CONTENTS 10 COVER | Glory Haus Meet Molly Holm, owner and Chief Creative Officer of Glory Haus. 6 GOODLIFE TRAVEL Visit Cloudland Canyon State Park for hiking, camping and breathtaking views.
14 LIFE LESSONS All I ever needed to learn in life I learned from Betty Crocker.
16 LIFE IS A GARDEN Reaping the benefits of God’s plan for your life.
Publisher
Kristen Bland Damien Parodi Managing Editor Gabriel Bland Editor
Autumn Burr 8 GRACEPOINT A place where the teaching style meets the needs of the dyslexic learner.
17 GOODLIFE RECIPES Try this easy and delicious farfalle pasta with asparagus recipe.
Advertising
info@goodlifemagazine.org 770.656.4400
13 PHIL WICKHAM The anticipated debut of the Children of God Album.
18 POWER OF PARENTING The biggest thing you will do in life is to raise another human being.
Creative Director Damien Parodi
Graphic Designer Matthew Button
Media Assistant
Takkrid Deguzman
facebook.com/goodlifemonthly @goodlifemonthly
COVER CREDITS GOODlife Magazine features Molly Holm of Glory Haus. For the full story see page 10. Photography | Pavel Kuznetsov Pavel VK Photography, Inc. www.pavelvk.com
GOODlife Magazine is a monthly publication distributed throughout Atlanta and Metro Atlanta. Entire contents, including design elements and logos, are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any media without the express written consent of the publisher. GOODlife Magazine, LLC reserves the right to edit or reject any editorial or advertising content. Advertisers assume liability for content of all advertisements. All information herein has been checked for accuracy to the best of our ability. Not responsible for deletions, omissions, errors and or inaccuracies. 2016 GOODlife Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved.
photo by Ben Thomas
Want to see
your business here?
for advertising information, email us info@goodlifemagazine.org or call one of our sales representatives 770.656.4400
by Gabriel Bland In the northeast corner of Georgia, in Dade County, you’ll find awe-inspiring Cloudland Canyon – a deep gorge near Sitton Gulch Creek, cut into the corner of Lookout Mountain. This natural wonder has the components that hikers, nature lovers, and campers dream of. Over 3,400 acres of land contain a vast array of accommodations, meeting the desires of all who visit, ranging from the avid outdoor adventurer to the casual weekend wanderer. Pulling into the main parking lot, you are greeted with a tantalizing view of the upper edges of the canyon. From the lot, you have immediate access to the main overlook for a full breathtaking view of the canyon. Filled with trees, this geological masterpiece is abundant with life. The main overlook is directly connected to the most popular trail, the 4.8-mile West Rim Loop. What makes this trail so appealing is that the moderate/difficult challenge of the hike itself is made absolutely worth it for the reward of its stunning views. Not only does this trail give you a new perspective from the opposite side the canyon, but just as notable are the two waterfalls, accessible through a side trail, the Waterfalls Trail, about 0.25 mile from the trailhead. The Waterfalls Trail, while a more difficult hike, takes you down several staircases to the valley floor where you have direct access to the two beautiful waterfalls, the 60-ft Cherokee Falls and the 90-ft Hemlock Falls. Depending on what the season’s rainfall has been, the flow of Sitton Gulch Creek, which creates both of these waterfalls, is directly impacted. (For the best experience, try to time your visit shortly after a substantial rain). Even with lower water levels, the hike is still worth taking to see the beauty of the waterfall’s basins, which are a sight to see because of the colorful mosses, vines, and other plant life clinging to the bowl-shaped outcropping of rocks that surround you. They are punctuated by a small boulder field at the edge of the pool, which is great for taking a rest after the arduous hike to the falls. The West Rim Loop is not the only trail that photo by Ben Thomas Cloudland has to offer. There are four other trails, of varying difficulties and length, to explore. There are the 2-mile Backcountry Loop, the 14-mile Cloudland Connector Trail, and the 6.5-mile Sitton’s Gulch Trail. With a permit, you can access the 2.75-mile Bear Creek Backcountry Trail, which has campsites for a more remote camping experience than any of the other campsites offered at Cloudland. With so much to explore, Cloudland Canyon State Park definitely warrants multiple visits. And for even more variety, mix up your visits throughout the different seasons – each offers new sights and experiences that will give you a reason to love visiting Cloudland all times of the year. 6
goodlifemagazine.org
AMENITIES 5 trails 15 cottages 72 campsites
www.goodlifemagazine.org
30 walk-in Campsites
Advertise with us! facebook.com/goodlifemonthly
13 backcountry campsites 5 picnic shelters pavillion group lodge Check website for prices and reservations. gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon
Life can change q u i c k l y, a r e you prepared? If something American Retirement Group happened to y o u t o d a y, w h o would take care of your family? Let your mind be at peace with the security of life insurance.
LIFE INSURANCE
FINAL EXPENSE
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE
(770) 693-9767
info@AmericasRetirementGroup.com www.AmericanRetirementGroup.com april 2016
7
and Are you a parent? You know that raising a child presents its own unique set of challenges to face, and that you are always looking for ways to help your children overcome those challenges. Imagine adding dyslexia to the list of daily struggles. For families of a dyslexic child, education can become a very trying task for the whole family. It is this very real struggle in which Gracepoint School in Kennesaw, GA seeks to intervene and assist families, not only to overcome, but to thrive. The Gracepoint School’s mission is to equip dyslexic students with the skills needed to develop into independent and confident learners; through a specialized method of instruction. Not only are the children equipped to excel in life with an understanding of how it is that they learn, but being in a Christian institution, students are taught that they are not defined by their performance in school, rather by
WORKING together to END
WORLD HUNGER
A place where the teaching style meets the needs of the
DYSLEXIC LEARNER Please call the office of Admission to schedule a tour. 678.756.8897
their identity as the children of God. And it’s from that foundation that the students are able to learn without fear of failure, which helps them to push themselves in ways that, before Gracepoint, they were not comfortable in doing. Throughout the entire process of acclimating a student into his or her new learning environment, the Gracepoint team demonstrates an apparent intentionality to build strong relationships with the students and their families. Students not only learn essential skills and truths to help themselves in life, but as they learn about their identity in Christ, they learn the importance of taking on His servant’s heart. The impact of this teaching is continually making itself apparent within the lives of the community. Earlier this year, Gracepoint students were told about a ministry called Stop Hunger Now, an organization that is dedicated to getting food and life-saving aid to the most destitute places in the world. The
school challenged the students with a fundraising goal, but left the decisions on how and when to fundraise up to the students. In an impressive demonstration of unity, the students rose up to meet the challenge; by holding bake sales, doing additional chores, and cleaning out their piggy banks, the students raised $3,000 on their own. Then to top it all off, on March 4th, the Gracepoint students and staff took the opportunity to volunteer at the Stop Hunger Now warehouse in Marietta to package 10,000 meals for children in poverty. For families facing the challenges of dyslexia, Gracepoint is an ever-growing resource that can transform their lives. The ramifications go far beyond grades. The students gain a confidence in themselves that many of them had long given up. Without a doubt, Gracepoint will continue to be a blessing in the community as these students move forward in life, changing the world around them for the better.
Our mission at GRACEPOINT School is to equip dyslexic students with the skills needed to develop into independent and confident learners, through sequential, systematic and multisensory instruction. Our goal is to instill in each child a lifelong desire for growing in wisdom and gaining knowledge of the Lord so that each may fulfill God’s purposes and bring glory to Him.
“Gracepoint students and staff took the opportunity to volunteer at the Stop Hunger Now warehouse in Marietta to package 10,000 meals for children in poverty.” 8
goodlifemagazine.org
2005 Stilesboro Road Kennesaw, GA 30152
678.709.6634 gracepointschool.org april 2016
9
COVER STORY
H
by Gabriel Bland
ow could buying uplifting of Glory Haus, Molly never talked Creative Officer of Glory Haus. artwork for your home Originally from Texas, she of financial goals or of wishes for help oppressed women in India lift graduated from the University of status or renown, but rather she themselves out of poverty, help Texas with an Interior Design spoke from the heart saying, ”Our dyslexic students get back on the degree. Shortly thereafter, she hope is that our products would learning track, and spread the moved to Atlanta where she worked be more than just beautiful art gospel to the ends of the earth, for Home Depot until 2002, when that hangs on your wall – that it all while pouring into the local she had her first child. At this time, would speak truth and hope into economy of Cobb County? God’s she transitioned from corporate people’s lives.” And by God’s grace, plans often seem illogical or even design into her own private those hopes are already coming impossible to fruition, as from a human testimonies from Glory Haus is a locally based designer and perspective, and around the globe manufacturer of inspirational gift s and home decor. the story of a continue to amass, once small, local describing the Their diverse line of products includes beautiful wall art, home decor impact that Glory picture frames, canvases, jewelry, mugs, collegiate designer and Haus has had on products, ornaments, and more! Having manufactured manufacturer so many lives. On over 2,000 diff erent products which can be found in is no exception. top of having their over 4,000 retailers across the country, or in a Glory At face value, own dedicated the prospect team of designers, Haus showroom which can be found in Atlanta, Dallas, of starting a the Glory Haus and Las Vegas, the mission of Glory Haus is community business from team is continually transformation that glorifi es the Lord and changes lives home during building through their work, art, and relationships. the country’s partnerships worst economic with influential downturn since the Great speakers and known Christian practice to be able to focus more Depression seems like an unfruitful figures. Nationally recognized on her family. It was during this venture. On the contrary, not only period that God was preparing the speaker Annie F. Downs, loved did God provide in such a way that TV personality Sadie Robertson, hearts of a few key individuals for the business thrived in the face of award-winning band Third Day, His purposes. Four friends were the economic trend surrounding and inspirational entrepreneur brought together by their love for it, God had a much grander plan Crystal Paine are just some of the the Lord, coupled with their than Molly Holm could have ever people that have chosen to be a part creative hearts, to design in 2008 imagined. This is the story of Glory of the incredible Glory Haus story. the first piece of Glory Haus Haus. artwork, titled “How to Really Love With a unified heart to continually The story begins with Molly be expanding the kingdom of God, a Child.” Holm, the Owner and Chief When asked about the ambitions the entire team pours into each and 10
goodlifemagazine.org
every piece with the intentionality that comes with the knowledge that every piece has the opportunity to glorify God and, by His power, change the lives of anyone who beholds it. In the same way that God brought together the Glory Haus team, to whom He gave His heart of love for people, He also supplied an abundance of incredible ways by which they are now sharing that love. One such example would be in the area of production; all of the linen products of Glory Haus are hand-made by their fair trade freedom factory in India, called Daughters of Hope – an organization that provides employment, training, and hope to the impoverished women of India whose lives are dominated by the oppression of the area. Daughters of Hope is giving these women more than just an opportunity for financial freedom, but freedom from the lies the world is telling them, by helping them find dignity, independence, and hope. “Glory Haus is committed to the development of the factory and helps support fair wages, free childcare, free healthy lunches, savings plans, health insurance, lessons in personal hygiene, daily devotions, and more.” As she is speaking on behalf of the team, it is clear that Molly has a genuine
passion for this partnership that far exceeds a general contentment, but rather reveals a deeply established joy, a sentiment that goes far beyond the owner and into every member of the team. Feeling led to do more than pour into just the ministries that are directly involved in the Glory Haus production process, Molly has taken the blessings of Glory Haus and the skills of its staff to pour back into the community. Glory Haus had an instrumental role in the start of Gracepoint, a local school for dyslexic children. The school’s focus is first and foremost showing kids that their identity is not found in their performance in the classroom, but rather in who their Father in Heaven says that they are. Then building from that foundational truth, they help the students get back on track with their education by giving specialized instruction which serves to teach them how it is that they learn. The profound impact of the ministry of Glory Haus, coupled with beautiful products, amazing customer service, a culture of relationship amongst all the staff, and the calling of God makes Glory Haus stand out to all who come across it. As they continue to grow, they are gaining more and more recognition, and
not just in the Christian community. The company was named one of the Top 25 Businesses of the Year by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Cobb Chamber of Commerce executives Greg Morgan, the 2013 Chairman, and David Connell, the President & CEO, declared that Glory Haus “represents the best of the best.” There is to be no denying the profound success that they have found since their launch in 2008, but there must be no mistaking where that success has come from. It is found in one place, and one place alone.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 This is the story of Glory Haus… … and it is far from over. Molly Holm is Owner and Chief Creative Officer of Glory Haus located in Marietta, Georgia. www.gloryhaus.com april 2016
11
Spring Break
What to do with your family this Spring Break
Spring Break at the Zoo
Zoo Atlanta 4/1/2016 - 4/30/2016 This spring break, join the Zoo Atlanta to discover over 1,500 animals. Throughout Spring break, we’ll have interactive wildlife shows, keeper talks, and animal feeding and training demonstrations.
Atlanta Blooms
Atlanta Botanical Garden Through 4/30/2016 Join the Atlanta Botanical Garden throughout March and April to celebrate Atlanta Blooms - our springtime extravaganza with meadows of tulips, daffodils, crocus, and more.
See the Sea Lions
Georgia Aquarium 3/31/2016 - 4/10/2016 Come visit Jupiter and Neptune, the new sea lion cubs at the Georgia Aquarium! On March 31, the Georgia Aquarium offers a new California sea lion experience, featuring a new program
Spring Break at Six Flags
Six Flags Over Georgia 4/2/2016 - 4/10/2016 Enjoy Spring Break at Six Flags Over Georgia with new rides and new thrills! With 12 thrill rides, family activities, BMX show times and more, Six Flags is the place to be when school is out.
Spring Fun Break
Beauty and the Beast
Center For Puppetry Arts 4/7/2016 - 5/22/2016 Join us at The Center for Puppetry Arts for our reimagining of Beauty and the Beast. Featuring the familiar characters we love, in a modern-day city, this will delight the whole family. 12
goodlifemagazine.org
Stone Mountain Park 4/2/2016 - 4/10/2016 Enjoy Spring FUN Break at Stone Mountain Park with fun for kids and adults. Spring FUN Break kicks off with the grand opening of the new attraction ‘the Jump’, a thrilling, family-friendly, multi-level free fall drop experience.
Phil Wickham’s Anticipated
Children Of God
A pril
to Debut
The 80th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Piedmont Park 4/8/2016 - 4/10/2016 The Atlanta Dogwood Festival turns 80! As Atlanta’s longest-running festival, we’re excited to bring hundreds of fine artists to Piedmont Park alongside live music, gourmet and festival food, rides and games, the disk dog competition and more.
Creatures of Light
Fernbank Museum of Natural History 3/26/2016 - 8/14/2016 All around us are creatures that glow, flicker, and flash with light, from the backyard lightning bug to alien-like deep-sea fish. Come experience some of these creatures in our new exhibit Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence.
Back to Your Roots Farm Fair
Chattahoochee Nature Center 4/3/2016 Starts At: 12:00 PM Join us at the Chattahoochee Nature Center for our “Back to Your Roots Farm Fair.” We’ll have live music, outdoor games, live animal meet-andgreets, garden demonstrations, and a variety of vendors.
P
hil Wickham’s highly anticipated new full length album Children Of God will debut on April 22, 2016. Marking his first LP in three years, Children Of God comes on the heels of the impactful single “This Is Amazing Grace,” which was certified RIAA Gold and named BMI’s Christian Song of the Year as it topped radio charts. This powerful anthem was recently recognized as the most-sung worship song in the North American church by Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI). Children Of God is filled with songs sure to follow in those footsteps and become new worship favorites. Heralded by the single “Your Love Awakens Me,” the pre-order of the new album is available now on PhilWickham.com and on iTunes and Amazon Music March 11th. Laboring for a year to craft his newest release, Wickham shares of the deeply personal story and intention behind the record. “A year and a half ago I lost my voice and was forced to have surgery on my vocal chords with the risk of not being able to sing professionally again. During the difficulty of that season, God spoke the simple yet massive truth into my heart that He loves me. That He loves us. That we are first and foremost His children. That whatever may come our way we are His children. That whatever we may be faced with, we are His. Many of these songs were written out of this newfound sense of identity.”
22nd
Track Listing: “Doxology Amen” “Better Than Life” “Your Love Awakens Me” “Secret Place” “Wide Awake” “My All In All” “Starmaker” “Children Of God” “Stand In Awe” “Body Mind & Soul” “As It Is In Heaven” “Spirit Of God”
Wickham has been traversing across the country on tour, most recently joining Newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Mandisa and more on The Rock and Worship Roadshow 2016, presented by Compassion International. For the latest tour information, click here.
About Phil Wickham:
Phil Wickham is, at his core, a humble and sincere artist who writes songs and worships God using the medium of music. It is with that brush that he paints images of a loving and creative God across the canvases of listeners’ hearts and minds. The evidence of this gift has been apparent on all of his critically acclaimed efforts: Phil Wickham (2006), Cannons (2007), Heaven & Earth (2009), Response (2011) and The Ascension (2013), which debuted at No. 2 on the SoundScan Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 40 on the Billboard 200. His Gold-certified single “This Is Amazing Grace” gave Wickham his first career No. 1, holding the top spot on Billboard’s National Christian Audience Chart for 13 consecutive weeks. The honors continued as the single was named Billboard’s 2014 No. 1 Christian Airplay Song of the year and BMI’s 2015 Christian Song of the Year. In addition to its success at radio, the song has become a beloved anthem in the modern church, increasing Wickham’s recognition as a gifted artist and songwriter with a true heart of worship. His newest, Children Of God, will be unveiled on April 22. april 2016
13
All I ever needed to Learn in Life I Learned from Betty Crocker Some of you may be too kind to say it. But I can tell you’re thinking, “I don’t know what you know about life, but I think you’ve learned a bit too much about Betty Crocker.” Yes, I’ve learned a great deal about Betty Crocker over the past forty-some years. I’ve sat at her table many times. But as much as I’ve learned ABOUT her, I’ve learned more FROM her! You’re probably thinking, “Yup, I knew it, you’ve finally gone off your rocker. Jean’s been creative one too many times! All she’s learned from Betty Crocker is how to gain weight!” Well, you’re wrong. And I’ll tell you why. Consider the simple box of Betty Crocker cake mix. You may think it’s only a cake mix with the instructions for baking a cake on the back. But when I pick up this box and read the back, I see instructions for living a successful life! First off at the top, before the four steps to making a cake, Betty Crocker tells me what ingredients I will need. This tells me in order to succeed in baking a cake, and in life, I need to be organized. She’s telling me that in order to be successful in life, I need to know where I want to go. Then I need to think ahead and plan what it takes to get there. I need to assess whether I have what it takes – and if not, how I can get the skills I need for the job I want to do. Yes, all I needed to learn in life about thinking 14
goodlifemagazine.org
ahead, I learned from Betty Crocker. Step #1 says to heat your oven – and grease and flour your pan. From this, I learn that it doesn’t take just planning, it takes action, to make something work. All the planning in the world isn’t going to make me lose weight if I don’t diet or exercise. You’ve got to do, as well as think! Yes, all I needed to learn in life about taking action, I learned from Betty Crocker. Step #2 tells me to beat together the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs in a large bowl on LOW speed for 2 MINUTES. By this Betty Crocker teaches me that you need more than just one ingredient to make things interesting. You need diversity. You can’t make a cake by mixing water with water - it ain’t gonna work! In the same way, if I try to make people over so that they are more like me, it ain’t gonna work. Just as you need oil and water and eggs and cake mix to make a tasty cake, you need people with different opinions, backgrounds, values, and thinking styles to make life interesting. Differences need to be valued. Because without them, life is bland. It will taste like a cake made only out of water! But Betty Crocker also says to mix on LOW speed. This tells me that people need time to work together, to make a team. It takes time to get from forming to performing.
Yes, all I needed to learn in life about getting along with people, I learned from Betty Crocker. Next, Betty Crocker tells me that I need to bake the cake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Now, you might be thinking – now Jean’s talking. She’s telling me that I need a vacation in Cuba. No such luck! Think of heat as trials and tribulations. I’m telling you that in order to succeed in life, you need to have some difficulties. A cake placed into a cold oven isn’t going to rise, to become tender. The baking powder needs heat to work. In the same way, without trials and tribulations in our life, we aren’t tender of heart, compassionate. How many of us before facing the heat of unemployment, think about the poor? If we do, it’s generally either to think ourselves better than them. Or to give them a fleeting thought as we give money to our favorite charity. But after time without a job, we gain compassion and tenderness towards the needs of the poor, we understand their concerns. Yes, trials and tribulations tenderize our hearts. But we can’t be left too long in the oven of tribulation otherwise we become dried out, hard, bitter in the same way a cake left too long in the oven turns into a hard, dry mass.
Yes, everything I needed to know in life about compassion, I learned from Betty Crocker. The final thing Betty Crocker teaches me about life is that you’ve got to frost the cake. You’ve got to add something delicious to an already tasty cake. Betty tells me that to change my life from satisfactory to sensational, I need to do something for myself, take time for myself, and find out what completes my soul. Yes, everything I needed to know in life about living life to the fullest, I learned from Betty Crocker. So the next time you are at the supermarket, pick up Betty Crocker and place her in your cart. Because all you need to learn in life, you can learn from Betty Crocker!
article by
Jean V. Dickson is an entrepreneur who puts creativity’s ZING into training and corporate communications. www.jvdcreativity.com
RECIPE INGREDIENTS • 1⁄2 lb bow tie pasta
by Craig Jones
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
In the 2001 comedy “Joe Dirt,” the main character, a southern boy with a famous mullet, declared “Life’s a garden, dig it.” He is simply saying to enjoy life, but if you look deeper there is profound truth found in this simple phrase. The truth is that every life, like a garden, is full of amazing potential. But just like any garden you have to plant the right dreams in the soil of your heart, then work the soil every day to produce the life you want.
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated • 2 -3 dashes hot pepper sauce
Step 1: Plant the right seed
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
We are failing at life because we have been clutching to the wrong picture of success. Have you ever dreamed about what it would be like to have someone else’s “perfect” life? Well, first of all, no one’s life is perfect. They could have all the “things” that you think would make life perfect, and yet they are secretly wishing that they had your life, a simple life free from all the stress.
• 1 tablespoon butter • 1 cup chicken broth • 1 lb fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
We waste our life looking at someone else’s field thinking the grass is greener on the other side, but life is not about the “green.” Let’s pursue a life of meaning rather than a life of means. A successful life is a life that extends beyond ourselves and brings hope and help to those around us. God wants us to live a life full of purpose, but we have to look to him to find out what that purpose is.
• salt • 1⁄2 lb raw shrimp (optional)
Step 2: Tend the soil You can’t just hope life is going to get better, you must choose to create a better life every day. Could you imagine getting ready for a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, but all you had was a picture of Cinderella’s Castle? No map, no transportation, no money, just a picture of how wonderful it’s going to be when you get there. That is what it’s like to have hope but no plan of action. Hope is a powerful force, but only when it results in corresponding action. Make a plan, work the plan, and see your life change. I truly believe that God has a better life for us than we could ever imagine, but no one stumbles upon greatness, and destiny is not automatic. You have to trust in God’s plan, and then you must do your part every day to see your dreams become a reality. Craig and Janna Jones are the senior pastors of Abiding Church located in Kennesaw, GA.
16
goodlifemagazine.org
www.abiding.church
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
DIRECTIONS 1. Boil water for pasta. Cook as you are preparing the garlic/asparagus sauce. 2. In a skillet, cook garlic, and hot sauce in heated oil and butter for 2-3 minutes. Add asparagus, salt and pepper and saute until asparagus is crisp tender, about 8 minutes. If you want to add about a half pound fresh shrimp, now is the time and saute it with the asparagus. Add chicken broth and freshly grated parmesan or romano cheese and mix well. Pour over hot pasta and toss to coat. Serve immediately. april 2016
17
The of
by Antje Hill
Do you know that communication with your child is important, no matter the age? We parents can get in a rut of asking typical every day questions about homework, ballgames, shopping for school items, but it’s important to engage them in conversations as well. Dr. Kevin Leman, an expert on raising children, says, “Collaborate with them. Show a keen interest in their thoughts and value their points of view, opinion and tastes.” It is through this dialogue that children discover themselves. Though you may not agree with all their thoughts and ideas, maturity usually takes care of that. In the process of getting to vent their feelings and thoughts, they feel their opinions matter. That is a priceless thing to a young person trying to find their way to adulthood. Children need to know someone believes in them. Dr. Howard Hendricks, a well-known author, once said, “Our research indicates that the reasons most men and women never get across the threshold of success in life is that they never had anyone to believe in them.” Our children need praise for things well done, and encouragement during times they feel defeated. It is important they know it is not perfection we praise, but their willingness to join in
18
goodlifemagazine.org
life. Of course, unconditional love and acceptance is the foundation for this mindset. Faith is an important element as we help our children mature. Children, like adults, need to know there is hope when things seem the bleakest. They need to know God loves them and they cannot do anything to destroy that love, nor can they earn it. Jesus Christ has already paid for it. His unrelenting love changes us into His likeness. How freeing is that fact? It makes all the difference in life. We pack our children’s luggage every day, for that journey they will eventually take away from us. What are we putting in their luggage, value or filler?” When I think of filler, I think of all the research I have done to make sure my husband and I get good vitamins. I have learned that cheaper brands have some of the vitamin stated on the bottle, and then filler is added to cut cost. The filler neither helps nor harms us. It is put there to take up space, to fill the capsule. Don’t fill your child’s life with things of no value. Time matters. It is being used up every day. Regardless of your title at work, your education or your professional accomplishments, the biggest thing you will ever do in life is to raise another human being. Take it seriously. Then go out and have fun doing it. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
Antje Hill is a columnist who loves writing and speaking on marriage and parenting.