Living Wide and Deep

How do you nourish self-esteem in children that's Christ-centered? How do you avoid the extremes of arrogance or insecurity? While there are no guaranteed-outcome formulas, there are principles. In Part 1, I share three practices you can apply at any age. I unpack: What treating children with dignity looks like When to affirm and when to applaud Why intentional attention is crucial and how technol...

Let's be honest. Our success isn't always met with cheers -- especially from those closest to us. Let's be courageously honest and admit our initial response to other people's success may not always be applause, either. Why? Self-esteem. In whatever area of insecurity, loss, disappointment, or pain we have, we're tempted to resent more than respect someone else's success in that area. We can learn...

What masquerades as “Biblical” teaching that is anything but? What motivates – and sabotages – the best-intentioned parents? Fear – especially when the world is a scary place. Learn how to avoid three common false antidotes to fear. Recognize the eight warning signs fear may be motivating you – in one or more areas. Hear how to face and replace fear with what works in the long-haul. Empower yourse...

Fear is a four-letter word for a reason. It’s one of the most destructive forces on the planet. It’s also one of the most subtle. But conquering it requires us to say its name. We call it what it is. The difficulty is fear doesn’t always show up clothed in a monster outfit. Sometimes it dresses like our best friend and invites us to dinner. In today’s episode we see: • Opponents don’t give up • Ju...

It's not just "popular, charismatic, extroverted, or beautiful" kids who need to be raised to be leaders. Leadership is about character, not personality or physical traits. Learn six characteristics to intentionally develop in each child following the example of Nehemiah and Christ. Being content with less than what a person can obtain or afford Standing up for others The actions that develop genu...

Just because a leader is "effective" doesn't make them superb. History shows "effective" tyrants can harmful tyrants. What makes the difference between a superb leader or a harmful tyrant? We'll examine six principles for distinguishing the difference. Whether the leader is you or someone else, in a paid position, volunteer capacity, or role within your family. You'll see the importance in noticin...

All of parenting (and life) is lived in a state of tension. Not the kind of tension that comes from endless laundry, sibling squabbles, and sassy kiddos. But tension between two truths that must be held in balance. Teaching kids to respect leaders while being aware leaders can manipulate, exploit, and abuse, is definitely one of those tensions. Learn five practices to navigate this tight-rope succ...

Three words scare me. "God told me." Why? Because those words began a life-changing, one-sided discussion from a person in a position of spiritual authority which devastated my heart. I understand "church hurt" from experience. How do we recover from leadership failures? We have examples in the Bible because leadership failure is nothing new. Continuing our dive into the Old Testament book of Nehe...

How does a parent raise kids prepared for the real world without creating paranoia? It's difficult -- especially when this includes teaching kids to recognize that even people they know might be manipulative, abusive, or exploitative. It's not always strangers or people "out there." I unpack this tough topic today, using Nehemiah 5 as the perfect backdrop and model. Learn the principle tying level...

Betrayal, abuse, manipulation, exploitation. Tragically, it's not just "outsiders" who subject us to these behaviors. It can come from right within our families, communities, and even our churches. Being wounded by spiritual leaders is especially devastating. In Nehemiah 5, we see four specific steps that are taken to deal with the abusive leadership that's happening while people are trying to reb...

Is making your four-year-old let Aunt Helen hug her a bad idea? What does a younger sibling knocking over an older toddler's blocks have to do with flower gardens and your neighbor's nosy dog? Why will you never win a power struggle? What's one of the most life-impacting practices you can do as a parent? Get insights and answers to these questions and more in today's episode! Empower yourself and...

What possible connection could Emily Dickinson and Nehemiah have? You might be surprised! In today’s episode, you’ll see how the ancient leader Nehemiah employed three leadership practices just as relevant today as 2,500 years ago. 1. Distinguish between practices that are appropriate for an emergency or a season but aren’t sustainable in the long run. Have an exit strategy for temporary solutions...

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" isn't a wise adage. It's the comeback of someone who’s been hurt by words but doesn't want to let it show. Words wound or heal. They tear apart or bring together. They strengthen or destroy. The first 14 verses of Nehemiah 4 are an opportunity to teach (and re-teach and re-teach) kids these truths: 1. Following God and achieving...

Success doesn’t always make you a star. Sometimes it makes you a target. That’s what happens to Nehemiah and the Jews who are at work rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. In the 4th chapter, verses 1-14, we see these truths: 1. Accomplishments will make you a target. 2. Never underestimate what a unified body of people can accomplish. 3. Anticipate resistance to increase in intensity the more you achieve...

You want your kids to have a good work ethic. But how does this happen without bribery or nagging? Won't they learn how to work in adulthood? We discuss how to apply the four principles hidden in Nehemiah chapter 3: The importance of credit and recognition Life skills everyone needs Teaching no one is above doing "menial" work Tapping into intrinsic motivation Get more insights, tips, and resource...

Need the cooperation of others to accomplish a project? Heard the phrase, "Don't judge a book by its cover?" Nehemiah chapter 3 is a lesson in both. At first glance, it seems to be nothing more than a historical record of little (no?) relevance to today. Yet it provides four guidelines in how to gain the cooperation of others to accomplish a project that depends on others. We'll see the value of:...

Anything in shambles in your home? Maybe it feels like “everything?” Or maybe dinnertime is a constant state of chaos. The longer something is in a state of disarray, the more “normal” it becomes. But how do you change it? First, recognize it takes a while to see a problem has become a pattern. Ditch the guilt for not recognizing an ongoing problem in the making the first time it occurs! Then appl...

Ever need someone’s cooperation to achieve what you have a passion for? How can you do that effectively without resorting to manipulation, bribery, or threats? Nehemiah models this beautifully! Learn from his example by: • Understanding the difference between goals and desires • Recognizing the importance of having a strategy before sharing your vision • Appealing to emotions and addressing fears...

They're never too young, and it's never too late to teach kids how to set -- and achieve -- goals! But does it make any real difference? Yes! Specifically, goals empower kids in two key areas: Self-awareness. When a person sets a goal, they become more attuned to their desires, fears, beliefs about themselves and others, and their character. Intentionality. Rather than living by default, having go...

Have any goals -- especially big ones? Projects that require other people's cooperation? Nehemiah is the role model for you! He demonstrates three practices necessary to pull off a major achievement. Ignore these and imperil your success! We "flip" Nehemiah's to-do's and look at what not-to-do's in today's episode. What not to do? Rely on second-hand information. Invite lots of people into the pla...

You can raise empowered-mindset kids by teaching them three practices modeled by Nehemiah 2,500 years ago. If they don’t learn these when they’re young, they’ll pay a cost when they’re adults. See why it’s important to: 1. Require they have an area of life they need someone else’s help – even when they don’t think they need it. 2. Role-play to teach effective communication when you need or want so...

When you want to change the status quo, three practices are critical. Nehemiah modeled these, and they’re as relevant today as 2,500 years ago. Whether you desire change in a personal relationship or an organization, success depends on three practices. 1. Preparing for conversations with those whose approval, support, or assistance you need. 2. Accepting help. 3. Preparing for resistance. More peo...

Kids need to learn how to ask for what they want – with boldness. But how does this differ from making incessant demands? What about those who ask for little? Gain insights on why and how to empower kids with a bold asking ability! Empower yourself and your family to engage fully in God’s grand story. Subscribe to Hi(Impact) at Stephanie Presents for insights, encouragement, and practical resource...

How would you answer, “What do you want?” if asked on a moment’s notice? Would you be prepared to give a ready reply? Or would you ask for more time or say, “I have no idea!” Do you have a goal worth risking your job for? Your life? Nehemiah did – and he was ready to answer when asked, “What do you want?” He models the power of clear, concise, and bold communication as he presents King Artaxerxes...

Here’s a model of prayer you can teach kids whether they’re toddlers or teens (and everything in between). It comes from Nehemiah 1:5-11 where his empathy leads to fasting and prayer. Not just a “toss up a few words and hope they land” prayer, but a powerful model. In seven verses Nehemiah incorporates six steps: Recall God’s goodness. Request God’s attention. Repent of wrongdoing. Remind God of h...