A favorite phrase of this ministry's is "Begin with the end in mind." It's far easier to make parental decisions if you know where you desire to end up! This is especially true in the realm of technology. How you want your child to utilize smartphones, tablets, and video games when they are 18 should guide the decisions you make when they ...
How to Overcome Loneliness in Motherhood, Part 2
When Heidi and I hit record on this podcast we thought we'd address a listener's question about experiencing loneliness in motherhood. Because as we started processing our own experiences, we discovered that loneliness isn't something that only happens during one season of motherhood. In fact, feeling alone occurs throughout our lives. Part 1 of ...
How to Stay Happy and Holy in the Christmas Crazy
As parents and teachers of little kids, the Christmas season can feel particularly overwhelming. We want to foster a holiday season that keeps Jesus the focus, but we also want to have fun and create lasting traditions. Can we find a balance somewhere in there? Heidi and I recorded a Parenting to Impress Podcast episode dedicated to helping you ...
How to Overcome Loneliness in Motherhood, Part 1
Can you relate to this momma's honest question? Melanie and Heidi, have y'all ever struggled with loneliness, especially when you had young kids. I have a 6-year-old, 2.5-year-old twins and a 7-month-old and I feel stuck at home. I want to connect with other adults but am not finding ways to do it where it is lifegiving and not an added drain. ...
How to Build a Heart of Thanksgiving in Your Child {Giveaway}
Tis the season for the topic of gratitude! You'll hear it from the pulpit, the radio and even your favorite podcasters. As Christians we know being grateful is more than just a certain month set aside to be thankful. But do we really know how to live that way? Let's consider what it means to live gratefully and pick up some tips for how build a ...
Characteristics of a God-Centered Family Part 3
Wow! This Parenting to Impress Podcast series with youth pastor, Scott Jones, and the corresponding blogposts have just been so encouraging to me! I hope you've been able to join the conversation and have been prompted to think about the attributes of a God-focused family. My husband and I have been processing through these ideas, prayerfully ...
Characteristics of a God-Centered Family, Part 1
We live in an instant-pot, microwave, Instagram society. Everything happens at breakneck speed. According to social media, if our calendars aren't jam packed with activities, we are failing our kids. I mean, what kind of bad mom would let her kid be bored??? But is this best for our children? Will it reap the God-centered families that we ...
How to Raise Children Who Serve
What are the skills you want your kids to have when leaving your home? Change a tire. Be financially astute. Do laundry. The list goes on. But what about a servant attitude? Is that a goal? Part 1 of the Should Children Have Chores? podcast got us started. Now let's dig deeper into the subject of raising children who desire to serve ...
Should Self-Help Books Be Used in Your Quiet Time?
Browse the "Religion" section of a bookstore, in person or online, and you're sure to get quickly overwhelmed! At first glance many books seem like they could be helpful in your quiet time. But on closer inspection, you'll find the majority are little more than self-help books. Are self-help books a good guide for your quiet time? How do you ...
How to Choose a Church
With often so many choices, it can be overwhelming when choosing a church for your family. If only there was a formula to use! Unfortunately there isn't, but Heidi and I have created a list of questions to help you get started. What Does the Church Believe? Perhaps the most important step you take in choosing a new church is to check ...