Why Presence Matters So Much

By Jamie Roach

A Call to Just Be

What if, for one day, everything stopped? All pressing obligations and urgent appointments fell away. There was nothing on the calendar – no work, school, errands, sports practices or chores, nowhere to drive, no lists to check off.
What if the only purpose of this one day was to be, just as you are, however you are? A day to rest, to enjoy, to be present.

Everyday Outside: Making Time Outside Part of Your Summer Rhythm

By Emily Rietema

Perfect parenting? What it really might mean to “get it right”.

Too often we think of life in general – and parenting in particular – as if it were a test to pass or a problem to solve. We can become obsessed with “getting it right” and can be pretty harsh on ourselves whenever we make a mistake. But what if being present is what it means to get it right?

You Are the Equipment

One of my favorite lines in the gospels is Jesus telling his followers, “Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment,” (Luke 9:3, MSG, emphasis added). I think this is critical and life-changing advice for parents. In an age where there is an emphasis on doing, teaching skills, and managing one’s image, Jesus literally takes us back to the heart of the matter. When it comes to raising children, parents are the equipment. It is our very presence, our authentic selves which shape and form who our children are becoming.

Set-Apart Space: The Practice of Retreating with Kids

Is God really real? The question made my breath catch in my chest. He asked it with his sweet
face turned up to me, freckles compressed, brow scrunched in worry. It was unexpected, this
ardent, voiced uncertainty, and it would never have come if I hadn’t made space for it.

Making the Most of Christmas Morning

After all the shopping, planning, baking and decorating, Christmas Day finally arrives. You want to make Christmas morning special. A memorable and meaningful time as a family. What’s the best approach?

Youthfront’s Jamie Roach explains how parents can model Christ’s love and presence on Christmas morning.