Ministry Updates

"There is hope for the present because I believe the stage has already been set for a new spirit in our nation.  My prayer today is that we will feel the loving arms of God wrapped around us, and will know in our hearts that He will never forsake us as we trust in Him." from Billy Graham's address to the nation at the Washington National Cathedral three days after 9/11.

In many ways, it seems like yesterday but this September 11^th will mark 10 years since the terror attacks at the World Trade Center in NYC ...

The back to school season is upon us and all this month, content on the "Family Facts" program from The Heritage Foundation focuses on the relationship between family structure and educational achievement levels.

Heritage research shows that from elementary through high school, students from intact families tend to do better in school.

The results of several studies are in: 

• Kindergartners in intact families have higher average reading scores
• Children age 3-12 who live in intact families have higher average math scores
• Children age 7-10 who live in continuously intact families tend to score higher on reading achievement tests
• 9^{th ...}

These days I'm reflecting how much has changed through the years . . . and, conversely, how little has changed.  As my oldest turns 18 this month, I recall what the world was like in 1993 and what it's like today. 

Then:  The year Rachel was born, Intel introduced the Pentium Processor, Beanie Babies were launched and Sleepless in Seattle was a box office hit.  I was a young mother anxious for guidance on how to raise a little girl and reading The Strong Willed Child by Dr. James Dobson.

Now:  I use an iPad.  My youngest has WebKinzs -- plush toys ...

It's almost time for the warm breezes of summer to die down and for the leaves of fall to start changing. And, that means the start of a great season for Elizabeth George and the ministry of "A Woman After God's Own Heart".

In September, Elizabeth will engage the First Baptist Church in Branson, MO and Calvary Church in Charlotte, NC in fellowship and wise discernment. And, September marks the launch of Elizabeth's new book,"Raising A Daughter After God's Own Heart".

Says Elizabeth on writing the book, "I kept my diaries, journals, and prayer notebooks ...

I grew up in a very good home with loving, supportive parents who praised us when we did well and disciplined us when we needed it most.  They took our family to church every Sunday and on vacations once a year.  They taught us a strong work ethic. We didn't have a lot of stuff, just the basic necessities, but we never felt deprived.  In every respect, they did the best to raise their family with the resources they had.

I was pondering that when I was auditioning an upcoming "FamilyLife Today" broadcast and heard Bob Lepine ask, "Who ...

Throughout my life, I've been blessed to be around some pretty incredible women who have served as godly mentors.  First, my mom, followed by an older sister and others in my church growing up, all invested in my life at an early age, providing me with a strong foundation in the Lord.  A recent visit with a former mentor of mine in college caused me to reflect on how blessed I've been, being surrounded by such faithful, godly women who are committed to investing in the next generation.

And, then there is Nancy Leigh DeMoss who mentors women ...