by Janel Breitenstein | Nov 11, 2021 | Africa, beauty, challenging, children, difficulty, Family, kids, poverty, practical, prayer
Time for a holiday rerun–with a few extras added in! In light of the release of Permanent Markers: Spiritual Life Skills to Write On Your Kids’ Hearts, here’s a list of ways to encourage your kids toward thankfulness this month. 1. The running list....
by Janel Breitenstein | Oct 28, 2021 | children, Family, kids, Parenting, tweens and teens
When I was a junior in high school, a good friend of mine asked me to prom. I was elated. Yet as per our family’s policy, my dad asked to meet him for coffee and bagels. It was his “interview” of sorts before all my dates. “How will I know...
by Janel Breitenstein | Oct 22, 2021 | children, enduring love, failure, faith, fear, identity, Parenting, tweens and teens, waiting
I’ve been feeling an unexpected, if not undesired, kinship with my man Moses lately. Remember when Moses comes down the mountain to the all-out idol-worshipping party of 2 million people (who God just brought out of Egypt and is about to give the Ten...
by Janel Breitenstein | Sep 30, 2021 | Africa
“Dad, where do babies come from?” “Why doesn’t Grandma believe in God?” “Can men get pregnant? That guy looks pregnant.” “Does everything die? Even you and Dad?” “Are you a boy or a girl?” “Is Santa real?” Parenting is…complicated. (Uhm. YES.) So I’m doing what...
by Janel Breitenstein | Sep 23, 2021 | children, closeness and intimacy, closeness; intimacy, community, friendships, listening, time together, tweens and teens
When I first arrived back after living in Africa, it surprised me. I discovered it over lattes, or in the church foyer, or checking out at the grocery store. I realized a lot of people were hungry, starved even, to be listened to. To have someone look them in the eye,...
