Table Talk: Everybody? Not on My Watch… by Margie Sims

against-the-crowd Today’s Table Talk is by our friend Margie Sims. Margie doesn’t know it, but I think about her wise words often. She encouraged me when we first met (okay, so we first spoke during an interview) with a keep on keepin’ on dose of inspiration from one who is not only in the trenches, but has also launched a couple kids into real life. She knows what its like to plant, fertilize & prune with faith – hoping/knowing that it all works out on the other side. Because she has seen the other side and knows what she’s talking about. She’s a mom of 10 (yes, 10!) ages preschool to adult. I hope you enjoy what she has to share today – especially as end of the year festivities enter the picture. She speaks from experience. Thanks Margie! … and thanks for walking the road with me. Everybody? Not on My Watch…  

Training Awareness

Head-in-the-Sand- Sometimes it’s hard to believe the atrocities that we find pervasive in society today. Some hit the headlines and garner worldwide attention. Sadly, many hide in the shadows – until glimpses of light reveal their existence. Yesterday, USA Today gave space to one such horror. A murder trial in Pennsylvania that involves a group of people whose voices are literally snipped before words ever cross their lips. It’s a hard story to read. Can’t imagine the folks who have lived it. How do we stop it? In big part by talking about it. One of our mantras here at the MOAT comes from the late Chuck Colson, “Culture doesn’t change people; people change culture.” Because, remember? We’re not victims. We actually can turn a tide. … When we’re aware. And when we want to. Okay, so what does this have to do with our kids?  Here’s

Table Talk – Discipline With Special Needs by Brandy Butler

special-offer1 Today’s Table talk is by my friend Brandy Butler. She’s super fun. She’s hilarious. Which serves her well. Because we all know that a little laughter, just might keep us from crying. Especially when you have kid that has their own special definition of the way life works. Brandy wrote this post for one of our church’s ministries to moms. Special needs touch so many families and boundaries/discipline can be challenging. So whether it hits home or close to home, I hope her word, that she sweetly agreed to let me share, bless you. Be sure to check out Brandy’s blog: followingbutterflies. (Seriously – she has another great one on adoption and yet another that will have you busting a gut.) You will be super glad you did! Thanks Brandy! … and thanks for walking the road with me. “Lord, does she

Table Talk – Chores & Youth Entitlement In the News

Screen Shot 2013-04-02 at 11.43.20 PM More from the news headlines… With so much hitting the headlines, it’s hard not to share. I hope it puts loads of wind in your equipping kid sails … and maybe loads of laundry in your kids’ more than capable hands. Thanks to MOAT Leslie for the Boston Globe article and to many of you that pointed me to Don Miller’s article. The Boston Globe had me at “Why Your Children Should Do Chores“, especially when I noticed the article’s author, Agnes R Howard, is a history prof. Personally, I find history one of the greatest fuels to keep me going. I continually remind myself (especially in the heat of the whining) that in the not too distant past, young folks my kids ages were actually running their own household, gainfully employed. And I think about the countless people we as a society admire,
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