Children receive a lot of input about what it will take to succeed and be happy. How can we communicate the truth that will help them realize their own potential?

So while I understand people are not receptive to religious dogma, and I am not a theologian, the freedom to worship, or not worship God is central to this civil liberty of our free society. It is freedom of religion, not freedom from religion that makes individual liberty possible. (See Dale Carnegie’s book, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, 1944). God does not make us worship him. It is a choice granted by Him. This free will also gives us and our children the realization that we can think for ourselves and improve our own lots (one family, neighborhood, and community at a time) because God’s grace is endless and His mercy is abundant for those who fix their minds on even just one mustard seed of faith.

I have come to truly appreciate the trust God has placed in humanity, that he would grant us the capacity to procreate – to bear children and be responsible for their upbringing and care. Through my motherhood journey, I have learned that we are all imperfect parents with imperfect children, and we have the power to make home a safe place to learn how to become better versions of ourselves. To become trustworthy citizens at …

Let this declaration of my choice to believe and walk according to the Word of God resonate in every nook and cranny of my heart and mind, body and soul; in my house, and in every family relationship so that the enemy realizes that I know and You, Jesus, witness that I know, that he who is in the world has no power of what You God have already given me before I was born …

My faith teaches me that the only way to gain understanding is to experience life with a heart full of gratitude to God for my own intellect and free will. This is my capacity to learn how to love and be loved fearlessly, as God does. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We will not allow ourselves to be unlike ourselves. All of us have the potential to be better. However, when you see yourself as only so good, even though you have the potential to be much better, your creative subconscious always brings you back to the level of where you believe yourself to be (remember that’s its job). If you are absolutely certain that something is going to be really difficult, you will make it …

By my faith I know that something is only true if I allow it be so in my own mind. For I know that the only free society on the planet emanated from acting on one mustard seed of faith that God grants every human being intelligent life and free will. This is power that can never be taken, but is easily surrendered. This is the hope for all generations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Psalm …

This generation of teens is the incredibly lonely – a great irony considering the ubiquitous role cyber technology plays in the life of modern teens with ongoing conversations in large networks populated by group photos, shared selfies and “likes” 24 hours a day.

What do tech-savvy teens need from parents? They need parents to provide a safe place where they can talk about the real pressures and insecurities they face.

Knowing how to use technology and knowing how to use it wisely to benefit you are two very different things. Tech-savvy kids need guidance on content and appropriate sharing. These are boundaries that promote personal security and build resilience. Your aim as the parent is to instill personal discipline, based upon your beliefs and values, that make it possible for your child to have a reasonably trouble-free on-line experience, and create an on-line profile that is an asset. Below are some conversation tips to help your child be wise in creating on-line profiles.