Category Archives: Parenting

Big Picture Parenting

by Christina Fox, in category Parenting

SHEA PATRICK|GUEST

Lately, it seems I am often at wit’s end in my parenting. We have five children in the home between the ages of 8 and 13, and many days it is a struggle to keep my head above water. In the midst of this chaos, I have found that an understanding of covenant theology—the big picture of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness to His children— provides real gospel hope for parents just like me.

These three specific truths have anchored my mind and heart:

God has not left me alone; he is with me.

I often feel crushed by the weight of the responsibility of parenting these children God has placed in my family. I desperately want to make the best decisions for them. Fortunately, I can rest in the fact that these children are the Lord’s; he loves them and is more committed to them than even my husband and I are! Even more, the promises God made to Abraham apply to my family because we are part of the covenant family.

In Genesis 17:7, God promises “And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.” Through my union with Christ, this promise is extended to me as well. As Paul wrote in Galatians, “if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise” (3:29). What this means practically is that God walks with me as I parent my kids— as I try to address the needs that arise moment by moment. He does so as my Father, parenting my own heart as I then seek to parent my children. My elder brother, Jesus, is an ever-present friend and intercedes for me in my weakness and failures. The Spirit is at work in me, transforming and changing my heart even as he works in my own children’s hearts…

E-119 Gospel Friends Roundtable Edition Carols of Christmas with Vanessa Hawkins, Ronjanett Taylor, B.A. Snider, Robin Stevens, & Sherry Lanier

by Cami Summers, in category Bible Study, Christmas, Discipleship, Encouragement, Faith, God's Word, Homemaking, Motherhood, Parenting, Podcast, Reading, Relationships, Rest, Theology, Worship
Gospel Friends Roundtable Edition Carols of Christmas with Vanessa Hawkins, Ronjanett Taylor, B.A. Snider, Robin Stevens, Sherry Lanier Christmas Carols offer us the invitation to renew our hearts in the wonder of the gospel. Join Karen Hodge and her Gospel friends, Vanessa Hawkins, Ronjanett Taylor, B.A. Snider, Robin Stevens and Sherry Lanier, as they speak… Read More

E-118 Living Life in Between the First and Second Advent with Winfree Brisley

by Cami Summers, in category Bible Study, Christmas, Discipleship, Encouragement, Faith, God's Word, Homemaking, Motherhood, Parenting, Podcast, Reading, Relationships, Rest, Theology, Worship
Living Life in Between the First and Second Advent with Winfree Brisley How do we find hope and joy while living in the struggle of the now and not yet? Join Winfree Brisley and Karen Hodge as they remind us that because God fulfilled His promises before, and He's continuing to fulfill them now, we… Read More

E-117 Little Hearts Prepare Him Room with Holly Mackle

by Cami Summers, in category Bible Study, Christmas, Discipleship, Encouragement, Faith, God's Word, Homemaking, Motherhood, Parenting, Podcast, Reading, Relationships, Rest, Theology, Worship
Little Hearts Prepare Him Room with Holly Mackle In the midst of the hurry and scurry of the Advent season, how do you best prepare your heart to meet Christ? Join Holly Mackle and Karen Hodge as they discuss both theologically rich and tremendously fun ways to celebrate Advent with your family.   About the… Read More

E-115 Gospel Friends Roundtable Edition: 2020 Wisdom Gained about Finances, Family, Faith and Finiteness with Chris Zurbach, Cedar Wang, Meaghan May & CB Campano

by Cami Summers, in category Bible Study, Community, Discipleship, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Word, Identity, Leadership, Mentoring, Pandemic, Parenting, Podcast, Prayer, Reading, Relationships, Sanctification, Spiritual Disciplines, Suffering, Theology, Thought Life, Wisdom, Womanhood
Gospel Friends Roundtable Edition: 2020 Wisdom Gained about Finances, Family, Faith and Finiteness with Chris Zurbach, Cedar Wang, Meaghan May & CB Campano On today’s episode, Karen sits down with a group of gospel friends: Chris Zurbach, Meaghan May, Cedar Wang, and CB Campano, to talk about the Wisdom God has given them during the… Read More

E-111 Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability with Steph Hubach

by Cami Summers, in category Community, Discipleship, Leadership, Ministry, Mission, Motherhood, Parenting, Podcast, Relationships, The Church, The Gospel
Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability with Steph Hubach Have you ever longed to come alongside a family who is being shaped by disability but you just were not sure how to take steps toward meaningful engagement with them? Join Stephanie Hubach and Karen Hodge as they discuss how to think… Read More

The School of Sovereignty: Heart Preparation for an Uncertain School Year

by Christina Fox, in category Parenting

Honestly, when I was asked to write this post, the first thought that came to mind was, “I am an unlikely person to write an encouraging article about going back to school.”

I prefer the predictable. I am quite uncomfortable in the unknown. I still order chicken nuggets with a coke “no ice” at restaurants because chicken nuggets with a coke “no ice” was what I ordered at fast food restaurants as a child. I seldom swim in oceans, lakes, or rivers because I am not exactly certain which creatures may be swimming near my feet. I struggle when I cannot see every nook and cranny of the waters in which I am swimming.

So, now you know my secrets and why I am an unlikely author for this post. I would rather live everyday like it was Groundhog Day—again. When it comes to uncertainty in my life, there is a gospel gap between my theology and the way I live in the unknown.

As a mom to four elementary-aged children, God is inviting me into a season of uncertainty. Like many of you, I will be swimming in all the unknowns that come with a new school year during the global pandemic.    

Here are some promises I am intentionally massaging into my heart as I learn and grow to trust God in the school of His sovereignty.

The Gap Is Filled

The gospel gap between what I know and how I live is filled by Jesus. He has already filled the gap; I just fail to remember His power is the only thing that sustains my every breath and stills my every storm…

Raising Children in a Success Obsessed World

by Christina Fox, in category Parenting

High school graduation is a wonderful high point in a teen’s life. Even after 22 years of teaching, I am always amazed at the transformation four years brings in the life of my students. But this year, as I watched them cross that stage, I was both impressed and bothered.

Looking for Success in all the Wrong Places

After the valedictorians gave their speeches, and those who were given the highest awards were announced, the students were then announced in this manner, “Sally Johnson, graduating with high honors. Graduating with honors, Joseph Brown….” As I listened to their familiar names, I started to question how we as a culture measure success. According to this ceremony, success is based on grades and advanced classes. But what of that student who is the first to graduate in his family?  The one who persevered despite homelessness, lack of home support, substance abuse, financial strain, or family obligations? What about those who overcame obstacles of disabilities, whether it be physical, mental, or academic? Indeed, our culture’s definition of success seems narrow and is far different from how the Bible views success.

Our culture pursues being the best. And parents ready their children to be the best at a young age. Children attend expensive preschools to prepare them for the highest rated elementary schools. They often participate in multiple extra-curricular activities a week, attend exclusive camps, have specialized tutors—all to rise above the rest and be considered “a success.” The rise of social media only fuels this drive for success as parents share all their children’s accomplishments online for the all world to see.

Success in the Bible

But despite this “look-at-me” world, God has a different view of success. In 1 Samuel, God sends Samuel to anoint Israel’s next king. He tells Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance . . For the Lord sees not as a man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7)…

E: 101 Strategic Season: Parenting in the Teen Years with Kristen Hatton

by Cami Summers, in category Discipleship, Encouragement, Faith, Motherhood, Parenting, Podcast, Relationships, Teens, Theology
Strategic Season: Parenting in the Teen Years with Kristen Hatton Do you ever wish there was a formula for parenting, especially when it comes to the teen years? Join Kristen Hatton and host Karen Hodge as they discuss the freedom that comes when we acknowledge our children belong to God and He uses the parent… Read More

E: 96 Where Have all the Children Gone? Comforting Parents in Pain with Jane Anne Wilson

by Cami Summers, in category Discipleship, Encouragement, Faith, Motherhood, Parenting, Podcast, Relationships, Teens, Theology
Where Have all the Children Gone? Comforting Parents in Pain with Jane Anne Wilson Have you been touched by the disappointment and grief of a wayward child? Join Jane Anne Wilson and host Karen Hodge as they remind us of our Perfect Parent's unrelenting and pursuing love for wayward children such as ourselves.   About… Read More