Navigating financial decisions in blended families requires intentional effort and a clear plan. Couples can use a Togetherness Agreement to promote peace and unity in their marriage by addressing emotionally charged issues and creating a roadmap for their financial future. This agreement can provide clarity on financial decisions, including how to manage debt, investments, and assets, and can help couples make decisions that align with their values and faith. [... more]

Families can create a realistic plan before the holiday season by deciding what they can afford, setting a total budget, and using cash or debit cards to track spending. Giving meaningful gifts, staying within healthy limits, and focusing on shared experiences can also help. For families dealing with debt, giving within their means and scaling back can help celebrate Christmas without adding to the burden. [... more]

Navigating the complexities of blended families requires honest conversations about money and finances. Couples must address trust issues, loyalty, and belonging to create a shared vision for their financial journey. A togetherness agreement can facilitate bonding and unity, while also providing a framework for financial decisions. By prioritizing God-honoring marriage and financial planning, couples can build a strong foundation for their relationship and achieve financial stability. [... more]

Restoring the table can be transformational in a home, changing everything through meaningful mealtimes. Focusing on fellowship and community, rather than cuisine, can create a sense of belonging and connection. By avoiding overachieving, deep diving, and other pitfalls, families can create a culture of love, laughter, and spiritual growth around the dinner table. [... more]

The desire of the Savior is for unity in the church, and Jesus wants his followers to love one another. Unity is a matter of lordship, where Jesus is the supreme authority, and it is also a matter of liberty, where individuals have the freedom to make choices. However, with liberty comes responsibility, and Christians must exercise their rights in love and respect for others. The Bible teaches that love is the key to maintaining unity in the church, and that Christians should not do anything that would cause division or offense to others. [... more]

Navigating financial decisions in blended families can be complex, but a togetherness agreement can provide clarity and unity in marriage. This agreement helps couples merge their financial histories, debt, and investments while merging relationship, children, and parenting styles. By creating a roadmap for financial conversations and decisions, couples can eliminate fear and create a mutual respect, ultimately leading to a more loving and respectful marriage. [... more]

The holiday season is all about togetherness, and live events bring people together in a unique way. Game Time's new feature, Game Time Picks, makes getting tickets for live events easier, with all-in pricing and no surprise fees. The NFL season is heating up, with teams like the Chiefs and Ravens making a strong push for the playoffs. Quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson are leading the charge, but coaching and culture change are also crucial factors in a team's success. The Jets and Bears are two teams that need to make significant changes to become contenders, with Aaron Rodgers and Pete Carroll being key figures in their respective situations. [... more]

Unfinished conversations can leave us with unresolved feelings, and in the context of finances, this can lead to uncertainty and anxiety. Sharon Epps, president of Kingdom Advisors, shares her insights on how to approach unfinished conversations, including those related to money, and how to find peace and resolution through biblical wisdom. [... more]

Creating a Christmas budget can bring financial freedom and reduce holiday stress. Focus on the reason for the season and prioritize family togetherness. Consider simplifying holiday cooking and shopping, and make time for spiritual reflection and Advent celebrations. [... more]

The importance of seeing and affirming others, especially in relationships, is highlighted through the concept of ICU, or 'I see you.' This theme is explored in the context of marriage, parenting, and community, emphasizing the need for people to recognize and celebrate the gifts and strengths of those around them, rather than focusing on their weaknesses and struggles. [... more]

A woman's story of being helped by a stranger on the roadside sparks a conversation about the importance of community and connection in our lives. She shares her experiences and insights on how to cultivate meaningful relationships and find belonging in a world that often values individuality over community. [... more]

God's desire for joy and laughter in the church is often misunderstood, leading to a perception that Christians are serious and unapproachable. Amberley Neese shares her journey of finding humor and joy in her faith, and how it has helped her connect with others and build meaningful relationships. She introduces the concept of the belonging project, which emphasizes the importance of biblical community and hospitality in creating a safe and welcoming space for others. [... more]

The promise of the gospel, as revealed in Isaiah 25, is that all of the losses experienced in life will be restored in the resurrection, where death will be swallowed up and tears will be wiped away, and the reproach of God's people will be taken away, bringing ultimate satisfaction and redemption to those who put their faith in Jesus. [... more]

The Bible teaches that our longings will be satisfied in the resurrection, where we will experience a new heaven and a new earth, free from pain and suffering. This is a message of hope and comfort, especially during times of disappointment and unmet expectations, reminding us that our true satisfaction and fulfillment come from a relationship with Jesus. [... more]

Brant Hansen discusses how being an introvert or struggling with prayer and doubt can make someone feel like a misfit in church culture, but God welcomes and values these individuals. He shares personal anecdotes and biblical examples, emphasizing the importance of mutual submission, understanding, and trust in God's truth. [... more]

The struggle to fit in with the emotional expectations of others in the Christian community, and the importance of faithfulness and loyalty to God, even in the absence of emotional reactions. Brant Hansen shares his personal experiences as a misfit in the church and discusses the idea that spirituality is not about emotions, but about surrender and faithfulness. [... more]

Many people struggle with the idea that spirituality is solely based on emotions, leading to feelings of inadequacy or doubt. Brant Hansen, author of Blessed Are the Misfits, discusses the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in one's relationship with God, even when emotions are absent. He shares his own experiences and insights, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of spirituality and the role of emotions in the Christian faith. [... more]

People are desperately searching for peace and meaning in a culture that's increasingly isolated and desperate. Christian media can play a crucial role in addressing this issue by focusing on the basis for hope, which is Jesus himself. By doubling down on their pursuit of God and living out their faith, Christians can be a source of peace and encouragement to those around them. [... more]

Women often face fear and intimidation, but the Bible shows how they can overcome these obstacles by fearing God and trusting in Jesus. The stories of Shiphrah and Puah, Bathsheba, and Tamar illustrate how women can be courageous and obedient to God, even in the face of adversity, and how God can bring beauty from ashes and redemption from sin. [... more]

Men have taken a lot of heat in recent years, but a good man can have a profound impact on families and communities. Research shows that truly committed Christian men who attend church regularly are the most loving husbands and fathers, while nominal Christian men are often worse than secular men. The key to being a good man is not about being strong or dominant, but about being vulnerable, creating space for others to thrive, and living out one's faith. A good man is someone who provides security, protection, and justice, and who serves others with humility and kindness. [... more]