Relationships & Growth Archives

Relationships & Growth

How to Build Influence Without Sacrificing Your Values

Influence has always existed. Parents influence children. Teachers influence students. Friends influence one another. Authors influence readers. Leaders influence organizations. Social media simply made influence more visible. Today, anyone can build an audience online, but not all influence is created equally. Some people pursue attention at any cost. Others focus on building trust, credibility, and long-term relationships. In this article, I share lessons learned from growing my own online audience, working with brands, and navigating the opportunities and challenges that come with becoming a value-driven influencer.

May 4, 2021

How Grief Shapes Growth, Grace, and Emotional Resilience

Grief is one of the most universal human experiences, yet many people feel completely unprepared when loss arrives. In this interview, grief counselor, author, and podcast host Mandy Capehart shares practical insights on emotional resilience, healthy grieving, communication, personal growth, and creating space for healing. Whether you're navigating loss yourself or supporting someone through a difficult season, these lessons offer a thoughtful framework for approaching grief with greater grace and understanding.

December 13, 2020

Dragon Masters Books in Order (Complete Series Guide)

After our son finished the Magic Tree House Books series, we needed another book collection that could hold his attention. Dragon Masters by Tracey West quickly became that series. Filled with dragons, magic, teamwork, adventure, and short chapters designed for developing readers, Dragon Masters has become one of the most popular early chapter book series available today. This guide includes the complete Dragon Masters books in order, character guide, reading level, age recommendations, latest releases, and answers to the questions parents ask most often.

October 3, 2020

How to Stand Out by Becoming a Highlighter Person

Most people spend their lives trying to stand out by talking louder, promoting themselves more aggressively, or drawing attention to their own accomplishments. Yet the people who make the biggest impact are often doing the opposite. They listen before speaking. They elevate other people. They amplify good ideas. They create clarity in noisy environments. Years ago, my wife shared a simple phrase that completely changed how I think about influence: "Be a highlighter in a room full of crayons." The idea is simple but powerful. While crayons constantly draw attention to themselves, highlighters draw attention to what matters. This article explores why highlighter people are so rare, why they stand out, and how becoming one can transform your relationships, leadership, and influence.

September 19, 2020

The Bear and the Piano: Reading Activities, Themes, and Theme Song Resource

The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield has become one of the most beloved modern picture books for children. The story combines music, friendship, ambition, and belonging in a way that resonates with both young readers and adults. While exploring resources related to the book, I had the opportunity to learn more about a unique project created by children's songwriter Annie Lynn—a theme song inspired by The Bear and the Piano. Along the way, I also discovered how music can strengthen reading engagement, comprehension, and memory for young children. If you're a parent, teacher, librarian, homeschool educator, or simply a fan of The Bear and the Piano, this guide explores the book, the music, and why combining stories with songs can create a richer reading experience.

February 11, 2019

What My Grandmother Taught Me About Legacy

For the first time in my adult life, I'm on the cusp of losing a loved one. I was in my teens when my grandfather passed away and it all seemed a bit more distant than. It was a thing that happened, an acquaintance that was no longer around. It was a name that was retired from conversation. Now, as an adult with a family of my own, my grandmother is facing serious health issues and I'm trying to process and understand what it all means and what to do about it.

September 18, 2018

What We Can and Cannot Leave Our Children

Most people think inheritance is primarily about money. Scripture presents a more nuanced picture. Proverbs 19:14 tells us that houses and wealth may be passed from one generation to the next, but some of life's most valuable gifts come from God alone. Understanding the difference can reshape how we think about success, stewardship, parenting, and legacy.

June 25, 2018

How to Communicate More Effectively

Whether you're leading a team, strengthening a relationship, writing an article, resolving a disagreement, or asking someone for a favor, your success often depends on your ability to communicate effectively. Unfortunately, many people think communication is simply speaking, writing, or presenting information. In reality, effective communication requires much more. It requires understanding your message, considering your audience, listening carefully, and knowing the outcome you hope to achieve. When communication breaks down, it is rarely because people lack words. More often, they fail to communicate with clarity, empathy, or intention. The good news is that communication is a skill that can be learned and improved. By understanding a few key principles, you can dramatically increase the likelihood that your message is understood, respected, and acted upon.