Sticks And Stones And Broken Hearts

Today, let's talk about words, bullying, and hope.
continue >

Can You Honor Mom If You Can't Get Along?

If it's hard for you to express love to your mom this Mother's Day, here are a few points to ponder.
continue >

The Words Of A Groom On His Wedding Day

It is possible to be a virgin at twenty-seven. It's possible to do that ... and it's beneficial too.
continue >

Walking With The Wise

Who you're hanging out with can be an indicator of where you're destined to end up.
continue >

Best Of: Have You Been Hurt By A Leaving Youth Pastor?

It's great to have an awesome youth pastor. But it's important to realize they are not your connection to God.
continue >

Best Of: What Is True Friendship?

What makes a good friend? I challenge you to focus more on being a friend than having the right friends.
continue >

I Am Nothing Like My Mom

You may think you're nothing like your mom. Truth is, you are more like her than you would even like to admit.
continue >

Forgiving Him

So what should you do if you've been hurt by a guy, even if he won't even acknowledge his mistakes?

Completely Ignored

Showing genuine interest in others by listening to what others have to say is definitely a lost art. Do you and your friends show genuine interest in the person talking? Do you sit quietly making eye contact with the friend who has the floor?
continue >

An Ugly Secret About Friendships, Part 2

We spend so much time focusing on tweaking our image and worrying about the opinions of others that we lose sight of what really matters. What if our image and reputation were entangled in who He is instead?
continue >

An Ugly Secret About Friendships, Part 1

Where does this need to measure up come from—this need to feel like we are pretty enough or skinny enough or whatever it is that keeps us locked in insecurity? Sometimes this insecurity manifests into an unspoken competition between women that threatens to rot friendships. But what if this competition dissolved in light of our sisterhood in Christ?
continue >

Wisdom From A Young Married Woman

As I've observed my friend's Christ-centered marriage and selfless love, I wanted to know how I as a single woman could better prepare myself to selflessly love my own husband one day.
continue >

He's Just Like My Brother . . . Or Is He?

Looking back on the guy friends I had from high school, I would say many times, "he's just like a brother," when deep in my heart I knew that he wasn't.
continue >

Are Cliques Killing Your Mission?

Cliques can be intimidating. You know the group of girls in the corner giggling and sharing fun stories—yeah, that group ... they're intimidating! That is why we, as Christians, need to be intentionally mindful of our surroundings and the opportunities to include others in our lives.
continue >

Is God Just Like My Father?

Matthew 7 tells us that we can trust our heavenly Father like we've learned to trust our earthly dads. But what should we do if that analogy gets broken?
continue >

Winning The Bread (And Clothes And Roof And . . .) With Integrity

Thank you for your example of hard, honest labor. I've learned that work needs to be done and, more importantly, done well. Also, I know that God rewards integrity, because He's blessed you for your truthful business.

continue >

You're The Kind Of Man I Want To Marry

If there is something I have realized this Father's Day, it is that I do not tell you nearly enough how great of a dad you are, how important and special you are to me, or how much I care about you.

continue >

Spider-Killing, Math-Explaining Reflection Of Jesus

You've done so much for me, such as killing all those spiders, helping with those horrid math problems that only made sense when you explained them, taking me out to eat and shopping on our daddy/daughter nights, and encouraging me on to purity. I can't say thank you enough for the wonderful dad that you have been to me.

continue >

Driving Nails To Kill

I wasn't surprised to read that not all of you were interested in our recent challenge to write your dad a tribute. Some pain runs too deep. If you can relate, I challenge you this Father's Day season not to write your dad a tribute, but to choose to forgive him. Not for your dad's sake, but for your own.
continue >

From the Archives: But What About Stepdads?

We hope you're making plans to bless your dad this coming Sunday, but we recognize that for some of you, Father's Day is ... complicated. That's because you have a stepdad. I know from experience that having stepparents can be tough, but it's important to honor your stepdad, too. Here's why.
continue >

Goodbye, Superhuman Dad!

Have you ever had an authority figure in your life majorly flub it? I'd dare say . . . yes. Because no matter how great your dad is, he's human, a sinner, and imperfect. But the good news for you is that you have a Father and Husband who always does what's best for you . . .
continue >

You Want Me To Write My Dad What?!

Father's Day is just around the corner, and I have the perfect gift idea for you! Watch this short video to hear all the details of how you can bless your dad, help yourself, be featured on this blog, AND win a free book—all at the same time! 
continue >

When Your Parents Say NO

Are your parents saying no when everyone else's parents are saying yes? If so, I know how you feel. It's hard stuff. Your parents will answer to God for the way they parented. But you will answer to God, too, for how you responded to your parents' decisions. It's a big deal to Him!
continue >

What To Do If Prom Turns Sour . . .

It may happen that you will go to prom with plans for a fun night, beautiful dress, and happy memories, and find yourself in a situation where you are tempted or pressured to compromise. What then? Look for the way out. It's there. I promise. Well, actually, God promises!
continue >

Planning For A Pure Prom Night!

Prom is a night when curfews are lifted, inhibitions are often abandoned, and romance is in the air. All of that can create the perfect storm that can lead prom-going couples to compromise in the area of purity.
continue >

No Ordinary Week

This week marks the most significant events that history has ever seen. And yet, for most of us, Easter will look very ordinary, except for the addition of some new dresses, Easter baskets, and sugary treats. But it doesn't have to be this way.
continue >

A List Of Prayers For Your Future Husband

As a single girl, have you ever thought about the fact that your future husband is out in the world living and breathing? He could be out on a ranch in Texas or sitting in Starbucks drinking a mocha or in class listening to his professor. So what can you do to help your future husband?
continue >

My Annoying Younger Sister . . . And The Evil Ogre Sister!

To this day, my sister and I would probably both tell you that the Cabbage Patch Kid with the brown eyes was ours (not the Cabbage Patch Kid with the blue eyes!). That one was a constant source of angst between us.
continue >

A Beautiful Love Story

"He first saw her at one of my Pure Freedom purity retreats for teen guys and girls. I guess you could say it was love at first sight. Before he met her, he loved her. And he made plans to win her heart. But Stephanie’s heart had been wooed by her Savior long before Wes stepped onto the scene . . ."
continue >

The Golden Rule Is Tarnished

We want friends, but we don't know where to find them. We have friends, but we don't know how to really connect. We lose friends, and it's hard to understand why. It's enough to make a girl want to throw in the towel and give up on friendships all together.

But ... then we look at Jesus. There are so many places in God's Word where Jesus shows us the value of relationships with others.
continue >

Four Friends Every Girl Needs

Should we accept being lonely or do something about it? I vote for option B. In fact, I want to encourage you to do the hard work (and it is hard work to find new friends) to create an inner circle with each of these four types of friends
continue >

I'm Lonely, Too

As I've given voice to my own desire for deep friendships, I've uncovered an unexpected epidemic. Girls everywhere, many of whom are surrounded by friends, feel largely alone and disconnected. So what's a lonely girl to do?
continue >

What To Do With A Mentor

Learning from a mentor doesn't have to look like a weekly appointment at Starbucks. In fact, mentoring is at it's best when two people weave their relationship into the fabric of their everyday, normal lives.
continue >

The Secret To Being A Great Wife And Mom

If you don't have wifedom and motherhood all figured out yet, that doesn't mean you're not cut out for that path. When it comes to these vital roles, we all need great teachers. The Bible tells us that those teachers should be other Christian women.
continue >

A Toast To The Best Valentine's Day Yet!

I'd like to propose a toast. Grab a can of Pepsi, some hot chocolate, your Nalgene bottle—any beverage nearby will do—and let's drink to . . . the best Valentine's Day yet!
continue >

A Formula For Pleasing the Lord

Does God care if you honor your parents? Does it please Him when you do? Take Bethany's Colossians 3:20 challenge and find out.

continue >

How To Talk To A Friend About Homosexuality

Last month I wrote a post specifically for those who wrestle with lesbianism. As a result of that post, I discovered that there is a whole group of you who do not struggle with homosexuality yourselves but who have friends who do and you're wondering how to talk to them.
continue >

Sixteen Ways to Improve Your Relationship With Your Parents

To some degree, tension between parents and kids is a normal part of the teenage years, but just because it's normal doesn't mean it's best for you or your parents. Here are sixteen resolutions for teenagers from Pastor John Piper that you can put into practice today to improve your relationship with your parents.
continue >

Hope For The Bullies

I doubt that any of us would actually label ourselves as bullies. No one sets out to be the mean girl at their school, church, or home. Even so, I bet there are some of you who are the source of pain, rejection, or violence in the lives of someone else.
continue >

Hope For The Bullied

If you feel picked on, misunderstood, tormented, or ignored, you are in good company. Jesus Himself endured these very things, and His Word is not silent on your circumstances. In fact, the Bible is chock-full of words of hope and encouragement just for you.
continue >

The Bare Facts: How Far Is Too Far?

Have you ever thought purity would be a lot easier to attain if the Bible clearly said, "Here is exactly how far you can go physically and remain pure"? Does it seem that if God drew a hard line in the sand, it would make it easier for you to know how to behave?
continue >

The Bare Facts: Why Are God And the Bible So Negative About Sex?

When it comes to God's view of sex, many people, including Christians, have mistaken God's serious approach to the subject to be negativity toward the subject. God does take sex very seriously. But the picture He gives of sexuality is more intense, vibrant and well ... sexy ... than the view taught by the culture.
continue >

Taking Your Questions About S-E-X

We live in a culture where sex is everywhere and purity has lost its meaning, leaving young women just like you to face tremendous sexual temptation without an understanding of God's truth on the subject.
continue >

For A Lifetime, Part 2

So often we as young people have visions and dreams that are so exciting they make us lose sleep and do all kinds of crazy things. It's the nature of the beast. These early years in our lives will define who we are for the rest of our days here on earth.
continue >

For A Lifetime

I can't quite get the image out of my head of the elderly couple sitting across from each other holding hands at the restaurant last night. Maybe I'm sentimental. Maybe I'm a little emotional. Or maybe it just reminds of a deeper truth.
continue >

How To Get Your Parents' Trust Back

If you're one of those girls who has been walking on eggshells around a couple of suspicious parents, here's how you can get their trust back. Ready?
continue >

Uncompromising: Three Ways To Have Better Friendships

So you go to the movies together. You have sleepovers. You paint each other's nails. How could it get better? Well, it can. Because that friendship isn't just for entertainment. It's there to help you grow.
continue >

How I Lost My Parents' Trust

That verse in Numbers 32:23: "Be sure your sin will find you out"? Well, it's true!
continue >

Why You Need A Pastor And Your Pastor Needs You

Being a pastor is a pretty big job with huge stakes. Maybe you've never considered the task God has assigned to your pastor. You may also not realize how difficult it is to lead a church.
continue >

"Boy-Crazy Girl" Video Shoot

I was trapped in a perpetual cycle of neediness, disappointment, and pain. That's why, at the age of twenty-six, I prayed a crazy prayer. If I'd have known how God would answer, I don't think I would've had the guts to pray it! 
continue >

Forgiving Our Parents

Here's a news flash: Parents aren't perfect. But I'm not interested in creating a forum for us to vent all of the ways our parents have messed up. I am interested in highlighting an important truth about the way we relate to our parents—it's our responsibility to forgive them.
continue >

I'm Committed To Purity Until . . .

I've noticed something lately among the young women we hear from here on the blog. Many of you are committed to purity—meaning you're willing to wait on God's timing for love, romance, and physical intimacy. That is until you're tested and then it seems, all too often, those plans for purity fly right out the window.
continue >

Set Free From The Need To Be Liked

The need to be liked is a common problem for girls. We have a natural, God-given desire to be pursued, loved, and wanted. We know God loves us and values us. But we often aren't satisfied with that—we want human love.

A Fresh Look At Rejection

I'm twenty-five years old and have never had a date. Why I don't know the reason, what is clear to me is that the Lord, for a reason only He knows, has guarded my heart and emotions from any boy. He is building in me something beautiful and is sanctifying me through and through and molding me into the woman I am to be one day to my future husband.
continue >

Born This Way: Do we need relationships?

We were all born with a need to connect through relationships. In other words, we can't do it alone. That's the bad news. The good news is that God has a plan to meet this inherent need.

continue >

A Lesson on Becoming an Affirmer

I've heard it said that it takes seven compliments to undo a single criticism. If that's true, we should be complimenting others-a lot. Honestly, this is an area where I need a lot of work. So I decided to pick the brain of someone who makes a habit of complimenting others.

continue >

Loving—Then Hating—That Guy

Have you ever found yourself hating the very guy you were obsessed with just a couple weeks before? I have.
continue >

Arousing and Awakening Love . . . Some Other Day!

Recently, I read through the Song of Solomon. It tells the red-hot, passionate love story of a king and his new bride—not exactly what you expected to read in the Bible, I'm guessing. What surprised me most was that this lovesick bride urgently warns her girlfriends over and over not to arouse or awaken love until it so desires (until it's time). Why would she want them to be so careful when she had found such an incredible gift? I wondered.
continue >

Boyfriends vs. Boy Friends

The older I get, the more people inform me that I can't "just" be friends with a guy. They keep telling me that every guy/girl relationship has an underlying current of romance. While I'll agree that a relationship can easily turn that way, I don't think that all relationships are destined to do so.
continue >

Why did God give you siblings?

Our culture touts sibling rivalry as "normal" and says that friends, not siblings, are the natural choice for support. But does that line up with God's plan?
continue >

Truth and Lies About Marriage

Marriage, like everything else, is an "empty box" in the end. It wasn't meant to satisfy our heart's greatest longings.
continue >

Relationships Are On Our Mind

God created us to be drawn to the opposite sex, and marriage is an incredible covenant designed for our holiness and God's glory. But the catechism does not say that the chief end of man is marriage. It says that our goal should be to glorify God and enjoy Him forever—and yet we often operate exactly as if the former were true.
continue >

Why are girls fighting?

Girls are fighting, and their friends are recording it. It's an alarming trend, which brings me back to you. What should you do if you get into an altercation with a friend that makes you mad enough to want to throw punches?
continue >

Hope When Relationships End

Think of one person who has walked into your life and touched your heart. Suddenly, due to death, distance, or a broken relationship, this special person is no longer there. You feel torn and lost. Why did God take this dear person from you?
continue >

Why I Won't Pursue a Guy (Part 3)

Probably my favorite question ever to ask married people is, "How did you get together?" I would be content to just sit and listen to their stories for days, months, even years! Someday, you and I will have a story, too. Really! It will either be a story of regret ("Here's how I took control in order to secure what I thought I wanted"), or a story of awe, joy, and triumph ("Look at what God did . . . all on His own, without my help!")

Why I Won't Pursue a Guy (Part 2)

Last week I decided to sit down and write out the reasons why I don't pursue guys and why I don't think other young women should, either. I loved reading your comments and want to give you more reasons to wait for a guy to pursue you. So, here goes.
continue >

Sexual Purity Means Using Protection

When we found this post by Diane Montgomery on unlockingfemininity.com, we knew we wanted to pass it on to you. It's longer than our usual posts, but stick with it. It's chock full of great insight into the issue of purity.

Friends with Benefits Scientifically Impossible

Whether you like it or not or believe it or not, you get "addicted" and "bonded" to the people you have sex with.

Keeping the Peace at Church

It is so important that we all work to be peacemakers in our church because the world is watching. If we are at odds with each other within the church walls, how can we shine like stars in the sky?

Being a Peacemaker vs. Keeping the Peace

As Christians, we shouldstrive to have peaceful friendships. But that is only half of the equation.When it comes to friendship, there is a difference between being a peacemakerand keeping the peace at all costs.

Making Peace at Home

Peace is a free gift that God gives us as His children, but it's not a gift we should keep to ourselves. God tells us to work live at peace with those around us.

The Power of Encouragement

If the effect of encouragement upon me is so profound, why aren't I utilizing this power more in the lives of others?
continue >

Hope for the Brokenhearted

If your heart is wounded, you may find that others dismiss the pain you are feeling or treat you like you're childish for feeling the way that you do. But that is not the Lord's response to your pain.
continue >

A Homework Assignment for You and Your Mom

When I was a teenager there were times when I was disrespectful to my parents despite being totally on fire for Jesus. It's something I wish I had done differently.

Do you respect your parents?

Do you treat your parents with respect? Take this quiz and find out.
continue >

Are you Miss Fix-It?

As girls, we seem made to intervene. We love to show compassion and come up with solutions. But when we feel like the problems of the whole world are ours to solve, we can end up feeling stressed, tired, and frustrated ourselves.
continue >

How important is the local church?

Does hospitality sound like it's out of the pages of your grandma's magazines? Think again.
continue >

Too young for lemonade?

Does hospitality sound like it's out of the pages of your grandma's magazines? Think again.
continue >

Breaking Up is Hard to Do

Yesterday I gave several tips for how to navigate a breakup with grace. Here are a few more points to ponder.
continue >

Ten Tips for a Good Breakup

Breakups hurt. There is something uniquely excruciating about a broken heart. I guess that's why we spend so much time urging you not to date until you are ready for marriage. We truly want to spare you the unnecessary hurt of a painful breakup. But I know that when you are in the midst of a breakup, the last thing you want to hear is "I told you so." So here are ten tips for how to navigate a romantic disappointment with grace.
continue >

A Challenge to Love on Your Family

Do you find it easy to be Christ-like to strangers at the mall but tough to show Christ’s love to your mom and dad? Do you go on mission trips to share the Gospel, but wince at the thought of sharing Jesus with your siblings? Do you give your whole heart to Jesus in worship on Sunday mornings only to throw a huge tantrum at home after church?

We’ve all been there. There’s something about our families that brings out the best and worst in each of us

Creative Ways to Bless Your Dad

How do you bless your daddy on Father’s Day?
continue >

How to Hold Your Tongue

Dwight Eisenhower once said, “Never miss a good opportunity to keep your mouth shut.”

Mark Twain said, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.”

Good advice, fellas. But not very original.

Practical Ways to Cope with Gossip

Words hurt. The words of others can leave deep wounds on our hearts, especially when they’ve been shared behind our back. Since we can’t control what others do or say, there’s no way to permanently prevent others from talking about you. But here are 5 tips; straight from God’s Word for how to handle it the next time the rumor mill starts churning out your name.   
continue >

HALT!

There’s a principle—the “HALT!” principle–that I wish I had known as a teen, and especially as a young bride. Practicing it would’ve saved me from countless conflicts, I’m sure.
continue >

Are you a mean girl?

We often hear about what to do if you're the target of a mean girl. But have you ever considered if you are the mean girl?
continue >

From the Archives: What is true friendship?

Are you wiling to shift your focus away from having more friends—and even from the drama that your current friendships may be causing—and toward becoming a true friend to others in need? What are some ways that you can begin to reach out to others around you in the spirit of true friendship?

Too many friends?

Do you have gobs of friends on Facebook but feel like there's no one you can talk to about the issues that really matter? Is it possible that you've forfeited meaningful relationships for the illusion of connectedness?


continue >

The Perks of Parents

I know that when you're under your parents' roof, their rules can feel pretty unnecessary, constricting, and down right frustrating. But God knew what He was doing when He gave us parents.

continue >

Official "Write a Note to Mom" Day

Have you taken a moment to encourage your mom lately?

continue >

Empty Promise

Take it from one who's lived it—motherhood will be the most satisfying and valuable endeavor you will ever pursue. And that isn't an empty promise!

continue >

Mothering Advice from My Mom

Since I've got motherhood on the brain this month, I decided to sit down with my own mom to get her take on being a mom. Check it out.

continue >

It's a boy!

The readers of this site have become such a huge part of my life; I couldn't wait to share my big news with you. I wish you could crowd in my living room and experience the emotions of new motherhood right along with me. 

continue >

Is your family at the sub-replacement fertility level?

God's desire for us to "be fruitful and multiply" goes beyond literally having children or even adopting children. God desires for us to bear children in order to disciple them. Making disciples of our own children (and others under our care) is a primary way to fill the whole earth with God's glory!

continue >

My Mom's Greatest Sacrifice For Me . . . Plus More

Here are several questions I asked my mom about what it was like to be a mom. I encourage you to ask your mom some of the questions here, too. 
continue >

Raising Radicals for Jesus

When you read the word "motherhood," do visions of drool and dirty diapers come to mind? You may see "motherhood" as some kind of life-sentence for losers. I want to challenge that kind of thinking.

continue >

Studying With Mom

With their Bibles open, our moms poured out the lessons they'd learned over the years. Sharing their hearts, they recalled past experiences and reflected on how God worked in their lives. I was amazed to find the very same feelings and struggles that I am going through have been present in the life of my mother or one of the other moms.

continue >

Powerful Women

If you study the history of feminism, much of the rhetoric centers around women's sense of powerlessness or the perception that they have less "power" than men. But is that an accurate perception?
continue >

I'm Having a Baby

As I spend my time folding tiny clothes and prepping my polka dot nursery, I can barely wait for my little bundle to arrive. I only know one word to describe how I'm feeling—blessed.

continue >

Can colors make guys stumble?

Following God's standards means realizing that the words we say matter, even when they seem like just good fun.

Lexi and Autumn turn 16!

I'm planning a huge birthday bash for November 20. It's a 16th birthday party for both Lexi (the daughter of my womb) and Autumn (the daughter of my heart). They turn sixteen within two months of each other. And sometimes being sisters that close in age—one a birth child and another adopted—gets crazy! 

Confessions of a Pastor's Wife

If you've been following the blog at all this month, you've probably realized that I love the church. But lean in close, I want to tell you a little secret—I haven't always felt this way.

What does the church look like beyond your backdoor?

I'm sure you realize that Christians live all over the world, and you probably already know the church didn't start here and isn't contained to the lower 48. But have you taken the time to consider how God is using the church worldwide?

Will you be a statistic?

I have to admit was once a church dropout. I was among the 94 percent of teenagers who loved Jesus but ditched His church shortly after my high school graduation. In fact, I didn't attend church regularly or seek a church home for more than three years. As I look back on that season of churchlessness and as I consider ways to encourage you to make a different choice, I think it's helpful to think through the reasons why I left.

Church Shopping

In our fluid society, I realize that you may have to choose a new church several times in your life. What sorts of things should you look for when you're "church shopping"?

What role should your youth pastor play in your faith?

Many would like it if their youth pastor was more like a vending machine. You put in a quarter, and you get out whatever it is you think you need at the time. But it is not like that.

Have you been hurt by a leaving youth pastor?

As I interviewed many young women for research for Lies Young Women Believe, nothing evoked a more emotional response than the topic of youth pastors who leave. 

Shop with me with October 23–24!

On October 23–24, I'm going shopping. And I'm taking 22,000 friends with me!

Remember who fills the lamps

God has ordained and established the Church as His plan to carry and to shine the light of Christ into the darkness of this world. His goal is for the Church to fulfill God's purpose in the world. And the Church is to be part of that plan moving toward the consummation of God's eternal redemptive program.

Who's holding our churches?

Tragically, many believers today are walking away from the Church. To walk away from the Church is to walk away from Christ and from what He is doing in the world today.

Can you love Christ and not love the Church?

Have you ever considered whether or not it is possible to love Jesus and not love His church? It is certainly a question worth asking.

Are you playing church whack-a-mole?

I know your churches aren't perfect. Neither is mine. God knows that too and yet He calls her His bride.

Should I leave?

Whether or not you're currently disheartened with your church leadership, at some point in your life you'll be tempted to criticize their decisions. When that time comes, this letter from Nancy should help.

What are your Facebook pics communicating?

You probably would say, "I'd NEVER wear that immodest shirt!" And I believe you. But what message do your profile pictures on Facebook send?

Meet Mrs. Jesus

Have you met Jesus' wife? Oh, I bet you have. You just might not have realized that they were hitched.

LYWB goes digital!

You are a vital part of the body of Christ. Just like eyes and ears and hands and feet serve a vital function in the human body, you serve a vital function in the church.

Why the Church Needs You

You are a vital part of the body of Christ. Just like eyes and ears and hands and feet serve a vital function in the human body, you serve a vital function in the church.

Why do you need the church?

Attending church doesn't make you a Christian any more than attending a sporting event makes you an athlete. But is it wise to try to live out your Christian faith without being a part of a church body?

Never Lose the Wonder

How do we keep from losing the wonder of belonging to Christ's universal—and local—church?  

The Cost of Choosing Not to Forgive

If we choose to ignore God's command to forgive others freely, are we the ones most likely to be hurt? Will we inevitably become hard and cold? Can unforgiveness impact our health?

Are you an entitled servant?

It's fairly easy for us to counsel others to forgive, but if we are the ones who must choose forgiveness the choice is rarely easy to make.

Is there a forest growing in your heart?

How many of you would admit that there is someone you have not forgiven? How many of you are bitter because you feel unable to let an offense (or series of offenses) go?

Dear Parent Hater

God is still a worker of miracles! He can—and wants—to change your heart and reconcile your relationship so that you actually love the parents you currently want to wish off the face of this planet.

More Biblical Guidelines for Dealing with Stepparents

Yesterday I presented three biblical guidelines for dealing with stepparents. Here are three more principles straight from God's Word for navigating the trials of a blended family.
continue >

Biblical Guidelines for Dealing with Stepparents

If you're locked in a battle with your stepparent, you might feel like I'm preaching to the choir. You likely already know, all too well, that relationships with stepparents are difficult to navigate. You need to know what to do about it.

continue >

Being Part of a Blended Family

There are a lot of hurt kids who struggle to pick up the pieces of their parents' divorce, especially after their parents have moved on to another marriage. If that's where you are, I want to offer you hope.

continue >

A Kissing Challenge

I wonder if I could issue a kissing challenge to you? It's  not for the faint of heart. (And relax moms who are peeping in ... you will most likely approve!)

continue >

Are parents always right?

Believing the lie that because you submit your parents should always make the right decisions can lead to a heap of heartache. Expecting them to never falter, never fail, never lose their cool, never make a decision on impulse, or never choose poorly isn't realistic. 
continue >

Does submission equal silence?

Being submissive to your parents doesn't mean that you become a mindless robot. It doesn't mean that you loose your voice. It doesn't mean that you never have the right to express another opinion.
continue >

The Permission Slip Google Gives that Jesus Doesn't

Scripture doesn't make exceptions for teens. You don't get a separate set of rules just because your hormones are raging. And especially when it comes to the way you relate to your parents, there is no biblical free pass for rebellion.
continue >

How To Respond to Parents When You Don't Agree with Their Decisions

Honoring our parents can be really tough, especially when we don't agree with our parents' decisions or rules. But check out this great advice from Nancy and Dannah …
continue >

What does your cell phone company say about your parents?

Does it seem like your parents are using rules to wreak havoc on your life? Do they have the right to enforce boundaries for you even as you grow into a teenager, then young woman, then adult?
continue >

How to Confront a Friend, Part 2

There's gobs of evidence in Scripture that how we approach our friends with their sin is of great consequence to God and to our relationships.

continue >

How to Confront a Friend

If confrontation is necessary, how should we proceed? God clearly knows that relationships can get messy, and He graciously gives us clear instructions in His Word for how to confront our Christian brothers and sisters.
continue >

Three More Checkpoints to Pass Before Confronting a Friend

While healthy friendships are grounded in more good times than bad, even besties will occasionally find themselves in conflict. That's normal, but it can be confusing to know when it's a good idea to confront our friends and when to keep our mouths shut.

continue >

When To Confront a Friend

While healthy friendships are grounded in more good times than bad, even besties will occasionally find themselves in conflict. That's normal, but it can be confusing to know when it's a good idea to confront our friends and when to keep our mouths shut.

continue >

Saying Goodbye to a Friendship

If you are in any kind of relationship that’s hurting you or weighing you down, it might be time to move on.

continue >

Who's holding you accountable?

We've focused on the topic of friendship this month. But I'm not done yet! There's another area where I'd like you to be intentional about your relationships this month …

continue >

Meet My Mentor

Through many moves and changes, my mentor's consistent godly guidance has made a huge difference in my life. In fact, my relationship with her has been my primary inspiration to constantly seek to mentor others.

continue >

Be a Mentor

Having Christian friends is awesome. But there are unique lessons to be learned by women who have already walked the miles you have not.


continue >

Get a Mentor

Having Christian friends is awesome. But there are unique lessons to be learned by women who have already walked the miles you have not.


continue >

Are you being bullied at school?

Bullying is really magnified in the first few weeks of school as the pecking order is being established. Let's talk about it, beause it's a subject that God has a lot to say about . . .

continue >

The "Be a Good Friend" Challenge

It's critical to understand that friendship is an opportunity to love and serve others rather than having others love and serve you. But it doesn't mean much if you don't put that truth into practice.

continue >

A Pity Party Confession

To truly see friendship as a means to love on others instead of stroking our egos or filling our calendars is radical and wonderful
continue >

Should Christians befriend non-Christians?

While it's true that we can influence non-Christians positively by reaching out to them and being good friends, it's also true that such friendships have the power to influence us as well.
continue >

Can guys and girls be just friends? Part 2

I think it’s great to have guy friends, but only for the right reasons and with the right motives.
continue >

Can guys and girls be just friends?

I can't say all girl/guy friendships are a great idea, and I can't say that they're all a mistake. But God's Word does provide some interesting insight into this topic.
continue >

A Friendship Check-up

Before we dig in too deep to this topic, I want us to take a quick friendship check-up. 
continue >

The Father's Day Card Hallmark Didn't Print

No matter what our experience with our earthly dad has been, we have a Father who is good and can be trusted.


continue >

You've Got a Date

How can you understand what God's plan for marriage looks like if you never see it lived out? I think I have a solution for you.
continue >

The Secrets to a Great Relationship with Your Mom

Lexi Gresh shares the secrets to maintaining a great relationship with her mom.
continue >

Introducing Lexi Gresh!

Meet our newest blogger, Lexi Gresh.
continue >

Will You Be a Truth Speaker This Year?

As I think about my resolutions for this year, my thoughts keep circling back to one key charge—be a Truth speaker. Sure I’d like to shed a few pounds, stay more organized, eat better, sleep more…but, if I am going to commit to focus my efforts in a direction that truly matters, I want it to be in the area of knowing and proclaiming God’s Truth.
continue >

A "double-minded" quiz

“Scene 1: It’s ten o’clock on Sunday morning. Sadie bounces from person to person as church is about to begin. She hugs everyone and smiles. She races toward the door when she sees Corrie, the youth pastor’s wife, who is planning this weekend’s youth retreat. She hugs her and tells her how “psyched” she is for it and that she’s really ready for a “God encounter.” She thanks her for planning it and races off to hug another needy heart. Sadie has a strong spiritual gift of mercy. She knows it and she loves using it.

Scene 2: It’s ten o’clock on Sunday night. Sadie is parked in front of her laptop where she’s been for the last hour. Right now she’s I.M.-ing with Jake. First they talk about how “face” Corrie is. Then, the conversation gets a little sexual. Jake says he’d like to take her virginity away from her, but he’s just not sure. After all, she’s the pastor’s daughter. What would he think? Sadie says it’s none of her dad’s business.

Will the real Sadie please stand up?” (Lies Young Women Believe, 103).
continue >

Nancy Talks About Discretion

Nancy helps us understand that what we say matters! I know that this can be a difficult truth, but it is so important for us to grasp. In what way have you seen the destructive power of words in your own life? Do you sense that the Lord is asking you to change a specific way that you communicate with others? I’d love to hear about it.
continue >

I am my own authority

This week I want to dig into a lie that honestly, tends to be rather unpopular among young women (and young men). To be honest, it is an area where I continue to struggle. It is also an area where believing lies can be particularly disastrous.

Are you ready for it? I think we should talk about authority.
continue >

What is true friendship?

I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was in the seventh grade. I had just dialed in the combination to my locker when an avalanche occurred. Someone had filled my locker to the brim with hygiene products. When I opened the locker, it triggered the avalanche and several bottles of soap and shampoo spilled out into the hallway. As if that wasn’t embarrassing enough, the culprits had included a note that pointed out that I “stunk” and suggested that I use the “gifts” they’d given me to take a shower. I was humiliated. I wanted to run. I wanted to hide. I swore I was never coming back to seventh grade.

It turns out that the shampoo bandits were my “friends.” While it’s true that the hormonal changes of puberty may have left me less than shower fresh, their tactic for dealing with it was less than friendly. In fact, it was down right mean.
continue >