot be overemphasized. As parents, you have a great responsibility for getting your child in the habit of writing thank-you notes. Yet, very few children will actually want to write a thank-you note. It is an innate response that after a child receives a fun birthday gift, he or she would much rather play with it instead of sitting at the table and trying to come up with something to write down.

But it is so important!!!

Writing thank-you notes shows that your child has good manners. It also displays that they are respectful of the other person and grateful, which are great quality characteristics in a human being. Learning proper thank-you note writing techniques will serve your child very well in their future. Personally, I am so happy that my mother took the time to make me write thank-you notes (which was quite the struggle). It has served me very well as I have had many events where I found it necessary to write a thank-you note.

I fought a lot with my brother when I was growing up, and I am pretty sure he started to get his white hair during my teenage years. I was rebellious from my first day of life.

Ephesians 4:32 reminds us, “ And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Now as a parent I have been searching for guidance on how I can raise children that get along with others.

Bringing the family together for a fun movie night can be just what they need after a full day in the sun. However, before you start getting out the popcorn maker, you need to decide on a good movie for your family. We’re here to help. 

With the summer months upon us we have entered the “summer slide” where students began to forget what they’ve worked so hard to learn the past nine months. That old saying “use it or lose it” can be really true. Those times tables are not like riding a bike; if you don’t keep up with them, you will forget. However, continuing to learn over the summer doesn’t have to be a drag!

Check out these 7 fun ways to keep learning during the summer:

As a child, my father always made sure that I was fully aware of how money worked.  I came from a family that did not have a lot of money, so we mostly just purchased the essentials. However, growing up this way was a great opportunity to understand that children of all ages can learn financial practices. Learning how to budget and to think about long-term financial goals are very valuable lessons your children will carry over into adulthood.

Have you ever felt a bit startled when someone asked you, “How are you planning to spend Father’s Day?” This holiday, which has been celebrated in the U.S. since 1910, aims to focus on a very important male figure that is often taken for granted.

I remember a particular Father’s Day church service where the fathers were given a mini-screwdriver as a reminder of who they really were—troubleshooters! While many fathers do assume this role, they are so much more than troubleshooters. Taking time to honor our fathers really does take genuine effort and thoughtfulness on the part of every family member.

A parent’s heart breaks a little bit when their child slumps home from being with their friends, throws their backpack on the floor and declares how “dumb” they are. From the parent’s perspective, the child is wonderful and it is strange that they would doubt that. From the child’s perspective, they are feeling like they can’t compare to their friends or siblings, and so they must be permanently flawed.

School has ended, and summer has arrived! During this time, there is no better way to stay academically “in shape” than by reading books. Children can continue their academic practice, and families can spend quality time with each other by making their very own summer reading list.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started: