“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”- Psalm 145:18

In a world filled with worldly distractions, it is easy to forget why we are here in the first place. As Christians, we are called to pray and call onto God for guidance and trust. We are meant to connect with our community in a way that honors God. He is the keeper of all things and the bearer of our deepest thoughts and struggles (Psalm 121:5). He invites us to cast our worries unto Him (1 Peter 5:7).

At first glance, studying a second language might seem like just another academic subject. In actuality, language learning lifts students beyond their immediate surroundings and helps them see the world — and people — through a biblical worldview. In an academic setting, American Sign Language (ASL) is a valuable addition to the class offerings for students of all ages.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

You have laid the foundation but the journey is just beginning for your graduate. From their beginnings, you have continuously covered them in prayer with a watchful eye. Now, as they leave the nest, and continue to move forward, how can you help prepare their hearts and faith for the journey ahead? What steps can you take now to surround them with God’s grace and love? If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone.

Standardized testing has long been a cornerstone of the college admissions process in the United States. Exams like the SAT and ACT have provided a uniform metric to assess students' academic readiness, complementing other application components such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. However, the landscape of standardized testing is evolving, with significant changes on the horizon — most notably, the upcoming modifications to the ACT.

In the high-stakes world of college admissions, too many students and parents fall into the trap of viewing the process as a frantic senior-year dash to the finish line. They cram test prep, hastily join clubs, and scramble to find meaningful experiences — all while trying to craft the perfect application essays under immense pressure. Pivoting the mindset to seeing this process as a multiple-year endeavor allows students to craft an application “story” that showcases their strengths, talents, and interests.

No one ever told me that grief felt so much like fear. -C.S. Lewis

Grief is a complex and deeply personal emotion that affects each of us differently. As adults, we may face a range of feelings — anxiety, fear, sadness, depression, and even a sense of insecurity or trembling. Often, we try to stay strong, yet we may resist surrendering our pain to God, believing we must handle it ourselves. While adults may have a better grasp of the concept of death and loss, children are still developing their understanding of these difficult experiences. As parents, caregivers, and mentors, it's essential to guide them through their grief in ways that are loving, supportive, and constructive.

Generosity is often seen as an act of kindness, but it’s more than that — it’s an overflow of gratitude. When we look at generosity through a Biblical lens, we see that it begins with thankfulness. God created a continuous gratitude-generosity loop in us. In simple terms, when we are thankful for kindness shown to us, that gratitude inspires our own compassion and generosity. The Bible beautifully illustrates this truth in Proverbs 11:24-25, showing us that a generous heart leads to abundance in return. Gratitude prepares our hearts to give and live generously.

As parents, we feel pressure to prioritize our children’s future — enrolling them in the best SAT prep courses, hiring the perfect pitching coach, and encouraging them to be involved in numerous clubs and activities. But do we place enough emphasis on opportunities to grow in faith and service? As we raise a generation of Christ-followers, we should empower students to become servant-leaders, following the example of Jesus Christ. One great way to accomplish this is through short-term mission trips.

Jesus’s greatest commandment comes in Mark 12 where he teaches to love the Lord our God with all of our hearts and then to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). As Christians, service is not optional, but an act of obedience. How then are children and students taught to develop a love of serving one another? Any preschool teacher can probably verify that sharing is not an innate human instinct. 

When a student serves on a mission trip, he or she will often get a glimpse into the heart of God. We serve a big God that has amazing  plans for his people and the nations. While on a short-term mission trip, students sense God's amazing compassion for "every tribe and tongue and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9). Once one grasps the compassion of God, it becomes easier to engage in Kingdom-building. The Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28, is not a suggestion; it is a command. We must be willing to accept the calling that God has placed on our lives.