Is Your Prayer Life in the Winter or Spring Season? By Lillian Penner

In the Northwest of the United States where we have four seasons, the beautiful tulips are in full bloom reminding us of the new life that spring brings. The cherry trees are loaded with blossoms also. It is a beautiful time of the year with the trees and plants that have lain dormant during the cold winter months are getting new life almost over night.    During the winter months, many of our areas experience harsh cold snowy weather. However, as spring approaches it gives us the hope of warmth, beautiful gardens and landscapes. As it warms our spirit, we become …

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Finding Your Purpose in Christ

Some people think that the purpose of life is solely to find happiness. But, if you are simply living life to find happiness, you won’t find it. Why not? Because it is fleeting. It’s here today, gone tomorrow like the carefree days of summer. If you ask people what the purpose of life is, they might say to be happy. When in fact, true happiness and purpose can only come from our creator. Instead of focusing on finding happiness, try finding your purpose in Jesus Christ. When you find your purpose and realize how to serve Him, that gives your …

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4 Developmentally Appropriate Ways to Empower Your Kids

Being a mom is filled with adjustments and seasons of letting go isn’t it? Because it is, we need to encourage and empower our kids in ways that they are developmentally ready for.  Okay most of us could agree that we desire to empower our kids to be the people God created them to be, right?   So…In order to take on this task of “raising adults” there are various parenting shifts and approaches that must take place.  4 Developmentally Appropriate Ways to Empower Your Kids @themominitiativ @loriwildenberg Click To Tweet Here are 4 developmentally appropriate ways to encourage and …

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It’s Okay to Talk About the Kids on Date Night

Last weekend, my husband and I enjoyed a long-overdue date. We went out for pizza, ordered one dessert with two forks, then steered our minivan toward the mall to burn an hour before bedtime. The kids’ bedtime, that is. On date night, my husband and I have a strategy: stay away until the children are snoozing. This is our time. So what did we do? Shopped for the kids. I wandered through the Target aisles carrying two pairs of size 6X pants over my forearm. Halfway between cosmetics and the dollar specials I spotted a familiar face. “Hey, friend!” I …

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Sit in Church

10 Ways to Teach Kids to Sit in Church

We don’t know what the littles were doing when the first Christians met to worship. Maybe they played beneath an olive tree or asked for cold well water. Maybe they scooted from widow’s lap to widow’s lap or sat at the feet of the elders. However worship began for the early Church, in the centuries since, corporate worship has generally not become more kid friendly. While worship isn’t meant to cater to an age group, we want to cultivate a corporate culture that welcomes kids and creates a certain level of comfort. Sometimes we’re well meaning in the sanctuary or …

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How to Be More Than a Conqueror

Romans 8:37 is one of my favorite Bible verses: “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” I love this verse because it makes me feel like I’m stepping into a boxing ring and guaranteed to win. (Totally a pipe dream, by the way, because I could never box. And if I did, I definitely wouldn’t win.) Nonetheless, I love the verse because it pumps me up and makes me want to walk around with both arms up in the air like a champion. The truth is, though, it’s not always easy to live out this verse. Being “more …

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When You Discover Your Place in This World Is to Change It

What if? It’s a question each of us has to ask ourselves. What if I’m here for more than what I’m doing? More than what I think? What if I’m here for a purpose beyond  my wildest dreams?  What if I’m missing the point of my existence? What if God wants to use me to affect change? A serious look at Scripture reveals that God calls us to MORE than just status quo Christianity… He calls us to change the world! God calls us to MORE than just status quo Christianity… He calls us to change the world! @themominitiativ Click …

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Mothering Post-Divorce or Post-Trauma

Have you experienced a divorce, break-up, or relational trauma during motherhood? If so, you may be experiencing emotions and pain that are barriers to healthy mothering. I can tell you this: You are not alone! Oh, dear mom, I know you may be feeling such grief, such overwhelming emotions, that you feel so desperately alone. You may be feeling guilt, shame, exhaustion, or a period of confusion. Your friends and family may not be understanding or may even be a source of your feeling of shame. If so, take a minute to visualize me reaching my arm around your shoulders, …

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I Have a Secret: I Leak at Night!

  Bet that got your attention! No, this isn’t a bladder problem. It’s a spiritual problem. I think my bucket leaks while I’m asleep. Well, to be honest, I have another secret. I leak during the day even more! I leak through cracks in my foundation, chinks in my armor, rips in my soul, holes in my heart, and gaps in my attitude. And any other rift in my being. I just plain ol’ run out. So, I MUST refill my tank every morning. David said, “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I …

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Perfectionism is Overrated!

Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? Hi, my name is Sandy, and I’m a closet perfectionist. And I know that perfectionism is overrated! No one would know my secret if they looked at my house, my hair, or my clothes, but somewhere down deep there is a desire for perfection. My heart races and my nerves shake when things are not in order. I used to tell my children I could not make …

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