Author Archives: Nicole Byrum

Without a doubt, the worst part of writing is the start- dealing with that ever present question, “Where to begin?”  So rather than stare at my computer for the next 30 minutes thinking of the perfect introduction, I’m opting instead to start with the stars.   But first, an honest moment: I can already tell thatContinue reading “Starry Grief and Grace”

Over the last week or so I’ve been feeling increasingly uncertain about what the future holds for me as both a counselor and a writer.  For no real reason, doubtful thoughts and feelings of inadequacy have been a very real presence.  As I prayed over these things this morning, the answer I received was notContinue reading “He is Better”

For the past few days I’ve had the privilege of vacationing in the beauty of the Missouri hills with extended family.  Writing this now from our cabin balcony, the view is spectacular: As far as the eye can see are blue skies and abundant sunshine- something my warm-weather loving heart can never get enough of. Continue reading “The Great Multiplier”

Truth and boldness.  Love and grace.  Social media alone is evidence that our world is in desperate need of both.  Too many posts to count are replete with strong opinions, fruitless rhetoric, and outright hate.  Scrolling Facebook this weekend, I found myself experiencing the heaviness of strong emotions.  And I began to wonder: As aContinue reading “Grace, Truth, and Timothy”

As this series comes to an end, it strikes me that nothing I have written has been complicated.  In a sense, it has been, well…basic.  And yet, simplicity is not the same thing as easy.  It is simple to understand the importance of servanthood in marriage and using gentle and gracious words with our kids. Continue reading “Welcome Home: Grace Upon Grace (Conclusion)”

As we conclude our focus on parenting (and the book in general) I wanted to return once more to the idea of joy, for no other reason than this: It’s so easy to get caught up in the heaviness of parenting.  The weight of raising Godly sons and daughters, of teaching and training, and ofContinue reading “Welcome Home: Joyful Parenting”

As we transition to discussing communication in the parent-child relationship, please remember that the same principles and applications already addressed for the marital relationship are still applicable.  (For instance, in our communication with our children, we should aim to edify and speak the truth in love.)  This post aims to capitalize on what has alreadyContinue reading “Welcome Home: The Language of Parenting”

In the previous post, we discussed the importance of parenting with an attitude of humility.  As the last post focused on 3 practical applications of humility, this post will focus on the attitude of respect, and 4 practical ways we can demonstrate this in our parenting.  When we talk about demonstrating respect for our kids,Continue reading “Welcome Home: Parenting with Respect”

For those who have been following along in the series, you know we have focused on the following: building a firm foundation on Christ and the Gospel; marriage setting the tone for the home; the values of a home filled with emotional safety and joy; the language of marriage; and the theological (and subsequent practicalContinue reading “Welcome Home: Parenting with Humility”

I wish I had known sooner.  For so many years, I failed to grasp the significance of the Old Testament tabernacle and sacrificial system.  Of course, I knew the tabernacle was beautiful and precisely created, just as God had instructed.  It was meant to reflect His glory and to be the place where His peopleContinue reading “Within the Veil”