THE AWKWARD MOM

because uncomfortable conversations are the ones worth having

Month: January 2016 (page 2 of 2)

Surprising parenting advice I can’t live without, #1

Reading Time: 4 minutes
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  1. “Teach your kids honesty about who they are.” I know that a lot of my home culture is concerned about my kids feeling good about who they are—about self-esteem. And trust me, I want to be the first to line up to cheer, The image of God in you is breathtaking. And I love seeing it grow in you. I celebrate what He is sculpting in you. But what I (attempt to) insist on in my kids is that they take responsibility for their own junk.

Ten Discussion Questions to Take Your Relationships Deeper in 2016—Set #1

Reading Time: 2 minutes

If you're looking for your relationships to wear a little less makeup and show a little more soul, try this first installment of practical tips and questions.

6 ways to take your relationships deeper in 2016, Part II

Reading Time: 2 minutes

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Click here for Part I!

  1. Tell the whole truth. Vulnerability takes so much security—first, in our vertical relationship with God. I find a direct correlation between my ability to be transparent with other people and my own humility. Honestly, I used to wait for others to pursue me as a display of their concern for me—and sometimes still do. But I need to acknowledge my own need for others to shoulder what I’m carrying (Galatians 6:1); that it’s not good for me to be alone (Genesis 2:18); that I can’t say, “I don’t need you!” to people of my choosing (1 Corinthians 12:21).  Now, Jesus had his own concentric circles of friendship–his intimate three, then twelve disciples, then 72, then the crowds. I’m not saying we trust anyone with our most intimate, painful areas. But friendship is rewarding proportional to the courage and intimacy we’re willing to extend; and the bar that Jesus set–love one another as I have loved you–is one that will take the rest of my life to pursue.

6 ways to take your relationships deeper in 2016, Part I

Reading Time: 3 minutes

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My dad, my mom jokes, has two speeds in life: full-throttle, and asleep.

I know this, because I inherited a lot of it. I am nothing if not intentional (if you’re skeptical, click the ideas page). In fact, before it was honed by some maturity and grace, I’m pretty confident I used to scare people off a bit, plunking down my lunch tray in the college cafeteria and asking people what God’s been teaching them lately. Pass the salt, would you? read more

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