Join Brenda’s tribe to learn more about an uncomplicated life, and life, faith, and family beyond the storybook image.
11 Shades of the Dark Side of Revival
There's revival in northern Indiana, and a dark cloud is looming as the Holy Spirit is rising. It's a cloud the enemy is stirring, one that man and religion are embracing. In my community, churches are coming together in unity. Walls are falling down. People and...
5 Lessons about Revival from Teens
There’s something happening in Northern Indiana that’s unprecedented. Revival is happening and is transforming the youth. I live in Shipshewana, Indiana. The heart of Amish & Mennonite Country. We are a hard-working rural community, steeped in tradition, religion,...
10 Things I’ve Learned From Revival
There's revival in our area, one that's gaining national attention. 32oo people gather for a weeknight event. 52 days of prayer, community outreach, and sharing the gospel. 600 kids going into the community on a school day that's excused by public high schools. Crazy....
Why Boundaries and Teens are Essential
In the last couple of weeks, two friends disclosed how their daughters, a junior in high school and a freshman in college, have experienced various forms of teen dating violence. Verbal abuse, stalking, and controlling behavior. For one girl, the stalking and threats...
#Live2015: A Reader’s Story
I'm excited to share a reader's story of intentional living, following our theme of #Live2015 this year. Jeannine Williams is a reader of this blog in Illinois, and she emailed me this story, and I'm sharing it with her permission. Thank you, Jeannine, for your...
6 Tips To Teach Responsibility to Teens
The first article on raising kids in an age of entitlement identified that your kids “absorb” privilege because it permeates their generation. Being a role model and teaching kids your values about work, finances, and privilege rests on those of us who are parenting....
What Social Media Can’t Provide
If it were just you and Jesus, would it be enough? I’ve been asking myself this question. I’ve found myself getting side-tracked from quiet times with God. If I don’t reach for my Bible first and go to a room where I can shut a door, I easily get distracted by other...
How Your Choices Affect Your Teen
She sat in my office with tears streaming down her face. Tough girl was having a tough day. It was supposed to be her last day of 6th grade at our school because her mom was moving in with a new boyfriend. Now her mom wasn’t sure about the relationship or the move....
Finding God’s Faithfulness When The Phone Call Comes
Guest Post by Donna Bontrager for the #Live2015 series It was a sunny Saturday morning. I was doing the normal chores, laundry underway, dishwasher loaded, and on my second cup of coffee…wondering how far the boys had made it on their drive home from Florida after...
5 Tips For Raising Kids In The Age Of Entitlement
The age of entitlement’s been around for a while. As a former teacher and current counselor in public schools, I’ve observed privileged teens over the last three decades, beginning with kids raised in an American economy of plenty. Not only do modern kids receive...
4 Steps for Secure Footing When Life Is Rough
Stumbling is something I'm familiar with. Two years ago I tore my ACL and meniscus and I've had an unstable knee ever since. Even with surgery, I have to keep my leg muscles strong for a lifetime so my knee doesn't become weak. I'm more aware of places that could...
15 Things I’ve Learned From Being A Holiday Minimalist
The holidays are over. Today's the first day back to school for kids and back to work for many of us. How are you surviving the back to routine blah's? I began the 2014 Holidays as a minimalist. My goal was to simplify, scale back, say no, and rest. With a child in...