Are you ready for back-to-school? Whether you are mourning or celebrating the end of summer, here’s a few practical tips to help you make the transition a little smoother: 1. Create a “launch pad” near the entrance/exit of your home. This is where backpacks, important papers, keys and necessary items for work and school can be […]

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Recently, Karis Kimmel Murray, Creative Director at Family Matters and author of, Grace Based Discipline: How to Be at Your Best When Your Kids are at Their Worst, sat down to chat with Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine on Family Life Today. Three episodes will air, one each day, July 31-August 2. Check your local […]

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We’re already busy, but being busy doesn’t exempt any of us from serving beyond our own family and comfort level. We’re not trying to send anyone on a guilt trip, but when others see that we can serve when we have so many limitations already caring for one (or more) with needs, they see what […]

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This post is an excerpt from the book Basic Training for a Few Good Men, by Dr. Tim Kimmel. ******************************************************************************************** I stood on the edge of the floating memorial spanning the deck of the USS Arizona and tried to imagine how horrifying it must have been that Sunday morning back in 1941 when the Japanese fighter […]

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Q: This grace-based, grace-filled relationships concept sounds good and well if you are gentle-tempered (like you, Tim), but how do you have a good argument in the grace-based model if you are prone to discuss your point or position in a fairly loud manner i.e. yelling and raising your voice? A: There is nothing in […]

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Editor’s note: This is the second of a multi-part post about the importance of special needs parents hosting family meetings. (Even if you don’t have a family member with special needs, this advice is helpful.)  Begin by reading Part 1 and learn about the benefits of regular family meetings. In this article, special needs mom […]

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Dear Parents, Now more than ever, there are endless opportunities vying for our kids’ time. School and homework is enough to fill a schedule, let alone sports, clubs and extra-curricular activities. As a veteran mom and a youth group leader, I’m writing this open letter to plead with parents to prioritize church youth group for your […]

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We felt like our family unit needed “check ups” from time to time…

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The late David Foster Wallace is famous for the following anecdote: There were two young fish swimming side-by-side in the ocean. An older, seasoned fish came swimming towards them from the opposite direction. As he passed, he asked, “How’s the water?” and then swam on. The two young fish glided along for a while and […]

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 Have you prayed for a miracle in the life of your child with special needs? Have you anguished with God for the next step of accomplishment for your child waiting for them to become the typical child for whom you’re praying? Have you begged teachers and aides to put your child in a “particular” class […]

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