Melissa Richeson

A quick scroll through social media, search engines, and streaming series reveals a common theme: Longevity is trending. From week to week, it seems like there’s a new, hot, “must do” practice that promises to lengthen our lives. But how much of it is helpful and how much is hype?

Parents, it’s that time again – time for school supply shopping. Colorful store displays and flashy sales try to trick us into thinking this is the most wonderful time of the year. And it works through elementary school, maybe. But eventually the thrill of new folders and a fresh box of crayons wears off, and we groan along with our kids at the supply list that signals the ending of summer.

[As seen in the Epoch Times] As parents, we’re all aware of the overwhelming pull on our kids toward social media. Trying to keep up with a few apps for friends, a couple for sports, one for school, and a few for trends has the potential to leave little time for any other type of interaction. And if we’re not careful, our kids will suffer for it.

[As appeared on Crosswalk.com] I didn’t know him, but he knew me – or he thought he did. The two of us stood a few yards apart at the church basketball court, waiting on our kids to finish up a quick post-service game. He came over and introduced himself, a Bible app clearly pulled up on his phone. A few minutes later, I was blinking back tears and struggling to breathe.

In a few weeks, my firstborn son will walk across a stage. The same stage where he nervously shook handbells in the second grade Christmas pageant. The same stage where he reluctantly played one of Snow White’s dwarves in sixth grade. The same stage where he humbly strummed guitar for worship band in eleventh grade.

We all know what it’s like to be scared. Elevated heartrate. Sweaty palms. Sinking stomach. Racing thoughts. For most people, those and other sensations easily translate into one thing: Fear. But what does it feel like to become un-afraid?

In conversation, we tend to use the words endurance and perseverance almost interchangeably. But in practice, there’s a notable nuance between enduring and persevering — one that can make a huge difference in how we approach life’s challenges.

Often, we equate healthy rest with getting a good night’s sleep. But in reality, that’s just one factor of the overall rest that the mind and body needs. Multiple studies concur that regular periods of rest — not just sleep — are essential for biological repair, mental health, increased productivity, optimal creativity, and much more.