Languages of Love

There’s a well known book by Gary Chapman called The Five Love Languages that gives great insight into how people uniquely give and receive love. It’s eye opening to learn about how you and your spouse may differ in your needs and expressions of feelings and can provide great conversations leading to growth in your relationship. There's a version of this book specifically about children and after reading it with some friends, we all discovered a little more about our kids and how best to love them in their own languages...

Doing Life Together

After a recent conversation with a friend who was struggling with feeling isolated, I was reminded again about the intentionality it takes to be part of a real community. She's taking the step to look for ways to connect and it is a big challenge for her. I was so impressed by that and realized that for some people, it's just a natural part of the way they live. For others, it's a steep hill to climb that seems overwhelming and maybe not even worth it. There are all types of communities in our lives and benefits to each, but I believe that having other parents as friends and resources is a huge factor in our day to day journey.


A community isn't working out at a gym and seeing the same people on MWF mornings or colleagues you talk to in meetings on a regular basis. The other mom who helps you plan the classroom party may not count either.   If everyone you encounter knows you to about the same level, then you probably aren't connecting deeply enough to really call it a community. I'm talking about people who know you (the real you), can challenge you by speaking truth and build you up with encouragement. It's hard enough being a parent - doing it in isolation is so much harder...