Dealing with disappointment is one of the hard things that comes from life. Seeing our kids deal with disappointment is even harder. Yet we know that in every person's life there will be struggles, and the older our kids get, the bigger the problems. Ugh!

John and I have always felt that one of the best things we can do to help our teens cope with life's setbacks is to handle them well ourselves. We know that what we say is only 10% of what our kids pick up. The other 90% comes from them seeing how we live. They watch and learn. (Whether we like that idea or not!)

So how do we handle unexpected problems? During our personal setbacks, we voice the problem with our kids, and we ask them to pray with us. We talk about solutions (finding wisdom from God's Word), and we look positively at steps we can take.

We also try to prepare our kids ahead of time for the challenges they will have in life. When it comes to talking about our time on this earth, we remind our kids that things will not be perfect ... ever. There is no such thing as reaching perfection on earth. Rather, we tell them it's what's on the inside that counts. It's character and honor and resilience that will pull each of through. It's having faith in God and moving forward even when you want to give up.

Another thing I do is talk to my kids about "scripting" their lives. They are the screenwriters of their own life stories. Instead of getting caught up in the drama of everyday circumstances, I've encouraged them to think through their emotions and responses BEFORE those things happen.

For example, if Leslie's friend accuses her of something, how should she respond? By thinking ahead of this type of conflict and Leslie's responses, it will help her know how to deal with the situation, instead of being caught off guard--and allowing the emotions to flow.

Or what if Nathan doesn't do well in the science far, what's next? I try to talk through different scenarios to help him to mentally prepare for what is to come. This makes adversity easier to deal with with the situation arises.

Unfortunately, we've had a recent event in which we've "lived this out":

Our oldest son Cory wasn't athletic as a elementary or junior high school student, but in his junior and senior year he really started doing well. He became a starter on the basketball team and got REALLY excited about playing. He would do more running/shooting etc. than what was asked by his couch. His hard work paid off and he was asked to be co-captain of the team. But during these two years he had problems with his knees. We took him to the doctor who encouraged wearing a brace. We assume that his pain from his knees was just pain from all the exercise and stress on his knees. Cory continued playing.

Then, less than three weeks before the state tournament, Cory was injured in a game. He went up to block a basket and crumbled to the ground. It was clear right away that it was a major injury.

After getting Cory check out we discovered both knees had shredded ACLs and he needed surgery. Also, he could not finish the basketball season. To say Cory was disappointed was an understatement. We hurt for him.

John and I tried to help Cory by helping him look at the positives. 1) He had a great two years playing ball. 2) He got injured near the end of the season, instead of the beginning. 3) He was still co-captain, and now his team needed him more than ever--to encourage them on.

Cory took this to heart. He still attended every practice, and he sat on the bench every game. He shouted encouragement and showed his support. I've never been so proud of him!

As a result, Cory's team also had a new respect for Cory. They appreciated him when he played, but they appreciated him even more when he lifted them up when he was down. Cory's friendships deepened, and later his team gave him the "Christian Character" award for his attitude after his injury.

It was hard seeing Cory sit out the rest of a season, but I also think it was a life-lesson that will carry Cory through life. Disappointment will come, but a positive attitude, trust in God, and a focus on others will always pull us through.

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Packing, Life, and Travel Prep

Right now our suitcases are 90% packed for the Czech Republic, our curriculum is close to being finished for the English camp, and my to-do list of things I need to finish before we head out is getting smaller.

I just had to tell you about one of the cool things we did before our trip ... we actually installed a new lock on our front door! Exciting, I know!

Actually, we are very excited about it, and we've been showing it off to friends. Is a combination lock, and it was VERY important to install it for my grandma. You see, my 78-year-old grandmother lives with us, and even though we have many people checking up on her, she'll be spending more time alone during our trip than she's used to. She'll also be letting herself in and out of her house when we're gone.

For as long as she'd lived with us, grandma has had trouble with the deadbolt lock. You had to get the key in just right for it to work. Bothersome even for me!

Grandma's also one of those people who changes her purse with her outfit, so there's been time she's left the house and as forgotten her key in "the other purse." This hasn't been too much of a problem when we're around to let her in ... but we'll be in Europe! So ... we found this awesome Schlage lock that has a keypad. You just punch in the right code and the lock opens with a simple twist of the knob.

We were able to give Grandma a code (one she'll remember) and with a push of a few buttons she's inside. It's also awesome because we can give separate codes to all those people that we've asked to check in on Grandma. In fact, we can program 19 different codes if we want to. (And my husband thinks it's great. He's a gizmo person so this was right up his alley. And it was easy to install, too!)

The kids love the new lock, too ... and we've been showing it off to all our friends who've been over. You can find out more information here.

Okay, so that's taken care of. It's marked off my to-do list ... and I have a whole lot more piece of mind for the trip! Now ... if I can just figure out a code to water all my plants ...

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Thoughts on Home, Family, and God from the middle of Suburbia!

Before 1999, I didn’t think much about heaven. It was out there somewhere, beautiful and wonderful I was sure.

Thinking of it, reminded me of food. (Like everything else reminds me of food, too.) Although meat always smells good when you pass a barbecue, grilling up dinner, if you’re not hungry, has no draw. But the hungrier you are, the more interest you have in what’s under the cover of that grill. And it wasn’t until death met our home that I became hungry for heaven.

It all started when my husband and I moved 1,000 miles from California to Montana. I had one main concern, and that was leaving my aging grandparents behind. A few years after we’d moved, the news I’d dreaded came. My grandfather was dying of cancer and he didn’t have long to live.

The thing that surprised my extended family the most was his desire to spend his last days in Montana. So over Christmas break, my husband and I drove through a blizzard, packed my grandparents up, and moved them to our home.

My grandpa seemed fine at first. Sure, he was a little slower than normal but that was to be expected. Then the weeks and months passed, and the weaker he became the more I started thinking about our eternal home.

I had listened to songs about heaven and read about it in the Bible, and while it was interesting, when you’re in that situation it’s about as filling to your soul as reading a cookbook or watching to a cooking show when your hungry.

Never having lost a close family member before, I had a hundred ideas of how I thought I’d deal with things, but none of them were right.

After four months living with us, my grandfather was bedridden. My grandmother and I would spend time in his room reading Scripture verses and praying with him.

Then, one day the idea of heaven heightened. I was reading aloud to my kids when my grandmother called me into the room. My grandpa was praying with hands lifted. Later he described smelling beautiful scents and seeing white birds and a gentle lion. More than that, he saw his Savior with arms stretched wide.

The next day, my grandfather went into a coma, and while I should have been terribly sad instead my heart nearly burst with joy. Every time I walked into the room it was as if heaven had touched the room with blue electricity. It seemed brighter and filled with the sensations of the brush of angel wings.

I have two final memories of my grandpa’s last waking moments. One was the peace in his eyes, and the other was the kiss he blew my direction. Though unable to speak, he was giving me a final farewell. Or a “see you later” to be exact.

So while I’m not ready for my life to be over today, heaven has great appeal. The small taste of it was enough to last a lifetime, and the reality of it will be a feast that I’m eager to enjoy . . . forever.

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For the last week my mom has been living with me. She's sweet and helpful ... but she's my mom. Seriously, she's told me not to smack my gum when I chew and what outfits of mine she likes. :-)

Anyway, I read this and thought it was great!

"We all know there's a certain behavior unique to mothers. It defiles logic, it's beyond explanation, it's a "Mom" thing.

Allow me to give you a little advice.

~~When you've been vegetarian for six years and she still doesn't think you're getting enough vegetables in your diet, don't let it chew on you. It's a "Mom" thing.

~~When, after slamming on the car brakes, she stretched her hand our in front of you to block your thrust (even though you're safe in your seat-belt), relax. It's a "Mom" thing, and you'll never get her to break it.

~~When she still gives you a 10:00 p.m. curfew (which you don't mind, but your spouse is getting a little annoyed with it), don't fret. It's just a "Mom" thing.

~~When she insists on holding your hand while crossing the street, even though you're needing to hold your kids' hands while crossing the street, work it out somehow. It's a "Mom" thing.

~~When she calls you at five o'clock a.m. to say that she doesn't think you're getting enough rest, don't lose any sleep over it. It's a "Mom" thing.

~~When you're sick and she makes enough chicken soup to nurse the entire Mayo Clinic, don't let it get you down. It's a "Mom" thing.

~~When she still insists on walking you to the school bus (which wouldn't be so bad if you were not the driver now), go with it. It's a "Mom" thing.

~~And finally, when she shows your baby picture to everyone she meets, just smile. Sure, it's a 16" x 20" and you're afraid she'll throw out her back by hauling it around in that solid oak frame, but it's a "Mom" thing—and it's bigger than both of you."

-- From Honey, the Carpet Needs Wedding Again! By Martha Bolton



MeMe

1. What is one thing you said you've never do as a mom ... and now find yourself doing?

2. How would you describe your mom in five words?

3. How would you describe yourself as a mom in five words?

4. Does your mom still carry a baby photo of you in her wallet?


Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.

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I don't have time to write a long blog. So I'm gonna do highlights ... and then you'll understand why there are not extra minutes! 1. From Wed-Sun a.m. we were at the Montana Christian Athletics Association state tournament. After watching dozens of games and cheering (loudly) our girls WON. They got first place! The boys lost two and won one ... Cory didn't get to play due to his torn ACL, but he cheered loudly. 2. Cory got nominated for the Christian Character Award! This is the second year and we were thrilled. 3. I was the "team mom" and I purchased candy for the boy's team to give to the girls team. I also bought t-shirts that the boys team decorated in our hotel room. Some even painted their faces in support of the girls! (The photo is of Cory with his friend Isaac.) 4. While on the road I heard the my sister-in-law is on COMPLETE bed rest for her pregnancy, so I volunteered to take two of her four kids. Brianna (4) is now with my other sister-in-law, but I'll have Samantha 1 1/2) for ... up to four months while Sandy is down. The boys (7 and 3) are with friends. Please pray the baby stays in and develops like he/she should ... and that Sandy can handle the bed rest and missing her kiddos. 5. I had an article to write ... that I finished today. And I need to finish the outline and first two chapters of Blue Like Playdoh by Thursday. I'm trying to get used to working with a baby around. Thank goodness for naps! (Although Samantha is super cute and tons of fun.) Okay, gotto go make dinner. Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends. Congrats to Rowena who STOPPED LURKING last week...she left comments on my shoutlife page! Send me your book choice and mailing address!

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Basketball season is here! Go Crusaders! What does this mean? Well, almost every weekend between now and February 15th (except for the weekend before Christmas), we'll be watching Cory and Leslie play basketball.

Last Friday and Saturday we watched four great games! My kids played awesome, and we had some wins. (Okay, our girls' team is 34-0 ... they haven't lost in a few years, but as I remind my daughter we need to watch out that pride doesn't creep into our hearts! What they accomplish is only through God's strength.) The cool thing is that both our kids are playing better than ever, and we've really seen an improvement over the past few years.

The hard thing about basketball season is that we travel all over the state because we're part of the Christian school/homeschool league. It's not uncommon to travel 4-5 hours for 1-2 games!

The fun thing about basketball season is that we're together as a family. We ride together, eat together, stay in the same hotel room (I was told I snore!), and we enjoy hanging out. It's also fun to hang out with the other families. We're blessed to enjoy the good people who have the same family goals we do ... which is to focus on Christian character and have fun in the process.

I spend time before games, after games, meals, etc. chatting with some of the other moms. Some of them recently started reading my novels, which is fun. They love asking me questions about research, and they are eager to hear the "true stories" behind the novels.

This came to mind this morning when I was reading Called and Accountable by Henry and Norman Blackaby. Because our kids our on the same team, because we spend hours and hours and hours together every weekend, I'm able to give these people the inside scoop. Not every reader is so privileged. Most people just have to guess at which parts are true, or read my blog for some of the "true stories" I post every now or then.

I'm so glad that no matter who we are, or where we live, or if we have kids playing basketball or not, we ALWAYS have the Author of the Holy Bible to meet with us as we read His word. The Blackabys write, "As a person approaches the Bible and opens its pages, he or she comes face to face with the Author--God! The Holy Spirit is present to open the mind and heart of the child of God to an immediate Word from God for his or her life (John 14:16-17; John 16:13-15; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16). Without this commitment to encounter God in His Word, one is left to human reasoning alone--something that will never lead to God or an understanding of His Word." p. 13

Human reason will never lead to God or an understanding of His Word. And I'm so thankful that when I open my Bible and pray for God to meet me, the Holy Spirit is quick to connect God's Word to a truth that will impact my life in a real way. He will never not show up when I ask!

So, I'm sorry dear friend, if you're not traveling with the Crusaders I most like won't have time to sit down with you and explain all the research behind my books. But ... I know an Author who is eager to meet you anytime, any place, to share His story with you in a real and personal way!

(P.S. And if you don't know this Author and want to know how ... email me at: fromdustandashes@hotmail.com I'd love to share how you can meet Him for real!)

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I always get TONS of requests on info on how I do everything, so ... in November on Tuesday and Thursdays I'm going to have Time Management 101 with tips for balancing family, hubby, life, job, friends, house, etc.


Deadlines:

1. My family used to MOAN during deadline month. They basically never saw Mom. For the last few books I’ve been trying spread out the deadlines. I schedule in daily writing times for every project through the months, and I do my best to meet those goals. If I can accomplish this it’s not as stressful in the last month before deadline.

2. I also work in magazine deadlines. (Again looking at my schedule, I figure about eight hours per article on average, and make space.) If I’m asked to write an article, I realistically look at my schedule. If I can’t do it, I decline.

3. I occasionally will go away with a friend to write for a few days. Next week I’ll be going for four days. I get a TON of writing done if that’s all I have to focus on.

4. I work on a weekly schedule, but daily I ask myself, “What is the most important thing I need to accomplish today?” And I do that first. I then rearrange my daily schedule according to my “most important stuff,” because there are ALWAYS things that come up. I like my electronic calendar because I just click and drag to move stuff around.

5. I also “schedule in” ideas … book ideas, article ideas, marketing ideas. I create a “slot” on my calendar and plug those in. It gets them off my mind until I’m ready for them.

6. If I feel the Holy Spirit laying something heavy on my heart … I will ignore my schedule and follow that leading. In fact, most of my book proposals come from this. If I feel something strong on my heart I ask myself, “Will I be disobedient if I don’t follow this leading, at this time?” If I feel “yes,” then I’ll work on it … even if I had the day scheduled for something else. If I feel “no,” then I’ll jot a note to myself and keep going with what I had planned.

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I realize the "life" doesn't begin "after this deadline" or "this book release" or "when my books sell X number." Life is happening today. So I can either live in a mess ... setting myself up for failure, or live successfully. I chose the latter. I’m striving to live a sustainable life. I don’t want to burn myself out.

I’ve given myself permission to set a schedule that works for me. I use Microsoft Outlook, and I schedule in EVERYTHING. From waking up and having morning quiet time, to straightening the house, to making dinner, to working on a book proposal—it’s all on the calendar. This works for me because it helps me to be realistic with my daily goals. In I have a day packed with other things, I can’t write 2,000 words … and I don’t stress myself out thinking I should. I also like to check things off a list.

Now for actual stuff. I'll start with what I think is most important and work through the list from there.

Family/Friends:

1 -4 here!


5. I multi-task. I read galleys or research books as I exercise on my recumbent bike. I read magazines while I blow dry my hair. I take my notebook computer into the kitchen and answer emails as I wait for the water to boil or wait for the chicken to bake.


6. I take my kids out to lunch once a month for one-on-one time. I don’t talk on the cell-phone or listen to the radio when I’m driving them around—instead I use that time to connect. We hang out nearly every night. We watch TV together, go over homework, or talk. I rarely schedule evening events beyond Wednesday church and Monday small group.


7. My husband and I go on a date once a week, and we read our Bible and pray together every morning.


8. I have lunch with friends about once a week. I just started this within the last few months, and I need it.

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I've been homeschooling for thirteen years. Kids are now 18, 15, and 13 and my oldest is graduating this year. (Although we are in the process of an International adoption, so I'll be starting all over in a few years!) Anyway, during this time my husband and I have felt God's leading in towards ministry. My husband works full-time, out of the home, yet God led us to start a dynamic, weekly children's ministry at our church. John writes the curriculum, and the rest of us help as actors or with sound/lighting. We've done this every week for the last ten years.

Also, when I was pregnant with my youngest, I felt God's leading to start writing. Since that time I've written fourteen books that have been published by houses such as Zondervan and Thomas Nelson. I write both historical fiction and non-fiction books concerning parenting, marriage, books for teens, etc. I also write regularly for Focus on the Family and other national magazines. I also helped to start a crisis pregnancy center in our town in 1999, and volunteered there for many years. My children helped through remodel, babysitting for teen moms, etc.

There were times when it was hard balancing it all ... but I also feel that we, as homeschooling parents (or all parents!), do our kids no favors when we neglect to follow our God-given dreams. In fact, I feel it has benefited my kids to see me seeking God, setting goals, and accomplishing my dreams through God's strength. They see lived-out examples of how one person can reach many, and they've witnessed and people blessed as a result. They shared dinner with teen parents, have visited with WWII vets, and have "proofed" my books before they go to print. Their lives are enriched, and they've seen God at work.

So what about you? Have you bought in to the lie that you'll do something for God "once the kids are older"? If so ... what a shame. Just think of what an example you can be TODAY. Just think of how seeing God at work in your can mold YOUR children's future!

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Check out this stop on the tour from Home Steeped Hope:

You pick up a book, scan the back cover and it either grabs you or it doesn’t. When my influencer copy of My Life, Unscripted from Tricia Goyer arrived, the back cover copy jumped out at me and seconds later I was sinking into my couch, stealing enough time to confirm that this book is a definite keeper! Wait! Scratch that, it was SO good I made it a huge priority to finish before my niece’s 18th birthday party that weekend. I knew I had to pass it along. And as I read, I kept thinking of different teenage girls–nieces and friends–that would benefit with this warm and personal, yet hip, mentoring of Tricia’s in their hands.

What a Great Start! Thanks!

Here is the schedule for the rest of the tour!

MLU Blog Schedule

9/15
Tamera
http://www.tameraalexander.blogspot.com/

Christa
http://www.cballan.wordpress.com/

Mary
http://www.homesteepedhope.com/

9/17
Ruth
http://www.xanga.com/christianfictionqueen
http://www.myspace.com/bookwoman

Trish
http://ordinarylife.typepad.com/books/

Jennifer
http://somanybooksblog.blogspot.com/

9/18
Martha
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Martha/

Sherry
http://www.dreamersb.blogspot.com/

Lauren
http://www.wrenspilgrimage.com/reviews

9/19
Shari
http://whatnottowearworkshops.com/cgi/wp/

Angie
http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com/

Gina
http://refreshmentrefuge.blogspot.com/

9/20
Elizabeth Ann
http://eclecticandexquisite.blogspot.com/

Jessica
http://cavanaughclan5.blogspot.com/

Jake
http://www.risefromyourslumber.blogspot.com/

9/21
Tiffany
http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Karla
www.roadstoeverywhere.com/blog.html

Rachelle
http://zyphe.blogspot.com/

9/22
Jenny
mybucklingbookshelf.blogspot.com

Diane
www.homeschoolblogger.com/DayFamily

Margaret
http://http//margaretdaley.blogspot.com

9/24
Stacy
http://debroffdebrief.clubmom.com/

Margaret
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/cappuccinosmom/profile/

9/25
Mary
http://www.relevantblog.blogspot.com/

Melanie
http://www.melaniewrites.blogspot.com/

Jennifer
http://www.jennifersnapshot.blogspot.com/

9/26
Georgiana
http://georgianad.blogspot.com/

Jamie
http://survivingthechaos.blogspot.com/

Jannie
lernst@houston.rr.com

April
http://www.projectinga.blogspot.com/

9/27
Miralee
http://www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com/

Suzanne
http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com/

Ocieanna
http://ocieanna.blogspot.com/

9/28
Linda
http://linesfromlinda.com/
http://lindafulkerson.com/

Virginia
http://cecelane.blogspot.com/

Gretchen
http://dreamwriter07.blogspot.com/

9/29
Linda
http://lindaruthspot.blogspot.com/

Sandra
http://aspire2.blogspot.com/

Leticia
http://shadowbearcat.bravejournal.com/

10/1
Tasra
http://realwomenscrap.typepad.com/

Lisa
e-newsletter, PARENtEEN (www.nnym.net/sites/parenteen)

Cynthia
http://beneaththeivywreath.blogspot.com/

Jeannette
http://www.hismarvelouswork.blogspot.com/

10/2
Jill
http://cwahmjill.blogspot.com/

Rachel
http://www.rachelhauck.com/

L.C.
http://lashaunda.blogspot.com/

10/3
Jessica
http://farmfreshiowa.blogspot.com/

Karen
http://surviving-motherhood.blogspot.com/

Roz
http://rozcorner.blogspot.com/

10/5
Michelle
http://www.edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/

Annette
yeshuasdove@comcast.nethttp://www.annetteirby.blogspot.com/

Jason
http://www.spoiledfortheordinary.blogspot.com/

10/6
Deborah
http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/

Cheryl
http://cherylklarich.blogspot.com/

Kelly
http://www.novelreviews.blogspot.com/
http://www.novelreviews.blogspot.com/

10/8
Karen
http://www.sky-highview.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/writethetruth

Tara
http://pianogirl.wordpress.com/
http://www.myspace.com/pianogirl128

Lesley
http://lafuze.blogspot.com/

Marcia
http://writer-lee.blogspot.com/

10/9
Christy
http://christysbookblog.blogspot.com/

Jan
http://www.janslittlecorner.blogspot.com/

Gail
http://www.gailmartin.blogspot.com/

10/10
Vicki
http://www.vickitalleymccollum.blogspot.com/

Jennie
http://jenslifejourney.blogspot.com/

Cee Cee
http://booksplurge.blogspot.com/

10/12
David
http://http//dameigs.blogspot.com/

Dineen
http://www.shoutlife.com/dineenmiller
http://www.dineenmiller.blogspot.com/

Diann
http://www.diannmills.com/blog/

10/13
Sarah
http://www.soulscents.us/
changingtheworld4him.blogspot.com

Stephanie

Narelle
http://www.relzreviewz.blogspot.com/

10/14
Tyora
http://cookieaisle.blogspot.com/
http://faithwebbin.net/share/authors
aTeenzfaith http://faithwebbin.net/teenz/

Julie
http://theradicalwrite.blogspot.com/

Joe
http://www.xtremelifecoaching.com/

10/15
Jill
http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/artisticblogger.shtml

Mimi
http://tagsandotherformsofmischief.blogspot.com/

Winter
http://rodeosuspense.blogspot.com/

10/16
Deena
http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com/

Nicole
www.hopeofglory.typepad.com/into_the_fire

10/17
Pattie
www.xanga.com/pattierwr
http://freshbrewedwriter.blogspot.com/

Janis
http://www.janisrodgers.blogspot.com/

Michelle
http://www.michelleswritingspace.blogspot.com/

10/19
Jennifer
http://www.mineralz.blogspot.com/

Marlo
http://www.marloschalesky.blogspot.com/
www.myccm.org/marloschalesky
www.shoutlife.com/marloschalesky

Heather
http://booksandbairns.blogspot.com/

10/20
Christy
http://christylashea.blogspot.com/
http://writingbyfaith.blogspot.com/
http://shoutlife.com/christylashea

Lynetta
http://www.lynetta.blogspot.com/

10/21
Lynette
http://myslicesoflife.blogspot.com/

Staci
http://stacistallings.blogspot.com/

10/22
Camy
http://camysloft.blogspot.com/

Brittanie
http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/

Amy
http://peek-a-booicu.blogspot.com/

Chris
http://www.myCCM.org/ChrisWellhttp://www.studiowell.com/

10/23
Ernie
http://ernsblog.blogspot.com/

Marybeth
http://www.marybethwhalen.com/

Cheryl
http://www.scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/

10/24
Susan
http://susanmaywarren.com/

Michelle

Jill
http://www.teenageauthor.com/
http://www.themissionleague.com/
http://www.jillmwilliamson.com/

10/26
Allison
http://www.hearthitting.blogspot.com/
http://www.nnym.net/sites/parenteen

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I have a friend named Mary who is like me in many ways. We both write fiction and non-fiction. We both still have kids at home. We are Gen Xers and proud of it!Mary as a new book. You can read a sample chapter here. (Go ahead, try it!)

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I love when my kids go to summer camp. Yes, they have fun. Yes, they get a little break from me for a while, but mostly because they come back so spiritually charged up.

I youngest son go back from camp yesterday, this morning when I got up at 6:30 a.m. he was already up and reading his Bible! Nathan also asked if I could help him find him something for his quiet time. We looked at a few Bible Studies I have around her, but nothing seemed to fit what he was looking for. So then I started searching on-online. We found the perfect quiet-time studies for him at:

http://cbh.gospelcom.net/kfk/home.php

He was SO excited. We printed out the month of August for him, and he’s put together a quiet time binder as I write this.

Years ago, I did Keys for Kids with my older children, I’d forgotten about it until today. If you’re looking for a great devotional and/or quiet time study for your kids, I highly recommend it!