5 Intentional Practices for a Great School Year

Across the United States children and parents are gathering school supplies and buying new clothes in anticipation of a new school year. It feels like a new start, a time of renewal – like the first day of a new year. Children and parents alike face the school year with great hope; hope for new friends, learning new things and good grades. And as the parent and guardian of these sweet children, you have an important role to play. There are many influencers and factors that affect a child’s successful (or doing well) school year. The following suggestions will make a […]

Debt: One Millennial’s View

I am often amazed at the workings of God. He teaches us in the most unordinary and beautiful ways. Each member, created in His image, offers a unique view of our God. From a parent’s perspective, this is holy ground. Holy because I have been taught how He uses each of us to fulfill His will and purpose on earth. Our conversation about being debt-free is only one small piece of the picture. Our next few blogs will be jointly written with our oldest son Keaton. He offers a different perspective on the journey to becoming debt-free. In large sweeping […]

Almost Debt-Free College – is it worth it?

A few weeks ago we celebrated our son Collin’s college graduation  At both the senior dinner and the graduation ceremony, graduates were encouraged to practice generosity – not forgetting the private institution from which they were graduating. Within six months over 70% of American graduates will begin their student loan payments. In 2014, Wall Street Journal reported that the average student debt for that year’s class would be $33,000. And with an upward trend of over 70% of college students choosing to borrow money, coming out of college debt-free is really a minority position. In order to do so, students […]

When Silence Isn’t Golden

As he pulled out of the church parking lot, Ken engaged in thought. The lesson was inspiring, and he was looking forward to discussing with friends over lunch.  Yet, it was silent in the car; what had he done now? Did he say something wrong causing embarrassment?  or was she too, pondering the sermon?  That uncomfortable feeling set in: the fear of saying something when he shouldn’t, and the fear of keeping quiet when he shouldn’t.  Two more blocks and if the car was still silent, he would muster the courage to say something.  Here goes: “so what’s wrong with you?” […]