Parenting & Family Archives | Bubbling Brook Budgets

A New Chapter In Our Family Story

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Many of you are long-time readers of Bubbling Brook and know that, besides managing this web site, I’m also “the pastor’s wife.” I’ve mentioned it many places on this site. It’s part of our story. Now we’re entering a new chapter in life and ministry. Eight years ago, we packed all our belongings, moved

The Best Christmas Gifts For Teen Boys (written by a teen – my son!)

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We asked our 14 year old son, “What are the best Christmas gifts for teen boys this year?” Here’s his list, straight from the teen boy himself. In our house, we ask the kids to make a list of a few things they’d like to get for Christmas. We pick out a “big” gift to

A Homeschool Science Curriculum That Will Spark Curiosity About God

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How Christian Parents Can Teach Homeschool Science

“Mom, can I do my science now?!!!!” <— When you’ve found a homeschool science curriculum that prompts your kids to ask this golden question, you know you’ve found a winner. My friends Luke and Tricia have created an excellent homeschool science curriculum, from a Christian worldview, called Experience Astronomy. It’s based on the premise of

7 Surprising Life Lessons We Can Learn From Chick-fil-A

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7 Surprising Life Lessons You Can Learn From Chick-fil-A (1)

Years ago, Albert Skaggs handed us an autographed copy of Truett Cathy’s book, It’s Easier To Succeed Than Fail. Albert Skaggs was one of our dearest business mentors, and a personal friend of Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A. At the time this Georgia-based chain hadn’t made it’s way up to our little Midwestern city,

24 Bible Verses To Strengthen A Marriage & Draw You Closer Together

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Bible verses to strengthen a marriage and draw you closer to your spouse and to God.

Marriage is one of God’s most beautiful institutions, but we all go through seasons of difficulty at one time or another. You may feel vulnerable, hopeless, or even betrayed. Don’t despair! God’s Word can be hidden in our heart. Here are 24 bible verses to strengthen a marriage; use them to prayerfully draw closer to

8 Ways To Get Free Books For Kids

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Where to get free books for kids! There are so many place to find amazing books online that kids will love to read!

Oh, the blessing and burden of kids who love to read! Our kids fly through books, sometimes reading a whole chapter book in one night. Yes, you read that right – one night! Like you, this led us to do a little investigating: Where can we find free books for kids, other than the obvious

7 Tips For Studying The Bible With Children – And Making It Engaging

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With young children at home, you face a two-fold dilemma. First, how do you grow in the Word during such a busy — and often exhausting — season? Second, how do you inspire and train your children to grow in the Word? Today we’re chatting about some simple, intentional tips for studying the bible with

3 Bible Verses About Marriage That Will Change Your Life

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Have you been married very long? We’ve been married a little over 18 years now, and as the years have went by there are three bible verses about marriage (well, bible passages) that continue to shape us today. My husband often says he wouldn’t know how to have a successful marriage if it weren’t for

Christian Easter Ideas: Meaningful Ways To Celebrate With Kids

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A few years ago, we sat down and prayerfully considered what Christian Easter traditions should look like in our family. We personally felt convicted about celebrating the Easter bunny, not that there was anything inherently wrong with a cute bunny and chocolate eggs, but rather that it seemed to detract from the message of Christ’s

When There’s An Active Shooter At Church (+ What To Teach Your Kids)

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What to do if there's an active shooter at your church, and what to tell your kids

What would you do if there was an active shooter in your church? In light of recent church shootings, have you wondered what you would do if something like this happened in your church? If you’re like me, you’ve thought about it — a lot. Earlier this year I took a self-defense class that was