Kids in middle school really are in the middle! The first years, the toddler and kindergarten years, the focus was on authority. This is where kids learn the most important life lesson of all – Who is in charge? Then they enter the challenging years of in-between. No longer in need of direction and protection for almost everything in their lives they are still not ready for the responsibilities of youth. They are beginning to think about God independently, but are still connected to what their parents believe… read more

Stress is part of life. There is no way to avoid it. But what you can avoid is the fatigue and disorientation of continuing stress. When stress comes you can either turn to God and his word or you can rely on your own judgement and watch the stress deepen. Trusting in God leads to peace. This means stress can lead to peace. When you attribute short, curt answers and a contentious spirit to stress, the stressful situation has overcome you. There is much in life that can be overwhelming… read more

Discontent comes when you believe things are out control. Discontent happens when things don’t go the way you believe they should. Discontent happens when you think you don’t have enough. Discontent is the enemy of healthy, loving relationships. When getting ahead in life is measured by the things you acquire or by the approval of others discontent thrives. In short, living for things that you cannot eternally possess results in futility. Listen to what Paul says about contentment: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into.. read more