Tuesday, December 22, 2020
New Devotion: Give Your Best Gifts
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Interview with "Long Days of Small Things" Parenting Author Catherine McNiel
When New York Times bestselling author Ann Voskamp recommends a book, I take notice. When it's about my passion—faith and parenting—and it's by a fellow author in my writer's guild, I have to interview the author! I am delighted to introduce you to my new friend Catherine McNiel. I asked her several leading questions so that you can get to know her and her wonderful book. Also, register to win a signed copy of her book for Christmas at the end of this post! My questions to her follow in bold:
I just published a book on life purpose, so I'm particularly curious: What inspired you to write your book on the ministry of motherhood—how did God place that calling on your heart?
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
12 Days of Christmas Book-Buying Ideas
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Happy Thanksgiving, and WINNER!
Congratulations to L. White from California for winning Glenys Nellist's new book, Little Mole's Christmas Gift! We had registrants from across the country!
Though our 2020 Thanksgiving celebrations might look different this year, there's always reason to be thankful. In fact, gratitude is one of our most important spiritual muscles. I invite you to read one of my favorite articles on the power of gratitude.
Happy Thanksgiving! Stay tuned for an exciting line up of new feature books in December—perfect stocking stuffers to build your family's faith!
Monday, November 16, 2020
Guest Post: Christmas Book Sneak Peak and Giveaway!
I am delighted to welcome back fellow author Glenys Nellist! Glenys has written popular posts for this blog like this one and a second Little Mole book for children, Little Mole's Christmas Gift. You might remember her first Little Mole book, which was geared to helping children process sadness and find hope. In honor of her new one's Christmas focus, I asked her the following questions. Since she's a mother, grandmother, and Christian Educator, she has a rich prospective to share:
What is your favorite Christmas memory from when your children were little?
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Why Jesus' Plan for Your Child Is So Much Better
"I can think of no better parenting outcome than seeing my children as established difference-makers who are happy and secure. I want my boys to love, be loved, and thrive as men of faith. The reality is that gifting our children with the ability to pursue their purpose is the best possible determining factor toward that goal."
This is an except from my newest article for iBelieve. Join me in dreaming big for our children!
Read the full article here
Thursday, October 22, 2020
6 Ways to Make This Election Day Less Divisive
Election Day is around the corner, and millions of Americans have already cast their vote. The divisiveness of the country makes 2020 even harder. What can we as Christians do to lower the nation's temperature and help mend the country? I wrote this article for Crosswalk with that goal in mind—not to endorse any particular candidate.
Our nation is wrestling with issues far deeper than any elected official. We have lost the ability to have constructive conversation and reach actionable compromise when the stakes have never been higher. When discourse is halted for fear of retaliation or is censored by social media or news outlets, it's concerning. We as a nation can do better.
Please join me in exploring the opportunity of this moment to model the change we want to see, compassion for our neighbors, and the light of Christ—it's never been more needed.
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
New On-Demand Episode: 'Cuties,' COVID, and Tween Faith
What are the signs of tween depression, and what strategies help fight it?
How can parents best support their children as school is impacted by COVID-19?
What messages does your daughter need to hear from you concerning body image and social media?
I was honored to connect with Proverbs 31 Ministries' Lynn Cowell, who is a speaker and author, and Michelle Nietert, who runs a counseling center out of Dallas, Texas. Both women are co-authors of a new devotional for tween girls and are passionate about tween issues and faith. They answer the questions above along with many others, including: How is parenting like packing a suitcase? (Thanks, Lynn!)
I hope you will tune in by watching here. Also, check out my latest article on tween issues that mentions the episode and is being re-featured on Crosswalk this week.
One more thing! Lynn and Michelle are giving away one copy of their new devotional, Loved and Cherished, to a girl in foster care for every copy sold. I love that! Want to win a free copy? REGISTER HERE by Sunday, 10/18/20 at 10 PM EST. I will choose one lucky winner! Happy watching (and registering)!
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Living Fully within the Storm
"Storms in life don’t have to be literal to be devastating."
This week, I'm sharing a piece I wrote for the October edition of my writer's guild publication, The Redbud Post. Join me in finding hope, choosing faith, and benefiting from God's peace in all of life's storms. I write:
"As the country braced for Hurricane Laura’s ensuing destruction, I followed the storm’s formation. I saw white, mammoth clouds spinning and churning through satellite images. There were purple flashes of lightning within the cyclone. Yet the center, the eye of the hurricane was different. It was a place of peace, a dark hole of rest visible all the way out in space as well. It made me wonder: How can we as Christians live in the eye of the storm, in a place of peace regardless of what is swirling around us?"
Find the article and continue reading here
Stay tuned next week for a new fall episode of HTTV's "Chaos to Calm with Noelle Kirchner," which will be available to watch on-demand here! I talk COVID-19 and back-to-school issues, rising tween anxiety, faith and sexuality, and more with a ministry and psychologist duo.
Also, I started a Bible study with fellow women at my church based upon my new book this past weekend. Check out their sweet faces on Instagram!
Thursday, October 1, 2020
Why We Need to Turn Off Cuties and 'WAP' Now
PLEASE read my newest article to learn about the controversial Sundance Film Cuties and the trending pop song "WAP" and why they're so dangerous. I include findings from the American Psychological Association (APA).
Our hyper-sexualized culture is oppressing females—including young girls. Lives are quite literally at stake by what we support. Every voice matters as we raise them on behalf of our fellow women, the voiceless, and those whose voices are still forming.
Read my article for Crosswalk here
P.S. Stayed tuned for the fall episode of my faith and parenting TV show, Chaos to Calm, in which I interview two authors of a new tween devotional for girls—we touch on Cuties and "WAP" too!
Monday, September 21, 2020
A Prayer for a New Purpose for a New Day
I'm sharing my heart in this special prayer on purpose that I wrote with my new book in mind. Will you pray with me today?
"Loving Creator,
I affirm that you created me with a purpose that began before I was born.
You have numbered each hair on my head (Luke 12:7).
Scripture tells of how you long to cradle me under your wings like a mother hen (Matt. 23:37).
Remind me of your devoted care and reveal your intention for my life.
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
My Behind-the-Scenes Book Glimpse with Laura Sassi
This week I'm guest posting on the celebrated Christian children's book author Laura Sassi's blog to give you the *inside scoop* behind my new book! Laura is no stranger to my blog, and I am delighted to share special news regarding my book on hers! She asked me five questions whose answers I can't wait for you to read! PLUS, to win a free, signed copy of my new book, register by leaving a comment on my guest post by the end of the day TOMORROW:
Read my guest post
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Guest Posting with Author Glenys Nellist This Week!
This week I am excited to be over on Glenys Nellist's blog. She is a celebrated children's book author who is no stranger to mine. I wrote a special post for her blog on five scripture promises for living your life purpose as I introduce my new book to her audience! I hope you click the link below and stop by. BONUS: My guest post is accompanied by a giveaway for a free, signed copy of my book that you could win!
Read my guest post
Thursday, September 3, 2020
7 Biblical Characteristics of Risks Worth Taking
![]() |
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
5 Tips for Raising Boys to Be Good Men
Cartwheel! Hooray! Crosswalk.com just commissioned my first piece especially for them, and this one couldn't be closer to my heart. While I am knee-deep in boyhood, there is something here for every parent. Tip #5 is a favorite. If you want your child to dream big, lead with wisdom, and have an open heart, I hope you read this!
My one-year-old at the beach recently
I always thought my first child would be a boy. My second son was a surprise. Fast forward several years later, and I am the proud mother of three growing boys, including a preteen and toddler.
I still recall the day a friend of mine and I were talking about having boys while our oldest children, who were still infants, played nearby. “I want to raise gentlemen,” she said. “The world needs more gentlemen.” And just like that, a mission of mine was born.
Raising sons who will become men is an adventure, especially for me who only had a sister growing up. I have been indoctrinated into a world that knows surprisingly less drama, or maybe it’s just masked in building challenges and wrestling.
Regardless, the enterprise of raising boys to be gentlemen has high stakes amidst a national backdrop of growing division, disrespect, and estrangement.
As a pastor and host of a faith and parenting TV show, I have distilled five tips for encouraging parents to raise gentlemen at such a time as this:
1. Leaders Are Cultivated, Not Opportunists
As I examine my Twitter feed on regular occasion, I notice the loudest voice often wins. Snarky comments boost followings but also add to the growing divide.
People are thirsty for strong leadership but are often drawn to places that end up dry. I have unfollowed more than one person recently who seemed more bent on sparring with others than leading with patience, humility, and wisdom.
When I examine the Bible, I am reminded of Moses who had his calling right, but his reaction wrong. He wanted to lead his people away from injustice, but his immediate reaction was murder, which sent him into hiding.
After decades in the desert, God matured him and enabled him to take a firm, patient stand to lead God’s people to deliverance from slavery.
I want to impress upon my sons that kingdom growth is slow and abiding, and what happens behind closed doors is more important than what’s flashy.
If God has tucked you away and is working on you, it’s not lost time, even if you have a heart for impacting more. Entrust your preparation to the Lord and trust his timing.
2. Listen and Connect with Others
I recently had the Emmy-award winning journalist Linsey Davis on my show. Linsey is the bestselling author of a Christian children’s book on inclusion, and she shared her book’s backstory with me. She noticed how her young son naturally chooses friends based upon common interests (like Legos) rather than differences (like skin color, religion, or political views). While children notice differences, they don’t assign value to them like adults often do.
I was challenged by her call to intentionally expose children to diversity. She said that she pulled her son out of a great school because he was the only black student. She said that that shouldn’t just matter to her as a black mother; it should matter to the other parents, too.
Having the opportunity to interact and connect with different people is important learning for everyone. She notes that it’s relationships—not facts—that change people regarding any important social issue, like race.
I’m encouraging my sons to broaden their exposure. They can explore differing perspectives in their coursework, through books, or in relationship. It’s an essential step for their own development and leadership, and it resonates with the work of our Creator God, who must love difference because he made every single one of us. Linsey agrees.
Read Tips #3–5 Here
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
New Devotion: Train Your Focus
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
3 Important Grief Resources—Share with a Friend!
Thursday, July 30, 2020
New Devotion: How to Comfort Someone Mourning

To continue reading how you can help and what God offers you, click here.
Thursday, July 23, 2020
5 Essential Insights on Inclusion from an Educator

I’ve been looking for ways to navigate the recent racial tensions in America in the spirit of Christ. Seeking to understand, respond with compassion and justice, and help usher the crisis in a constructive rather than divisive direction is key to real growth and change. I recently had the privilege of interviewing an Emmy Award-winning, African-American journalist who penned a bestselling Christian children’s book on inclusion. You might have seen Linsey Davis on ABC as a host for two Democratic debates for this election cycle, or as she covered the recent space launch or funeral for George Floyd. I asked Linsey about her perspective on race in America. I’m grateful that our interview strikes a healing tenor that provides practical steps for any parent, Christian, or concerned citizen in general.
Our sit-down inspired me to do more. I was hungry for more doable ways to affect change that would be supportive of all people. I decided to turn to one of my family’s favorite teachers, an African-American woman with an impressive background in education who has a passion for inclusion that’s fueled, in part, by her deep faith. Jane Attah is a graduate of the prestigious Teacher’s College at Colombia University, has taught in leading independent schools in America for eighteen years, and is the mother of two children. I’m excited to share five insights on inclusion from our interview—as you learn about her story, you’ll benefit from her wisdom, which includes vetted book selections for every age.
1. Build Relationships
I started by asking Jane about her background. Those who are committed to impacting lives today often have interesting pasts; she is no exception. Jane learned the importance of inclusion firsthand through her father’s work. She is the daughter of a Foreign Affairs Officer from Ghana. She explains, “My father’s job involved working in the embassies of commonwealth countries to create, build, foster, and maintain foreign relations between his native country Ghana and whatever country he was posted to live and work. Being a Foreign Affairs Officer entailed living abroad, usually for 4 years. My family moved a lot so growing up, I had to be able to adapt and welcome change. I was fortunate to experience different places, people, schools, cultures, and ways of life.”
When I asked Jane what impact her childhood has had on her perspective, she reflects, “I developed a fond awareness of and respect for people’s backgrounds and heritage. When you make it a point to want to learn all you can about someone who is different from you, that right there is the beginning of a relationship.” Jane’s insight resonates with one of my favorite points from my interview with Linsey Davis. Linsey remarks that it is relationships—not facts—that change people. Finding ways to establish bonds between people is key to meaningful change on any social issue, like race.
2. Appreciate What Everyone Can Offer
Encouraging participation runs deep in Jane’s approach to teaching. She notes, “I came into teaching because I am optimistic about education being a right and not a privilege, truly a right for ALL children. In the classroom, I highlight inclusion through the essential question: How does learning about myself and others help us connect?” Jane addresses this question in a range of ways as a second-grade teacher. She describes, “I do my best to create classroom norms where a diversity of ideas is welcomed through sharing how students solve math problems, celebrate holiday family traditions, write creative stories, greet in different languages for morning meetings, and describe their roses and thorns at the end of the day.”
Jane has one classroom tradition that’s particularly well-received. “One thing I have discovered to be successful is on a student’s birthday, each classmate writes an adjective that best describes the birthday boy or girl. This tradition is called birthday compliments, and for one day on their birthday every student truly feels he/she belongs, is included, and is significant.” This practice could easily be replicated in a variety of other contexts too, like in a Sunday school or youth group.
3. Ensure Everyone Feels “Seen"
A tradition like birthday compliments allows every child to feel “seen,” and feeling seen is an essential building block to creating an inclusive environment for all children. Jane expands, “Whatever the environment may be—the classroom, on the field, or while teaching, coaching, or mentoring—finding something that you can connect with a child on is necessary. This connection does not have to be academic. The goal is to create that trustworthy space where the child can lead, open up, and share his or her amazing talents that make him or her unique. When the child expresses interest to tell you their story, make time to listen and say, ‘Tell me more.’”
The way a child feels is more important than teaching content, for the former opens the door for latter. “When my students feel comfortable to take risks in the classroom without hesitation or fear of making mistakes, they are seen.” That comfort level allows Jane to stretch her students and expand their horizons for comprehensive growth as students and people.
4. Use Empathy-Building Resources
Books are an essential tool that Jane uses to foster her students’ comprehensive growth. She notes, “Books are powerful and storytelling connects so I am intentional when I choose books to engage my students.” Linsey Davis, author of One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike Than Different, agrees. Linsey observes that books can provide children with valuable glimpses into worlds that are different from their own, especially when their everyday exposure to diversity may be lacking.
Jane divides her impressive list of children’s resources on inclusion, many of which are bestsellers, by age:
Infants – 5 year olds:
Same, Same, But Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
Brown Sugar Babies by Charles R. Smith, Jr.
It’s Okay to be Different by Todd Parr
Chocolate Me by Taye Diggs
The Color of Us by Karen Katz
6 – 9 year olds (Jane's specialty):
I am Enough by Grace Byers
I’m New Here by Ann Sibley O’Brien
Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds
The Water Princess by Susan Verde
And to Think That We Thought That We’d Never Be Friends by Mary Ann Hoberman
Throw Your Tooth on the Roof by Selby Beeler
10 – 12 year olds and up:
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba
The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
Dictionary for a Better World by Irene Latham and Charles Waters
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
My Name is Maria Isabel by Alma Flor Ada
5. Model a Willingness to Engage Yourself
Jane not only offers book suggestions for children, but she actively mines resources herself. Here are four titles that she is currently reading: Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, Raising White Kids by Jennifer Harvey, I’m Not Dying with You Tonight by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal, and Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid. Books are a practical entry point for learning and meaningful dialogue at any age.
In addition to reading, Jane attends conferences, participates in the inclusion initiative at her school, and encourages relevant conversation. She is aware of the existing gaps in American education—access to quality resources and higher level education is not equal for all students, and minority students and educators often feel greater pressure to prove themselves. Jane urges, “Now more than ever, it’s necessary and important to have conversation about race. God created all of us in his likeness. When the conversation is started early, then we can be assured the next generation will undoubtedly be a more inclusive one.”
This article was published at iBelieve.
Thursday, July 16, 2020
New Devotion: What Does God Promise Us?

Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. —Psalm 119:89-91
Maybe it’s about a lunch my boys really want when we’re out running errands. Maybe it’s about a movie they want to see at the end of a long day of getting chores done around the house. Or maybe it’s about sneaking in some time at the hockey rink in between their baby brother’s naps. As hard as I try to fit everything in, unexpected curve balls sometimes come up. When I am not able to do what we were planning on, I hear a familiar refrain:
“But Mom, you promised!”
Really, I hadn’t. I had said we’d try to do it. Yes, we had been planning on it, but every parent knows how the day can shuffle around with children.
What Are Promises?
Promises are more than a casual commitment involving day-to-day juggling. They are reserved for declarations that you can stake your life upon. Promises provide the scaffolding within which we make decisions and live our lives. For instance:
In marriage, I promise to love my husband and commit my life to him, even though some days are naturally bumpier than others.
In childrearing, I promise to always have my children’s best interests at heart, even though sometimes I make mistakes or let them down.
In friendship, I promise to make time for the people I love and believe the best in them, although we might have disagreements and life gets busy.
What God Promises Us
My examples are not exhaustive, but remarkably, the Bible records every single one of God’s promises. His promises are true, firm, and faithful, because they come from the one Perfect Promise Keeper. Our scripture passage today underlines God’s faithfulness. The complaints of the psalmist earlier in the chapter now give way to a crescendo emphasizing God’s sovereignty. God is sovereign for all time, in all places, and over “all things” in these verses. Further, the text gives us a clue as to the tenor of God’s sovereignty—it is merciful and conditioned by love. The Hebrew word for “faithfulness” used here is often paired with the one for “steadfast love.”
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Interview on Race in America with ABC's Linsey Davis
The recent news on race in America has been heartbreaking, challenging, for many, awakening. I urge you to watch my new interview on race to find out how it can be transforming too! ABC's Linsey Davis covered the funeral for George Floyd, and she is the bestselling children's book author of two books. Linsey's newest book, One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike Than Different, is on racial inclusion and has been a #1 bestseller on Amazon. Linsey shares a sneak peek of her book, her hope for America, and practical tips on how we can make a difference right now as parents, people of faith, and Americans in general.
Thank you to Zoom for making this interview possible during the pandemic. Exciting bonus! You can enter the giveaway here for a box set that includes both of Linsey's books and 10 art prints to frame, courtesy of the Christian publisher Zonderkidz! This is a find! One Big Heart was sold out on Amazon when we taped! This exclusive box set is only available for purchase at Barnes and Noble. The contest ends next Tuesday, and one winner will be chosen.
Did you know? My first book released this month! How to Live Your Life Purpose: The Six-Step Journey to God's Best is available on Amazon Kindle and in paperback. It's been a #1 New Release in each of its three categories and sold in the top five books in its categories this weekend! Thank you so much for your support!
Friday, June 19, 2020
8 Questions to Ask Yourself at the End of the Day

You’ve probably heard some version of the quote, “It’s not how you start that matters—it’s how you finish.” Indeed, the Bible confirms that we are all a work in progress; we are clay on the Potter’s wheel (Isaiah 64:8). As God continues to form us, each day is an important step along our journey. Each day grants us the gift of 86,400 seconds to use that we will never get back. To make the most of God’s gift of time, I wrote these questions as a benchmark to help us finish the day well.
1. What do I need to give over to God?
For a good night’s sleep, we need to pray our concerns over to God. The Psalmist famously depicts how God guides him beside the still waters in Psalm 23. God offers each of us rest through refreshing stillness with him. Some things are too big for us to do, and some concerns are too heavy for us to manage alone. By entrusting our concerns to God, we acknowledge the ample power and tender mercies of our trustworthy Shepherd. Repeat these words before you sleep each night to affirm this truth: “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8, NKJV).
2. Did I do something outside of my comfort zone today?
That’s exactly what so many people in the Bible did. They weren’t perfect, but they were willing to step out in faith. While it may be easier to stay within our comfort zone, we squander a precious opportunity. God can use calculated risk, or the risk that he is calling us to take, to grow our faith and dependence on him, infuse our life with adventure, and further his plan for the world. One of my favorite Bible verses, Joshua 1:9, reminds us to be brave: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” If you’re interested in learning more about risk, see my new book on life purpose, which includes essential information on the risk worth taking and end-of-chapter Bible studies to help!
3. What remains to be done?
A to-do list often hits me at the end of the day—maybe it does for you too. Once the house is quiet and my children are asleep, my mind naturally takes inventory. I have learned to sleep with a pad of paper and pen beside my bed because of it. That way, I can write down any important items that I missed, and sleep with the confidence that I will not forget them tomorrow. If we do this, we’ll awake with focus while also remaining open to God’s lead. Proverbs 16:9 states, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
4. Is there one thing that I could personally improve upon for tomorrow?
Truth be told, there are probably many things that we could improve upon, for no one is a finished product. Those who often make the most progress in their life purpose, however, are those who choose to refine their signature strengths rather than focus upon their weaknesses. Along that vein, it can be helpful to choose one thing each day to improve upon. The New York Times bestselling author of Atomic Habits, James Clear, advises his readers to simply get 1% better every day. This bite-sized challenge can make a monumental difference in time. The Bible echoes the fruit of persistence in Galatians 6:9 by stating, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Exciting news! My new book, How to Live Your Life Purpose: The Six-Step Journey to God's Best is now available on Kindle and in paperback too! I hope you check it out! It was an Amazon bestseller in it's category for one morning last week thanks to your support!
Stay tuned next week for an important and *timely* interview on race in America! I sat down with Linsey Davis of ABC, who recently covered George Floyd's funeral, and we talked practical steps for change, her hope for America, and her newest children's book on inclusion!
Thursday, June 4, 2020
New Life Purpose Book/Study Available on Amazon!
Amidst pandemic crisis, which includes 20% of the labor market out of work, many are turning to God for hope and new direction. Perhaps a change has been on your heart too. Publishing on Kindle has allowed me to hyperlink the book to my shows and articles, making it a more visual and interactive six-week group or personal study that can help. Here is the book's official description:
Here's how YOU can help too:
1. Read the book!
2. Please leave a review to help others—I hope you love it!
3. If you like it, give it as a gift to someone else! Amazon allows you to gift easily. Maybe there is a friend whom you know could use this book already.
Praise:
"Had such fun chatting with the kind, wise, talented Noelle Kirchner."