Parenting has never lacked opinions. One expert says to stay closely involved in every part of your child’s life. Another says to give them plenty of freedom and let them learn through experience. Some call it helicopter parenting. Others champion free-range parenting. While each approach has strengths, I don’t believe the real question is which…
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It’s easy to fall in love. Staying in love takes intention. When a relationship is new, conversations seem effortless. You can’t wait to spend time together, learn about each other, and dream about the future. But every marriage eventually moves beyond the excitement of dating. Real life arrives with work schedules, bills, responsibilities, disappointments, and…
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The other day I watched a young person walk into a job interview dressed professionally, shake hands confidently, and answer questions without a parent hovering nearby. Sadly, that’s becoming less common. Many employers have noticed that soft skills—things like communication, problem-solving, personal responsibility, and initiative—are becoming harder to find. It’s not that today’s young adults…
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Most couples spend countless hours planning a wedding. They compare venues, taste cakes, choose flowers, and debate the guest list. Those things aren’t wrong—they’re part of celebrating a special day. But there’s a question I wish more couples asked long before they started planning a wedding. Is God actually calling us to marriage? That’s a…
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It’s a question more and more Christian couples are asking. Housing costs are high. Rent isn’t getting any cheaper. Living together can seem like a practical solution. “We’ll save money.” “We’ll spend more time together.” “We’re committed to each other anyway.” On the surface, it sounds reasonable. But before making a decision based on convenience,…
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If you’re a parent, grandparent, youth leader, mentor—or even a Gen Zer yourself—I have a challenge for you. We hear a lot about today’s generation. We know they’re growing up in a world that’s vastly different from the one their parents experienced. But how much do we really know about them? Before you peek at…
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What is the answer to the question in this article’s title? What does it look like? It’s a question I’ve been asking young adults for years, and honestly, it’s one most of us have never stopped to consider. We spend so much time talking about becoming independent that we rarely stop to ask what kind…
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Moving out on your own is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re leaving for college, starting your first full-time job, or moving into your own place, this season comes with a lot of change. Even positive change can bring uncertainty, and it’s completely normal to feel anxious as you learn to navigate adulthood.…
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Q: Adult-o-Nomics shares insights and encouragement from high school and college students, parents, and your own experience as a youth pastor and father of four. What led you to write it? A: I wrote it because I see so many young adults struggling with anxiety after moving out on their own. By asking around, I…
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I’ve never loved carpools. There’s something uncomfortable about giving up control of the wheel—especially when I’m not the one driving. What if I want to stop for coffee? Or do I need to leave early? What if the driver takes a route I wouldn’t choose? Truthfully, I like being in control. And if I’m honest,…
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“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”— Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) I sometimes think God created certain animals not to reflect His character but to remind us what He is not. Take the…
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When Life Recalculates: Finding Your Way as a Single Dad There was a time when I trusted my GPS more than my own instincts. Her name was Babs. She had a British accent, a lot of confidence, and a tendency to tell me exactly where to go. For a while, I depended on her completely…
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I was honored to be included in this article by PeggySue Wells and am grateful for the opportunity to share it with you. Father’s Day can be awkward. Stats tell us that one in four homes is single-parent-led, and those are primarily single moms. That’s a lot of women and kids with an empty place…
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Inspired by Dr. Watson’s open letter to fathers shared through Fathers.com several years ago, I wanted to revisit this message as Father’s Day approaches—because the heart behind it still feels just as relevant today. A few words of encouragement for the dads who quietly carry more than most people realize. Fatherhood comes with an incredible…
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March 2026 – The Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference hosted the Christian Indy Author Awards (a nationwide contest) where Tez’s book, “Adult-o-Nomics” won 1st Place in the Personal Growth category. The book was written for young adults ages 16-25 who are preparing for or already have moved into their own place away from their parents…
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When Animals Preach: Spiritual Truths from God’s Creation Animals have always been one of God’s classrooms. From Scripture’s earliest pages, God invites us to observe—to watch ants, birds, sheep, lions, and sparrows—and discover spiritual truth woven into the natural world. Animals do not speak aloud, yet their design, behavior, and instincts quietly point to the…
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Writer’s Conferences are so helpful. It’s there we learn craft, understand the industry, network with friends who can propel your writing, and so much more. Conferences offer connection, encouragement, and access to information that’s hard to find elsewhere. I’ve taught at them, attended them, and benefited from them. But somewhere along the way, conferences can…
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One of the quiet burdens writers carry is the fear of being behind the curve when it comes to getting their book published. Behind peers. Behind opportunities. Behind the version of life we thought we’d have by now. Publishing culture doesn’t help. Christian publishers are no different—for them it’s often business more than ministry. Let…
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