by Shannon Popkin | Sep 3, 2014 | Gifts, God, Kids' Perspective, Money, Parenting, Serving, Talents
Many years ago, we tried an experiment with our older two kids. Our poor kids have endured a lot of experiments, but this was one we thought they would enjoy: We gave them their own spending money for the month.Twenty dollars each! For two elementary school kids who...
by Shannon Popkin | Jul 19, 2013 | Analogy, Faith, God, Humility, Mistakes, Parenting, Talents
In my hands, I hold the strings of the three kite-like kids whom God has blessed me with. I have a lot to juggle with three–wanting each one to soar high in the sky. It’s so fun to have the other people around me tilt their heads back and admire the...
by Shannon Popkin | Mar 12, 2013 | Communication, Friendship, Marriage, Roles, Talents, Wisdom
As a young wife, I remember being at a barbecue with some of Ken’s friends from work and their wives. Whenever the men would start to ‘talk shop’, the women would roll their eyes and turn to begin their own conversation. They wanted to talk about...
by Shannon Popkin | Oct 26, 2012 | Church, Communication, Kids' Perspective, Serving, Talents, Teaching
I talked last time about a piano student who caused me some frustration.Today I’ll talk about one who warms my teacherly heart. Lauren is much like I was at her age–very curious and enthusiastic and determined.She brought two songs she had written to her...
by Shannon Popkin | Aug 13, 2012 | Humility, Jesus, Kids' Perspective, Leadership, Talents
When Cade was seven, my friend Karee told me about a conversation she had with him while waiting in line at church. Probably feeling quite grown up, compared to Karee’s little toddler, he turned to her and said, “So, how’s everything with your...