Samantha Evans, Author at

Learning a New Language – Speak Life!

By Samantha Evans

"The tongue has the power of life and death." Proverbs 18:21 Just like with any skill that’s worth attaining, learning a new language takes a lot of practice. English is my second language and I attribute my ability to speak it fluently to three main things – desire, input and lots and lots of practice. I lived in the U.S. for a year when I was in 5th grade and that was very helpful. It definitely provided me with a good English foundation. However, once I moved back to Mexico I only had some English classes in middle school and…

Marriage, Parenting, Personal Development, Relationship Building, Spiritual Growth

Becoming Who God Created You to Be

By Samantha Evans

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 One of my favorite Christmas songs is “All is Well”, by Michael W. Smith, featuring Carrie Underwood’s amazing voice. I believe this song touches my soul not only because of its beautiful lyrics, vocals, and music, but because I get to experience the fruit of two people fulfilling the very purpose for which they were created. Their callings, talent, and abilities are a gift for the rest of us to enjoy. The same is true when…

Personal Development

Renewing Our Minds

By Samantha Evans

As moms, it is important to us that our children grasp the truth of who they are in Christ. We know they were created by a loving God who carefully chose their gifts, talents, and abilities because He has a plan and purpose for their lives. But they also have an enemy, and his goal is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10) everything good about them so they don’t accomplish the purpose for which they were created. One of the most effective ways he has discovered to sabotage their future, is by attacking their identity and making them feel…

Parenting, Relationship Building, Spiritual Growth

Believing God

By Samantha Evans

"For the word of God will never fail." Luke 1:37 When I was in pre-school my dad once jokingly told me I had blue eyes. I have no idea what prompted him to say that at the time, but I am told when I came back from pre-school that day, I asked my dad to go talk to my classmates because they did not believe me when I said I had blue eyes. Obviously my dad did not mean for his joke to go that far, and he probably didn’t even think I would internalize what he said as truth.…

Spiritual Growth

I Believe, Help Me Overcome My Unbelief!

By Samantha Evans

Lately, I’ve found myself wrestling with questions I don’t have answers for. I can’t wrap them in a box with a bow neatly tied around it, as I do with miraculously answered prayers that fit in my faith box nicely. The ramifications of the global crisis we are facing can’t be easily predicted or explained, let alone understood. So many questions, so many unknowns, so many different opinions. The enemy would like nothing more than to use the heaviness and uncertainty of this time to make us question God’s goodness, faithfulness, and even His existence. I don’t know about you,…

Spiritual Growth

Having a Vision for Your Family Trips

By Samantha Evans

Our family loves to travel. We love to visit new places, meet new people, and share new experiences together. We’ve learned a lot of “dos and don’ts” for family vacations along the way, but one thing we had not thought about doing before was to have a vision for our trips. Typically, we have a general idea of the itinerary, and go on our merry way hoping for the best. Most of the time that works just fine, and we have a great time together. But there have been times where it would have been helpful to discuss expectations ahead…

Marriage, Parenting, Relationship Building

Encourage Teens at Work

By Samantha Evans

My sixteen-year-old son has been working at Chick-Fil-A for several months now. He has learned a lot of valuable lessons during his time there. Some of these lessons have to do with responsibility, managing a schedule, and such. But one lesson that has made a long-lasting impact is the importance of treating people who are serving you with kindness and respect. I personally know several teens who are currently working at drive-through restaurants. I’ve known eight of these kids and their families for a long time, and they are very dear to me. All of them have shared stories with…

Parenting, Relationship BuildingEncouraging teens, Teens at work

The Days Are Long, but the Years are Short

By Samantha Evans

Yes, I still have the Christmas tree up in my family room. No, it was not my idea. Those who know me well know my Christmas decor is down by January 1st every year. I like getting it done while we’re still on break so I don’t have to worry about it once we get going with school and activities again. I’m also very practical and somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to home decor. So as much as I love Christmas, I prefer not to have a big tree in my family room (in place of my side…

Parenting, Relationship Building

What Difference Can I Make?

By Samantha Evans

I laid in bed unable to sleep. What can a stay-at-home-mom like myself do to make a difference? I wondered as I struggled to still my restless mind. I snubbed every idea that came to mind because they seemed too small and insignificant compared to the colossal crisis we are up against. I began to entertain the narrative that tricks me into believing that unless my efforts reach and impact the masses, they are not as important or meaningful as those that do. God gently corrected my wrong thinking: You can make a difference in your circle of influence. Do what…

Parenting, Relationship Building

Family Meetings – Tips and Benefits

By Samantha Evans

When I announced to my teens I wanted to start having family meetings, I could see the look of dread on their faces. I don’t blame them. The fact is the few family meetings we had in the past were always to address some kind of family issue, so the agenda involved a lecture, correction, and a consequence. For this family meeting, however, I wanted to focus on unity, appreciation, and goal setting. I made sure to let them know that this meeting was going to be different, and that there would be a reward if they showed up with…

Parenting, Personal Development, Relationship Building