by Sandy McKeown

“Teach us to fly, Momma!” my grandchildren plead when they are seeking attention. I am engrossed as my daughter-in-law begins the familiar routine.

“Hold out your arms,” she gently coaches. “Now, wave them up and down.” She watches as their little arms begin flapping. “Good! Now faster, faster!” And my grandchildren, with their arms flapping ever faster and faster, run away from their mother, their arms flapping as fast as they can go. Then my daughter-in-law calls out, “You did it! You’re flying! You’re free!”

At this point she turns back to whatever she was doing, and the kids usually come back for more attention, but that’s okay—it was just a game.

Realistically, we expected the kids to leave and “be free” on their own. After graduation, we would help them pack, show them the way to a job or college, and say, “You did it! You’re on your own! You’re free!” We also expected them to never move back home again.

This economy has changed that.

We recently moved almost five hours from where we raised our kids. We bought a bigger house. Three of the four kids who had moved out previously are back.  Did we buy too big? Some may think so. I’m not there—yet. Continue reading » » » »

by Marybeth Elliott

Job 21:11: They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.

Parenthood is a funny thing.  It is chock full of purpose and meaning, and we are plunged into it from day one.  And yet, God allows the richness and fullness to be revealed over time, much like our relationship with Him.  The longer I walk with the Lord, the deeper the love I find with Him.  The deeper the love goes, the more I realize how little I know of our magnificent Creator.  In my quest to know Him better, I see reflected back, my children’s quest to know their parents better.

Through the years as my own mother has aged, I have found it fascinating to hear stories of her in various situations.  Old college friends have shared with me special memories of their friendship with my mom, antics they participated in, special and fun times.  Conversely, they have shared fascinating and intense stories of coming of age and being married during World War II.

I’ve learned my mom is multi-faceted, much like a beautiful gem.  She was a brilliant and carefree girl, a young woman who was on her college archery team, and an accomplished horsewoman. Continue reading » » » »

by Colleen Davis

Aristotle once said, “In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. The young they keep out of mischief; to the old they are a comfort and aid in their weakness, and those in the prime of life they incite to noble deeds.”

In the past, people blame social problems such as divorce, obesity, and homelessness to poverty, unemployment and unhappiness. But recent researches suggest that social problems are not really rooted from these areas. Rather, they result from one simple and common attitude of most people: ignoring friendship. It appears that society has continuously overlooked the importance of friendship.

In business, just like our social life, friendship plays an important role as well. Sometimes, the most difficult marketing problem can be solved easily by friendship. Think of your biggest projects and successful business deals. Looking back, you would realize that they have become successful because of your friends. By friends, we don’t mean your drinking buddies, but your business associates with whom you share a more personal relationship. Continue reading » » » »

by Laurie Neumann

Having integrity in business doesn’t seem to be as important as it used to.  Today, there are many people afraid to do business with others because they don’t know who they can trust.

Maybe it has to do with the growth of the internet or a society that has gotten away from Christian principles.  Whatever the reason, having integrity in the way you conduct your business will set you apart.   It will help others see they can trust you and will bring them back to you over and over again.

What is integrity? Integrity brings to mind the concepts of honesty, reliability, dependability, following through on commitments and displaying high character at all times.  The Bible references integrity in the following verses.  ”He who walks with integrity walks securely…” Proverbs 10:9; “The integrity of the upright will guide them…” Proverbs 11:3; “But as for me, I will walk in my integrity… Psalm 26: 11 Continue reading » » » »