I want to help my teen grow up

January 6, 2012 | Books, Family: Nurturing Family

Perhaps your teen is on the way out of the door. It’s her junior or senior year and the days are flying by. Before you know it, she’ll be out on her own. Have you prepared her? Are you prepared?

Resolution: To help my teen grow up

Plan: Answer these questions:

1. Is my teen trustworthy?
2. Am I willing to allow my teen to make her own decisions as long as she is trustworthy?
3. Do I struggle to let go and why?
4. Am I willing to allow my teen to learn through his mistakes?

One teen I know was known by many as the “good” guy. He did the right things. He loved God. He listened to his parents. But this teen was also known by a few as the frustrated-out-of-his mind guy. (more…)

I want to encourage my teen in her faith

January 5, 2012 | Books, Family: Nurturing Family

Yesterday we talked about moving from a resolution to a plan for our family relationships. I had three teens at the same time. I loved the teen years in many ways, but there were also challenges.

One was that my children were moving from a family-centered faith to determining whether faith was for them or not.

It’s a scary time. If we believe in Christ and all that He offers us, it’s hard to think that our children might walk in another direction. And yet every person has to make that decision. Loving God is a personal relationship and one that I can foster, but not form for my child. (more…)

Names of God

December 6, 2011 | Books

I don’t use my blog very often to talk about books or resources—unless I think they are so awesome that they’ll impact you or they’ve done the same for me.

I just received a Names of God Bible, and I just have to share it with you.

How many times have you reached for God, knowing that He is exactly what and who you need, but not necessarily knowing in what way?

Maybe you need peace (Jehovah Shalom) or provision (Jehovah Jireh) or you need healing (Jehova Ropheka). These are only three of many character traits or names that God calls Himself in scripture, and this Bible shows you all of them. And it does it in everyday language that brings the scripture to life.

If you know me, you know I love God’s Word and believe it has the power to absolutely change you and me.

So today I just want to stop for a moment and share that if you are searching for a great Bible, I think I’ve found one that you’ll love.

I hope you’ll check it out.

What you are saying. . .

November 15, 2011 | Books, Faith: Knowing Christ

I just wanted to let you know that I started using your book Making It Real: Whose Faith Is It Anyway? with my junior high sunday school class.

I cannot tell  you how much their eyes have opened to making faith their own in the two weeks we have been discussing it. They really impressed me this week, especially in discussing how their feelings effect how they feel about God and their faith.

And I admit that it has opened my eyes too. I appreciate the thought you put into the book and making it easy to put steps into action. My kids were especially hit hard by the question: How often do you talk to your best friend each week and how often do you talk to God?

So I just wanted to let you know that we are enjoying your book and growing together as a class. Learning our faith, and becoming disciples for God.

From Suzie: Thanks, Stephanie. I love that you took the time to drop this note to me. Reviews on Amazon or notes like this encourage me so much, and I’m grateful. Please tell your students Suzie said hello, okay?

special, special guest on Moms Together

November 3, 2011 | Books, Family: Nurturing Family

What do you do when the child you prayed for arrives, but you discover they have special needs?

What do you do when you don’t know how to communicate with that beautiful child?

What do you do when you discover that what seems to be silent on the exterior reveals intelligence and depth and a cry to be noticed on the interior?

My guest all day today at Moms Together is Ginnie (Virginia) Brinn, author of an extraordinary new book called I Am In Here. (more…)

Looking for a Bible study?

October 27, 2011 | Books, Faith: Knowing Christ

I’m hanging out with author Stephanie Shott over at Moms Together today. Stephanie just released a new Bible study book called Understanding What Matters. It’s a study of Ecclasiastes and it’s a great resource if you’ve been searching for a personal Bible study tool, or looking for one for your small group or discipleship class.

What I love about this is that it’s easy to read, written in a warm, conversational tone, but isn’t afraid to take you deep into the topic.