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But for the last few days, I’d been sifting through a few emotions about 2022. A new year comes with some gravity–especially after a tough 2021 for my family.

Recently I completed a yearly prayer of Examen–my second year of a new personal tradition. Like the Israelites standing at the Jordan and choosing stones of remembrance (Joshua 4), I’m looking back at how I’ve seen God writing His story in and around me. And how his presence has met me there.

I’m peering ahead, too, choosing how I want to, in trust of him, walk forward.

I’m trying to think about how God responds to me here in a hard place. First, I get why you’re afraid.

And a bit after that: Looking back, what ways have you seen me take care of you in 2019?

Throughout Scripture, God follows up “Do not be afraid” with his best reason: for I am with you.

As your family flips the page from 2021 to the unknowns of 2022, I hope you’re able to find thanks, too, and to choose the peace Jesus has already bought for us and our families.

And even if there’s a lot of fear for the next year–may God’s presence meet you at every curve.

Here, the posts that most resonated with readers in 2021. Feel free to share!

 

31 Conversation Starters for Teens, to Talk About What’s Real

Wanting to push beyond their fave celebrity? Grab 31 conversation starters for teens that get you to what matters.

Questions for a Closer Marriage (FREE PRINTABLE)

Taking time to truly see our spouses can work toward a relationship that’s “naked and unashamed”. Grab these questions for a closer marriage.

How to Listen So Your Kids Will Talk

I’m loving the newly-released How to Listen So Your Kids Will Talk. Read some gems over my shoulder

When Your Child’s Rewriting the Narrative Between You

How do you react when a child twists reality? Here, thoughts when they’re (painfully, embarrassingly) rewriting the narrative between you.

Mini-date! Mastering the Art of Quick Connections

date in dinner movie combo

The mini-date is all about intentionally forming intimate connection in little moments. Grab ideas, how-to’s, & questions to bring you closer!

A Christian Home: Wondering Where to Start?

When your “normal” isn’t a family who loves God, raising kids to do that can be straight-up intimidating.

A “Christian home” can sound like a lofty goal–like a label we work to deserve. But ultimately, a Christian home is one actively bathing itself in what Jesus has done for us, and letting it permeate every room, every convo in the bathroom or the kitchen, every nightmare and swimsuited run through the sprinkler.

Hope this article I wrote for FamilyLife.com helps you dig in.

Prayer Tools for Families: FREE Printables

Grab free printable prayer tools for families to help your kids find conversation with God that’s intimate, constant, relational–vital.

How to Navigate a Ministry Marriage

Ministry marriage can be…complicated. And it doesn’t always equal “happy”.

What perks can you maximize–and what should you guard against?

The False Self: Will the Real Me Please Stand Up?

Sometimes coping mechanisms and gifts that get us through life keep us from tending to our inner selves. What does your false self look like?

How & Why to Do Lent for Kids–& Make It Fun! (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Sure, it’s New Year’s right now. But Lent sneaks up on me every. Year.

60 Easy Ways to Make Summer Special with Kids!

Here’s one to bookmark for those days when kids are climbing up the walls. Grab over 60 ideas to make summer special with kids–but don’t forget what really makes memories.

Want similar ideas for right now? Try

“I just don’t understand”: What it says about me

I’ve heard “I just don’t understand” a lot lately, especially related to deeply-valued, strongly-held opinions. And now I’m wondering: What does it say if I just…can’t…get someone different from me?

(Interested in more dialogue on this topic? Check out the companion article I penned for FamilyLife.com:  A House Divided: Navigating Political Polarization in Your Family.)

 

Happy New Year, friends. May you continue to lean into the awkward.