From Frazzled to Fun

Thought about family photos this year yet?

While we most likely have all had more time with our children than we had anticipated this year, we may not have thought much about how they have grown and changed through the course of it.

Because our mental space has been filled up with the "extras" of pandemic and election concerns, I thought you might appreciate a little nudge that this might be a good time to think about a family picture.

Here are a few questions to help you make a great plan for family pictures this year:

• Color theme?
  • some solids
  • mix in a few touches of patterns to tie colors together
• Pose considerations
  • try to have everyone touching at least one other person (i.e. hand on a shoulder, etc.)
  • for older kids, remind them that if it bends, to bend it a little (elbows, knees, etc) so they don't appear stiff
  • when in doubt, lay on your tummies and pile the kids on top (hides bigger waistlines and also gets everyone really close in for the picture)
  • ...

We must be diligent in discernment these days, momma. Things that look good from their titles aren't necessarily what they seem.

We could talk about current organizations, movements and governmental committees with names that make them seem right and good even when they have an evil agenda.

But for today, I'd just like to look at two seemingly "Christian" books. 

The two books are called Conversations with God and Conversations with God for Teens, by Neal D. Walsch, and are being promoted by Oprah. 

The books' titles make them seem Christian, but their messages go against the Word of God. They not only contain false doctrine, they sometimes quote (in error) the Word of God.

They have been on the New York Times best sellers list and are made available to our kids through the Scholastic Book Club.

The author purports to answer various questions asked by kids using the "voice...

Praying you and your family are well in these challenging times.

Our July 4 celebration is tomorrow. While the Declaration of Independence proclaimed to the world that the U.S. is an independent country, the Constitution laid out guidelines and rules on how the country should run or work.

How many believe now might be a real good time to review our Constitutional rights as American citizens? As we focus on America this next week, this would be a great time to share a little about the Constitution with our children: Schoolhouse Rock teaches the Constitution.

Speaking of our nation, we are a mess right now. Our health, government, freedom, even our republic seem to be under attack. God is on His throne, and we must repent and turn back to the Lord. We must be constantly in prayer.

Will you pray with me this prayer?

Dear Father, 

We need you. Across our nation, righteous men and women are harder to be found. As a result, cruel and dominating powers...