There are some jobs you can clock out of and leave behind. First responder work usually isn’t one of them. You may leave the station, jail, ambulance, dispatch center, or patrol car at the end of your shift, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the job stays there. After spending hours dealing with emergencies, difficult personalities,…
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We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I believe there’s a lot of truth in that. Throughout a child’s life, plenty of adults will have opportunities to influence them. Teachers, coaches, pastors, relatives, neighbors, and family friends may all become part of that village. But there’s something important we…
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Starting a book can be exciting. Finishing one? That’s another story. Most writers begin with plenty of enthusiasm. There’s an idea we can’t stop thinking about: characters demanding our attention or a message we feel called to share. Then somewhere between the opening chapter and “The End,” real life gets involved. The ideas become harder…
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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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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 NOT FINAL COVER 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…
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