November is often called the month of gratitude, but I’ll be honest—there have been years when I didn’t feel thankful at all. Whether it was health challenges, parenting struggles, marriage stress, or financial worries, the weight of life can make November feel more annoying than inspiring. Grumpiness can sneak in so easily. When we’re tired, ...
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Parenting Without Comparison
We all do it. Compare the things we own. Compare our marriages. Compare what we know. And yes… compare our children. As another school year begins, let’s pause and talk about how comparison affects us as parents — and what we can do about it. Here is Becky's story. When Comparison Creeps In “I need to teach Jack Bible stories!” I said to ...
A Meal Planning Trick Every Busy Mom Needs
Let’s be real: I have a love-hate relationship with Facebook. It’s full of distractions, but sometimes it delivers little gold nuggets. Several years ago, a friend of mine posted a meal-planning idea she created, and I immediately knew I had to try it. It’s simple, flexible, and—most importantly—it works. Let's go into the archives to 2016 and ...
The Story I Didn’t Choose
I want out. This isn't fun anymore. Discouragement is winning, and I see no light at the end of the tunnel. Have you ever felt this way? Maybe it’s in marriage. Maybe parenting feels like too much. Maybe a friendship fell apart, or your job leaves you drained and defeated. Life has a way of leaving us gasping for air and wondering if we’ll ...
When My Actions Speak Louder Than My Words
A few years ago, I walked through James: Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore. The study was both rich and convicting, shedding light on sins in my life that I had either ignored or hidden. While studying the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself,” Beth referenced Matthew 5:19:“Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and ...
Sleep Habits that Save Your Sanity {Transcript #71}
This transcript has been lightly updated for clarity. Heidi Franz Host 00:00When I think back on those early years of parenting, the word that comes to my mind is exhaustion. Melanie, can you relate to that? Melanie Simpson Co-Host 00:08Unfortunately, yes. There were some nights that went beautifully, so smoothly, and you got in bed at the ...
What’s a Christian to Do with the Enneagram? {Transcript #60}
This transcript has been edited for clarity. Heidi Franz Host 00:00 I find the brain absolutely fascinating. How God created each person beautifully unique, yet with similar traits, is humbling and amazing. That's probably why I have enjoyed learning about personalities. It has helped me understand myself, work with others and better parent ...
Tips to Help Kids Tackle Test Anxiety {Free Printable}
Tests are an understood part of our children's lives. Whether it's those elementary spelling quizzes, the high-stakes AP or ACT/SAT exams in high school, or even the GRE for grad school hopefuls, it feels like there's always another test around the corner. And let's face it, tests create varying levels of anxiety in our children. And for ...
Beyond the Lies: Seeking Truth and Living Abundantly {Transcript #1, 55}
This transcript has been edited for clarity. Heidi Franz Host 00:01 I'm not good enough. No one likes me. Everyone else has a clean house. Her kids are smarter and cuter. She's skinnier, more fit, and prettier than I am. Melanie Simpson Co-Host 00:10 Her husband is romantic. Heidi Franz Host 00:13 I think there is a time in all of ...
Discovering Life Lessons from The Prince of Egypt: The Musical {Giveaway}
This weekend I had the opportunity to preview the new The Prince of Egypt: The Musical. Choreography. Amazing.Singing. Breathtaking.Visual Effect. Stunning. This live performance by the West End's Dominion Theatre in London was powerful. Yet, it left me pondering if there was more than mere entertainment—perhaps a deeper lesson that ...