Parent conversations: What is our goal as parents?
"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing," wrote Stephen Covey in his best-selling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Yet that's easier said than done,…
Parent conversations: How do we discuss death with our children?
Contemplating some conversations creates butterflies in my stomach. Talking about death with my children falls into that category. What a comfort these two articles are for me! They offer practical…
My Christian life: Pen pal shares faith with prisoners
God’s grace brings forgiveness, hope, and love across prison walls. “Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison” (Hebrews 13:3). Growing up, perhaps you had…
Parent conversations: When parenting philosophies differ
Is it just me or does it seem like getting along with everyone has gotten harder over the past couple of years? We’re so divided on so many issues. It’s…
My Christian life: An incredible harp-playing journey
Using music to soothe spirits, praise God, and share the gospel. “Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp” (Psalm 147:7). The Bible…
My Christian life: A teacher retires full of memories
A teacher retires full of memories—including monarch butterflies, baby chicks, and Jesus—after 43 years Do you have a favorite teacher? One who really understood or motivated you? One who made…
Encouraging and supporting future called workers
By definition, an auxiliary is a group that provides supplementary help or support. Since 1960 and 1973, the Martin Luther College (MLC) Ladies’ Auxiliary and the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS)…
Heart to heart: Parent conversations: What’s a parent’s role as a child dates?
What’s a parent’s role as a child dates? It’s not often that I don’t chime in with my opinion on a topic, but this is going to be one of those…
Parent conversations: What do I need to consider before I give my child a cell phone?
My oldest is 12. She’s in sixth grade, and almost all her classmates have smartphones. So far, her dad and I haven’t seen a reason for her to have one…