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Our blog is chock-full of great articles to help you connect with your family.

26 Feb
2020

Written by: Karis Murray | Found in: Grace, Grace Based Discipline, Parenting, Resources, Teenagers | No Comments »

49 Skills Every Teen Needs Before They Graduate

As a mom of two teenage daughters, I’m aware of the fact that my kids are becoming adults and that before I know it, I’m going to help launch them […]

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29 Jul
2015

Written by: Tracey Bachert | Found in: Grace, Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

Teens & Texting

Texting, Kiking, Oovooing, or whatever the latest version is, my kids enjoy these apps that allow them to text or talk to their friends. This digital age we live in […]

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05 Jun
2015

The other woman, grace based parenting, teens, dating

Written by: Grace Based Families Staff | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

How to Keep Your Teens Busy This Summer

Most teenagers can hardly wait for their summer break to begin, only to find that they run out of “cool” things to do way too soon and then they are […]

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23 Apr
2015

Written by: Grace Based Families Staff | Found in: Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

Top 10 Ways to Teach Your Teenagers to Put God First

We’re back with another Top 10 List from Raising Kids for True Greatness. If you’ve missed our other Top 10 Lists be sure to go back and read them as they are […]

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20 Apr
2015

Family Matters, Grace based parenting, college bound

Written by: Sonia Cleverly | Found in: Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

Target Shooting for Teens

My oldest has embarked on the final quarter of his junior year. What naturally accompanies this season is the swirl of activities surrounding ACT and SAT prep, college admissions […]

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05 Jul
2013

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

Cool! They’re Finally Teenagers!

It’s pretty much universal. Once a man or woman receive the title of “father” or “mother” the dread begins. They watch their children going through the early stages of testing […]

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02 Aug
2012

Written by: Cindi Ferrini | Found in: Parenting, Special Needs | No Comments »

Raising a Child with Special Needs | Fast Forward Fifteen While Living in the Present

Returning to my seat at the airport gate, Joe motioned with his eyes, for me to observe the three people sitting just in front of us. Their backs were to us, […]

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20 May
2010

Written by: Grace Based Families Staff | Found in: Other, Parenting | No Comments »

Dr. Kimmel in Living with Teenagers Magazine

Looking for a Christian Parenting magazine that offers help and hope for parents of teenagers? Check out Living with Teenagers – a monthly LifeWay subscription magazine. Each issue offers practical answers to […]

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10 May
2010

Written by: Grace Based Families Staff | Found in: Other | No Comments »

Featured on Parenting Today’s Teen with Mark Gregston Podcast

Our friend, Mark Gregston, highlighted Raising Kids for True Greatness in his daily podcast, Parenting Today’s Teen. Listen to the podcast and see the script below. PODCAST SCRIPT: Parents want […]

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14 Sep
2020

Written by: Karis Murray | Found in: Grandparenting, Marriage, Parenting, Resources | No Comments »

Resources for Families

At Grace Based Families, our mission is to educate, encourage and equip families for every age and stage of life. We know that relationships are tough, but you don’t have […]

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08 Jan
2020

Written by: Michelle Donnelly | Found in: Grace | No Comments »

Waiting

Waiting. Story of our lives, right? Waiting to turn sixteen. Waiting to meet “the one.” Waiting for Pumpkin Spice Latte season (which the folks at Starbucks have actually decided we […]

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23 Aug
2019

Written by: Karis Murray | Found in: Marriage, Parenting, Resources | No Comments »

6 Best Apps to Supercharge Your Relationships

Technology is now an integral part of our lives and relationships. And while many parents rightly worry about the negative effects of technology in our kids’ lives and our society […]

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26 Jul
2019

Written by: Karis Murray | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

A Day in the Life of an End-of-Summer Parent

It’s the end of July, and all I can say is yikes. If you’re anything like me, you started the summer with a rosy-eyed optimism that included summer reading goals, […]

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26 Jun
2019

Grace Based Parenting, Family Matters, Darcy Kimmel

Written by: Michelle Donnelly | Found in: Grace, Marriage, Parenting | No Comments »

Co-Parenting with God

I’m a planner. I think by the time I was sixteen, I’d had the whole trajectory of my life planned out. Go to school, get a job, get married, have […]

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20 Feb
2019

Written by: Karis Murray | Found in: Parenting, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Choosing Consequences that Really Work

Discipline is one of the hardest, but most important jobs that we do as parents. Loving, grace-based discipline is built on a foundation of heart-connected relationships as well as rules […]

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08 Feb
2019

Written by: Cindi Ferrini | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Loving Well Through Times that Aren’t So Easy

We have 3 children. For the most part we feel we’ve been able to express our love well to each of our children even though (we all admit) there were […]

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27 Jun
2018

Written by: Sonia Cleverly | Found in: Giveaway, Grace, Grace Based Discipline, Parenting, Resources | No Comments »

The Quantity Time of Summer

It’s cliché to say, but clichés are often born out of a certain level of truth – the days are long (and the summer days are longer!), but […]

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08 Aug
2017

Written by: Karis Murray | Found in: Grace, Grace Based Discipline, Parenting | No Comments »

7 Tips for Chaos-Free School Mornings

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. […]

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29 Mar
2017

Written by: Tracey Bachert | Found in: Grace, Parenting, Teenagers, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Please Prioritize Youth Group- A Youth Leader’s Open Letter to Parents

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. […]

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06 Jan
2017

Written by: Karis Murray | Found in: Grace, Grace Based Discipline, Parenting, Teenagers, Toddlers | No Comments »

New Book: Grace Based Discipline FREE EXCERPT

Family Matters is proud to present a NEW BOOK, Grace Based Discipline: How to Be at Your Best When Your Kids are at Their Worst by Karis Kimmel Murray. If […]

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05 Oct
2016

Written by: Karina Loewen | Found in: Grace, Parenting | No Comments »

A Different Kind of Yes

We’ve always said we put a high priority on people and relationships. We said that but we got a bit lost in the actually living it out part over the […]

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11 Aug
2016

Family matters, dr. Tim Kimmel, Darcy Kimmel, Grace Based Parenting

Written by: Sue Birdseye | Found in: Grace, Parenting | No Comments »

Parents, STOP Comparing!

It seems lately I’m seeing a high number of articles describing the challenges of the different ways we choose to live our lives…or ways we have to live our lives. […]

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30 Jun
2016

Optimism, Family Matters Blog, Grace Based Parenting, Mother's Day

Written by: Edy Sutherland | Found in: Parenting, Toddlers | No Comments »

A Letter About “Wonder,” to Parents of Young Children

Dear Parents of Young Children, Have you lost your sense of wonder? Your child hasn’t. They awake curious. Exploration always outmaneuvers coined instruction. The ambition of a child’s heart is […]

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20 May
2016

Written by: Karis Murray | Found in: Grace, Parenting | No Comments »

4 Grace-Based Tips for Surviving Summer With Kids

If you’re anything like me the prospect of summer vacation and the end of the school year fills you with a mixture of relief and dread. Relief because it means […]

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05 Jan
2016

New Years Resolutions, Love God Love Others, Joey Espinosa

Written by: Tracey Bachert | Found in: Grace | No Comments »

The Struggle for Balance

After the holidays are over and I’m getting ready to set goals and resolutions for the new year, I always ask myself the same question: Why do we settle? Look […]

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31 Aug
2015

Written by: Sonia Cleverly | Found in: Current Events, Parenting | No Comments »

Be Careful What You Wish For…

In the last couple of weeks on Facebook I just can’t escape the posts from moms expressing jubilant relief that their kids are finally back in school. I’m not […]

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24 Aug
2015

Written by: Tracey Bachert | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

The Rules

As my children grew into middle schoolers and gained more freedom and independence I realized that I could never create a “rule” to cover every situation that they would encounter. […]

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20 Aug
2015

Free Range Kids, Family Matters, Grace Based Parenting, Kimmel

Written by: Tracey Eyster | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Over-Protective Mom Confession

Being a mom brings out the absolute “protect and preserve” gene in all of us, which can be a great thing. But it can also be a not so great […]

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03 Jul
2015

Written by: Joey Espinosa | Found in: Grace, Parenting, Resources | No Comments »

How “INSIDE OUT” Made Me a Better Parent

I can be pretty rough as a parent. I could blame it on my childhood, learning to be tough as I played with boys older and bigger than me. […]

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01 Jul
2015

Written by: Julie Masson | Found in: Grace, Parenting | No Comments »

Looking Back | Thanking God for Your Parents

Sometimes I wonder if my children have any chance at turning out remotely normal. After a long day of time outs, impatient conversations and more sugar than veggies in their […]

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19 Jun
2015

marriage, grace based parenting, joey espinosa

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Grace, Marriage, Resources | No Comments »

Love’s Secret Sauce

As far as weddings go, it’s the best seat in the house. If there wasn’t so much responsibility that goes with occupying it, I’d be inclined to grab it […]

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11 Jun
2015

Written by: Tracey Eyster | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

A Mom, A Boy & An Airliner

Mothers who exhibit extreme patience fill me with a strong desire to applaud them and even give them a big o bear hug – I want them to know they […]

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20 May
2015

Written by: Joey Espinosa | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

The Gift of Encouragement {from my daughter!}

My daughter gave me a wonderful birthday gift a few weeks ago. It wasn’t just that she raced downstairs to give me a hug before my early-morning departure for […]

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18 May
2015

Written by: Lance Jacobs | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Letting Go and Letting God

When our kids were young, they were always excited for Sunday school or Awana nights. We attended services as a family each week and I was proud of our children’s […]

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08 May
2015

Written by: Jenny Gillespie | Found in: Other, Parenting | No Comments »

Little Pitchers Have Big Ears

“Little pitchers have big ears…” It’s a quote from a movie I once saw. It was regarding how an outsider noticed that a mother would say outlandish opinions of […]

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05 May
2015

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Skipping Adolescence: An Alternative to Self Indulgence

To kick things off, we need a pinpointed definition to frame our discussion. Let me give you one … Adolescent: a person who has an adult’s body, wants all of […]

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01 May
2015

true greatness, family matters, grace based parenting, michael regan

Written by: Sonia Cleverly | Found in: Other, Parenting | No Comments »

Starry, Starry Night

When my husband was a Boy Scout he had to prove the mettle of his outdoor survival skills by being left in the middle of nowhere with a limited pack […]

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15 Apr
2015

Merry Christmas, Family Matters, Dr. Tim Kimmel, Jesus Christ

Written by: Jason Wood | Found in: Grace, Parenting | No Comments »

Change Your Stars

You know those movies that you can watch over and over again? When you’re surfing the channels and it comes up you tend to linger and stay and watch […]

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08 Apr
2015

School uniforms, Grace Based parenting, Family matters, Joey Espinosa

Written by: Joey Espinosa | Found in: Current Events, Other, Parenting | No Comments »

A Uniform Decision

You probably have opinions about school uniforms. I know I did when I was in school (I detested the idea!). This issue recently came up in our family, as […]

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15 Mar
2015

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: 31 Days of Prayer for your Children, Parenting | No Comments »

{31 Days of Prayer for Your Children} Day 15 :: HONESTY

DAY 15 : HONESTY “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For […]

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03 Feb
2015

Written by: Cody Kimmel | Found in: Parenting, Postmodern Parent | 2 Comments »

Postmodern Parent | Help Your Children Live a Better Story

{Originally published in 2011} It was a rainy day outside of Chancellorsville, Virginia. I had just turned thirteen. To my left across the train tracks was a non-descript 19th century […]

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23 Dec
2014

Grace, Grace Based Parenting, sonia cleverly

Written by: Sonia Cleverly | Found in: Grace, Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

This Grace and That Grace

My Christmas decorations are displayed. My Christmas cards are delivered. My Christmas shopping is not done. It gets harder and harder to find the perfect gift for my teenage […]

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22 Dec
2014

Written by: Susan Yates | Found in: Other, Parenting | No Comments »

Whatever Happened to Family Meals??

Few of us remember the days when a family sat down to dinner together. It was even a leisurely affair, marked by laughter, sharing of the day’s events, and […]

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18 Nov
2014

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Love, Darcy, Parenting, Teenagers, Toddlers | No Comments »

Be Careful What You Wish For

{originally published in 2012} Do you ever secretly (or not so secretly) long for a different stage of life? Maybe you want to go back to being DINKS (dual […]

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14 Nov
2014

Written by: Sonia Cleverly | Found in: Grace, Marriage | No Comments »

Behind Every Great Man…

Guess what I can do with a 102 degree fever? Several loads of laundry. Make dinner. Help with homework. Do the dishes. More laundry. Sign permission slips. Write a […]

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13 Nov
2014

Written by: Tracey Eyster | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Thank You Matters

{originally published in 2012} I have long been a fan of Family Matters and not just because what I read on their website is so helpful, though that’s a great […]

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12 Nov
2014

report cards, conferences, grace based parenting

Written by: Jenny Gillespie | Found in: Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

Life is More Than a Report Card

Parent Teacher Conferences. You either go into them knowing what the teacher is going to say or you are totally blown away {and that isn’t always a good thing}. […]

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30 Oct
2014

Written by: Karina Loewen | Found in: Other | No Comments »

Lessons Learned While Waiting

{originally published in 2012} It has been said that some people were born with a silver spoon in their mouth, and while that may or may not be true, […]

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24 Oct
2014

grace, family matters, grace based parenting, dr. tim kimmel

Written by: Stacy Edwards | Found in: Grace | No Comments »

Two Things That You and I Have in Common

We live in a world that seeks out differences and loves divisiveness. The enemy is never more pleased with himself than when we are pointing fingers and hurling hurtful […]

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22 Oct
2014

new years resolutions, grace based parenting, family matters, jenny gillespie

Written by: Jenny Gillespie | Found in: Grace, Parenting | No Comments »

Tolerance vs. Compassion

Let us first start with the true definitions of each word. Tolerance: the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that […]

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14 Oct
2014

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Grace, Heart of the Home, Parenting | No Comments »

School Choice

{originally published in 2012} I’d like you to meet two teenagers: Jerome and Claudia. If you were to try to evaluate their spiritual character by doing an external assessment […]

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13 Oct
2014

Written by: Joey Espinosa | Found in: Uncategorized | No Comments »

Changing Our Kids

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Does your child have […]

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30 Sep
2014

Written by: turnkeysitedesign | Found in: Grace, Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

The Season of the “Eye Roll”

{originally posted in 2011} It usually makes its first appearance somewhere between ages 10 to 12; somewhere in that tipping point between childhood and young adulthood. You say something that […]

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16 Sep
2014

Written by: Cody Kimmel | Found in: Parenting, Postmodern Parent | No Comments »

Postmodern Parent | The Great Backdoor

{an archive from 2011} One of the greatest issues facing the church today in America is the issue of children leaving the church when they get to age 18. […]

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28 Aug
2014

Written by: Guest Blogger | Found in: Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

Does Your Tween Want a Facebook Page?

{archived from 2011} Can you imagine your child being expelled from school at age 10? How about your daughter having her first mug shot taken at age 11? What about […]

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15 Aug
2014

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Love, Darcy, Parenting, Toddlers | No Comments »

On the Job Training

I think I could make a pretty good case for hiring a woman who has been a Mom for just about any job out there. When I hear about […]

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14 Aug
2014

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Heart of the Home, Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

When God is All You’ve Got

Sometimes you don’t realize how much you need God until God is all that you’ve got. Case in point: I was speaking to a bunch of teenagers at a summer […]

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08 Aug
2014

Written by: Stacy Edwards | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Love, Mom

Dearest Little One, There are some things that I think you need to know. I had dreams for you when you were only a flutter in my womb. I loved you […]

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17 Jul
2014

Written by: Steve Rose | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Protecting our Daughters | The Rise of Sex Trafficking

{an archive from 2012} I read a news story today concerning a recent arrest made in the Phoenix Valley. 2 girls, ages 14 and 18, were taken into […]

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14 Jul
2014

Written by: Joey Espinosa | Found in: Other, Parenting | No Comments »

Men Must Pursue

When I was a young, immature, and foolish new Christian, I remember arguing with a female friend about who was to blame for the first sin in the Garden […]

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11 Jun
2014

Advancing Grace, Family Matters, Grace Based Parenting

Written by: Family Matters Advancement Team | Found in: Advancing Grace | No Comments »

One Family’s Adoption (of Grace Based Parenting)

Andy and Barb Everroad lead seemingly ordinary lives. College sweethearts, they’ve been married 19 years. Andy enjoys a successful career as an attorney and is actively involved in their church. […]

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30 May
2014

Written by: Jenny Gillespie | Found in: Other, Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

Here’s Your Sign

If you can’t keep enough food in your cupboards… If you can’t tell the husband’s from the son’s shoes and socks… If you feel like a taxi […]

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27 May
2014

Written by: Stacy Edwards | Found in: Grace, Parenting | No Comments »

How do you do it all?

I am woman…hear me roar. Okay, really, it’s more like – I am woman…hear me snore. Because, seriously, I am taking it upon myself to speak for all womankind…We are stinkin’ tired. […]

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15 May
2014

Written by: Tracey Eyster | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Ten Year Old With Drivers License!

Have you seen what I have been seeing around town? Ten year olds with driver’s licenses! I still cannot quite figure out how it happened. I mean heck, they can […]

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01 Apr
2014

Written by: Sue Birdseye | Found in: Other, Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

Always Rejoicing…Sorta

I’m very blessed to be part of a Titus 2 Bible study once a month. I wish it were weekly. This past week we met over dinner and discussed […]

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26 Mar
2014

Written by: Angie Ryg | Found in: Grace, Parenting | No Comments »

Three Ways To Approach Your Child When All You Want To Do Is Run

“What happened to his eye?” the letter from a student’s parent was asking me. Well, luckily (not that I wouldn’t want to be there, but at least for this […]

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06 Mar
2014

Written by: Chris Spradlin | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

JUST LET THEM BE STINKIN’ KIDS!!

The opportunities for kids’ today are endless… Foreign exchange opportunities in Australia Speed and agility classes College prep classes in 2nd grade Tech camps where your baby can learn to […]

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10 Feb
2014

grace in the wilderness, Dr. Tim Kimmel, Grace, Family Matters

Written by: Chris and Teri Bledsoe | Found in: Advancing Grace, Grace, Mental Health, Parenting, Special Needs | No Comments »

Grace in the Wilderness :: An Introduction

We definitely don’t have an Instagram family. Not even close. We’re not saying our children are not beautiful, because they are. We’re just saying that no amount of cropping or […]

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27 Jan
2014

Written by: Lance Jacobs | Found in: 31 Days of Prayer for your Spouse | No Comments »

31 Days of Prayer for your Spouse {Day 27 :: Courage}

Courage “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Driving home […]

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08 Jan
2014

Family Matters, 31 Days of Prayer for your Spouse, Dustin Daniels

Written by: DustinDaniels | Found in: 31 Days of Prayer for your Spouse | No Comments »

31 Days of Prayer for your Spouse {Day 8 :: Forgiveness}

Forgiveness “Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do […]

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06 Dec
2013

twerking, sexuality, Dr. Tim Kimmel, dancing, Family Matters, Grace Based Parenting, teens, school dances

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Other, Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

Spiritual Twerking

Each new generation likes to push the envelope. Mine sure did. Then, every once in a while, something comes along that makes even the new generation pushing the envelope […]

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06 Nov
2013

Written by: Family Matters Advancement Team | Found in: Advancing Grace, Foster/Adopt | No Comments »

Advancing Grace

Each month our Director of Advancement Michael Tooker and Assistant Director of Advancement Michelle Broek will share stories of how the Grace message is impacting the lives of our constituents. […]

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25 Oct
2013

Steve Rose, Grace Based Parenting, Grace, Raising Kids, Kids Say the Funniest Things, Family Matters

Written by: Steve Rose | Found in: Grace, Parenting, Teenagers, Toddlers | No Comments »

“I Don’t Want Grace.”

A few weeks ago, both of my daughters were on electronic hiatus as a condition of punishment for some recent offenses. No iPod, Kindle, t.v., etc…realizing that we were […]

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21 Oct
2013

Written by: Michelle Donnelly | Found in: Grace, Parenting, Teenagers, Toddlers | No Comments »

Discipline Dilemma

Ever feel like your disciplinary “bag o’ tricks” is just not cutting it? Some days it may feel like we’re trying just about anything and everything to get our […]

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30 Sep
2013

Sonia Cleverly, Boy Scouts of America, Gay, Family matters, Grace Based Parenting, Dr. Tim Kimmel

Written by: Sonia Cleverly | Found in: Grace, Parenting | No Comments »

The Truth About Grace

When I was a young teenager I was attracted to boys in bands with just a little bit of an edge. But the summer before I turned 17 I […]

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27 Sep
2013

Unemployment, Family Matters, Grace Based Parenting, Finances, Laura Petherbridge, Dr. Tim Kimmel, chuch, marriage

Written by: Laura Petherbridge | Found in: Grace, Other | No Comments »

Helping Others During Job Loss

“I have something for you in the car,” Ruth said with a compassionate smile. “Thanks, I’ll get it after the meeting,” I replied, knowing she had heard about my husband’s […]

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13 Sep
2013

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Positive Yelling

Have you ever caught yourself yelling at kids you don’t even have? My parents sure did. To this day, I have no idea who all those young people were that […]

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14 Aug
2013

Written by: Lance Jacobs | Found in: Grace, Parenting | No Comments »

Between Two Worlds

Each parent ultimately has a choice to make, a road to travel and that choice will have an eternal impact on our children and their faith. As a Grace Based […]

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02 Aug
2013

Hope in Real Life, Family matters blog, Grace Based Parenting

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Grace, Other, Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

Hope for the Postmodern Church

I remember the stares and shaking heads of a segment of the older adults as my generation filed past them on our way into church as teenagers. They saw the […]

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17 Jul
2013

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Ask Tim, Parenting | No Comments »

Ask Tim | Over-Mothering Adult Children

We know that this series is called Ask Tim, but sometimes it’s his wife Darcy that is the best person to answer certain questions. This Ask Tim post is an […]

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21 Jun
2013

Written by: Cindi Ferrini | Found in: Marriage | No Comments »

Pampering Marriage is Marriage Preservation

We might want a week away but need to settle for three hours. We might want a trip to Europe but need to be content with an overnight stay […]

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24 May
2013

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Tips for Successful Family Vacations

Some families’ idea of a successful vacation is when everyone is still speaking to each other when they pull into the driveway. Or maybe it’s when Dad only got lost […]

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22 May
2013

Written by: Steve Rose | Found in: Grace, Other, Parenting | No Comments »

Protect Your Child’s Heart

As a parent, one of the things we should strive for is to protect our children’s hearts. For me as a pastor, I am continually asking God to move […]

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15 May
2013

Written by: Julie Masson | Found in: Other, Parenting, Resources | No Comments »

Learning from the Experts

Any parent will tell you there are no true experts in parenting, only people who have learned from their mistakes. In my mind, the only true experts I look […]

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10 Apr
2013

Written by: Jenny Gillespie | Found in: Parenting, Resources, Teenagers | No Comments »

Don’t Stand So Close to Me

As a mother, I have been privileged to be a part of my children’s school life. I was coaxed into becoming a PTA Co-President all while being a room mother […]

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12 Dec
2012

Written by: Karina Loewen | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

So far I…

So far I’ve found that parenting kids and teens produces many more unsatisfying questions than it does answers. It is frustratingly rare to have a moment where I say to […]

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28 Nov
2012

Written by: Cindi Ferrini | Found in: Grace, Parenting, Special Needs | No Comments »

Raising a Child with Special Needs | You Can’t Judge a Book by it’s Cover

It’s been a while since we all came to know SUSAN DOYLE who auditioned for the “Britain’s Got Talent” show. The surprise of it all………….how did YOU respond? I couldn’t […]

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05 Nov
2012

Written by: Grace Based Families Staff | Found in: Giveaway | No Comments »

GIVEAWAY | Home Grown Heroes

This year is the 30th anniversary of Family Matters. That’s right folks! We’ve been at this thing for three decades now! We have met so many wonderful people, partnered with some […]

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10 Oct
2012

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Grace, Heart of the Home, Parenting | No Comments »

The Call of the Wild :: Safe Kids vs. Strong Kids

It’s interesting where bold observations hit you over the head. I was sharing a ride to an airport with a friend named Jeff Fray. Great guy. My age. Raised in […]

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05 Sep
2012

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Ask Tim, Parenting | No Comments »

Ask Tim | Courting {Archives}

This Ask Tim post is from our archives, but we thought that it was a great time to revisit this topic with kids returning to school and all that goes […]

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09 Aug
2012

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Love, Darcy, Parenting | No Comments »

Olympic Parents

I know I’m preaching to the choir when I say that parenting is about as close to an Olympic sport as us non-professional athletes get. Think about it…. Parenting takes […]

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13 Jul
2012

Written by: Grace Based Families Staff | Found in: Other, Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

Making it Pro

While many children dream of one day donning the uniform of their favorite pro sports team, the journey can be an arduous one. And, while the benefits of participating in […]

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11 Jul
2012

Written by: Grace Based Families Staff | Found in: Parenting, Teenagers, Top 10 List | No Comments »

Top 10 Ways to Be a Great Teammate (For Your Kids)

With the beginning of school lurking on the horizon (in AZ we start in mid-August), we thought it would be appropriate to highlight one of the Top 10 Lists that […]

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18 May
2012

Written by: Cody Kimmel | Found in: Grace, Parenting | No Comments »

Postmodern Parent | The Desperate Need for Grace

In all likelihood, parenting has always been challenging. Whether you are a postmodern parent raising kids in the 21st century, a renaissance parent raising children in the 16th century, a […]

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01 Nov
2011

Written by: Karis Murray | Found in: Current Events, Grace, Parenting | No Comments »

Sex Ed in NYC Schools Call for Response, Not Reaction from Christians

Recently the New York Post broke a story that revealed the content of a newly mandated Sex Education Program for New York City junior and senior high schools. If the […]

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24 Oct
2011

Written by: Tracey Eyster | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Gut Wrenchingly Controlling Mom Here

“You are gut wrenchingly controlling!” Popular wisdom indicates that a mom would never want to share with other moms those words if they were to fly out of the mouth of […]

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21 Oct
2011

Written by: Tracy Carson | Found in: Marriage, Parenting | No Comments »

Real World Realities in a Virtual World

The other day I heard someone say, “I am so jealous of so in so, her Facebook status updates are always so glamorous and her life seems full of exotic […]

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10 Oct
2011

Written by: Karina Loewen | Found in: Parenting, Teenagers | No Comments »

Good Times in Tweendom

Our daughter is in her last year as a “tween-ager”. (Could someone please invent a new name for this stage? I don’t mind the age group but have never liked […]

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03 Oct
2011

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Love, Darcy, Parenting | No Comments »

Love, Darcy – Getting Kids to Read their Bibles and do Devotions

In response to an email I received regarding some parenting advise, I want to post the answer to a commonly asked Christan parenting question. “How do I get my kids to […]

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19 Sep
2011

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Raising Kids is Heart Work

Every once in a while Hollywood gets it right. Unfortunately, when they do, people of faith have to accept the fact that for the rest of their waking life, they’re […]

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14 Sep
2011

Written by: Cody Kimmel | Found in: Parenting, Postmodern Parent, Teenagers | No Comments »

Postmodern Parent | Technology – A Parent’s Best Frienemy

Yes, you read the title correctly. For those of you who may not be familiar with the term frienemy, Urban Dictionary defines it as “someone who is a friend, but […]

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17 Jun
2011

Written by: Karina Loewen | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Building Greatness in Dad

I was blessed to grow up in home where my parents loved each other well. Even today, 36 years later, their love and commitment to one another is legendary. They […]

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09 May
2011

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Love, Darcy, Parenting | No Comments »

Love, Darcy | Graduation and Giving Your Children Wings

Some of you may be coming to a milestone in your lives as parents…A child graduating from highschool! Here is a post from our archives that Darcy wrote when one […]

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03 May
2011

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Current Events | No Comments »

Celebrating the Death of Evil: Is it Acceptable for Christians to Party Over the Death of Osama Bin Laden?

We decided to interrupt our planned blog schedule to weigh in on the monumental event of Osama Bin Laden’s death. Please let us know your thoughts or questions in the […]

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13 Apr
2011

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Ask Tim, Parenting | No Comments »

Ask Tim | Masturbation

Q: Dear Tim, My 12 year old son has begun to masturbate – can you please give me advice on how to help him not to. My concern is that […]

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04 Apr
2011

Written by: Tracey Eyster | Found in: Marriage, Parenting | No Comments »

Date Night for Parents & Kids

Do you long for the opportunity to have a Date Night with your spouse? Do you feel cheated because you cannot manage to get out of the house and date […]

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11 Mar
2011

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Ask Tim, Parenting | No Comments »

Ask Tim | Courting

Today we’re launching a NEW series on the Family Matters Blog called “Ask Tim” where we’ll post some of the questions parents just like you are asking Dr. Kimmel. If […]

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22 Feb
2011

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Love, Darcy, Parenting | No Comments »

Love, Darcy | Does Cereal Count as Dinner?

Does a bowl of cereal qualify as dinner? What if you throw a banana in the deal? These are the kind of questions new mothers ask. Come to think of […]

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18 Feb
2011

Written by: Karis Murray | Found in: Other, Parenting | No Comments »

A Cure for Their Achy Breaky Hearts- A Christian’s Response to Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus

I want you to close your eyes and imagine that your entire teen and early adult years were photographed, recorded and videotaped and then posted all over the internet and […]

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01 Feb
2011

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

The Skinny on MTV’s “Skins”

Concerned parents get another chance to go apoplectic over Hollywood’s latest challenge to their sense of decency with MTV’s Skins. This U.S. knockoff of the U.K. original is a hormonally […]

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06 Oct
2010

Written by: turnkeysitedesign | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Don’t Blink – Making the Most of Every Moment

As I sat at the parent weekend for my daughter’s University, it finally started to sink in. I couldn’t believe how fast her journey with us had gone. As Kenny […]

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01 Sep
2010

Written by: Tracey Eyster | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

I miss toddlers

If you are the mom of a toddler I know there are those days where you think you are going to go stark raving mad if you have to read […]

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18 Aug
2010

Written by: Grace Based Families Staff | Found in: Events | No Comments »

Pine Cove Family Camp 2010 Update

We’ve just returned from a week of ministry at one of our favorite places on earth – Pine Cove Christian Camp in Tyler, TX. We have been taking our family […]

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11 Aug
2010

Written by: Guest Blogger | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Food for the Blended Families Soul

Blended families are an opportunity for God to do something great; to show grace, love, commitment, all while stretching and broadening everyone. It’s the combining of two different families with […]

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18 May
2010

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Love, Darcy, Parenting | No Comments »

Love, Darcy: A Son’s First Job

Colt was experiencing a common dilemma for a teenager. His financial outflow was exceeding his income. He needed to get a summer job. That is what prompted him to make […]

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04 Feb
2010

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Parenting | No Comments »

Sexting: A Hot Topic for Kids and Parenting (Part Two)

Part 2. …………. The second most common mistake when it comes to parents responding to this whole sexting phenomena is we get so focused on the horror of the problem […]

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18 Dec
2009

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Grandparenting, Other, Parenting | No Comments »

Reaching Out to Others at Christmas

Although the hype of the holidays would like to convince us that it is “all about us”, Christmas provides many opportunities to reach out to others. And this may be […]

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21 Jul
2009

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Other | No Comments »

Dishpan Hands and Transformed Hearts

It seemed like the only logical thing to do. Tim was going to be out of town speaking; Cody was flying in from college to lead the worship music for […]

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26 May
2009

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Other, Parenting | No Comments »

a Long Life

Tim and I always say that if the Lord decided to take us home today, we still would have lived longer than most people who reach their 90’s. In our […]

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01 Mar
2008

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Heart of the Home | No Comments »

Stuck in Time

In its day, the Plymouth Belvedere was more than a means of transportation from point A to point B. It was a symbol. When this particular 1957 Belvedere rolled off […]

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01 Jun
2007

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Heart of the Home, Love, Darcy | No Comments »

HomeWords – Summer 2007

Colt was experiencing a common dilemma for a teenager. His financial outflow was exceeding his income. He needed to get a summer job. That is what prompted him to make […]

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01 Mar
2007

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Heart of the Home | No Comments »

Launching Your Kids Into the Future

Please allow me to be a bit vulnerable. There have only been a handful of times in my adult life when I have had to fight a battle with uncontrollable […]

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01 Mar
2007

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Heart of the Home, Love, Darcy | No Comments »

HomeWords – Spring 2007

When it comes to parenting, the days are long but the years are short. We experienced this in living color recently when our son Cody graduated from Texas A & […]

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09 Nov
2005

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Uncategorized | No Comments »

A Child for All Seasons

A cute elderly couple in matching Christmas sweaters stepped aside so that my family could slip into the pew to their left. Their Santa Claus hats seemed a bit much […]

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13 May
2005

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Heart of the Home, Love, Darcy | No Comments »

Homewords – Summer 2005

It is hard to believe we are at this point in our lives AGAIN. Eighteen years ago we welcomed a tiny little girl into our hearts and we have seen […]

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23 Feb
2005

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Heart of the Home | No Comments »

Bromide Prayers and Safe Trees

He was about two-thirds my size: hair: black, skin: a dark bronze. His eyes were tucked back below a prominent forehead but sparkled in compliment with his ear-to-ear grin. He […]

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23 Feb
2005

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Heart of the Home, Love, Darcy | No Comments »

Homewords – Spring 2005

Just like this time last year, I had the privilege of helping in the kitchen at our church’s high school winter camp. In addition to working with an enthusiastic group […]

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21 Sep
2004

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Heart of the Home, Love, Darcy | No Comments »

Homewords – Fall 2004

One of the hardest parts of parenting is letting go. Each season in our children’s lives gives us ample opportunity to practice relinquishing them to try out the lessons we […]

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19 Mar
2004

Written by: Tim Kimmel | Found in: Heart of the Home | No Comments »

Three Big Questions

It was a balmy Maryland afternoon in June. I was just one of many in the crowd who had come to watch and celebrate as 400 graduating seniors. It’s hard to […]

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19 Mar
2004

Written by: Darcy Kimmel | Found in: Heart of the Home, Love, Darcy | No Comments »

Homewords – Spring 2004

It seemed like the only logical thing to do. Tim was going to be out of town speaking; Cody was flying in from college to lead the worship music for […]

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