Enjoying the Journey
Posts Tagged ‘Home’
An Epidemic Of Loneliness
Recently NBC aired a special news report on the increase of loneliness in people around the world. The British government has now instituted a “minister for loneliness.” This new undersecretary in England has been commissioned to work on what the prime minister called “the sad reality of modern life.” How is it possible? We have more communication and more connection than ever and yet more people feel disconnected and alone. And it’s not just those living alone. Often those who are surrounded most by people – great crowds of people – feel very much isolated. In our own country medical professionals are now talking about loneliness as a public health issue. The former surgeon general went so far as to say…
Read MoreHow To Help Your Kids Make The Most Of School Days
All over the country young people are returning to school. Our own children start back this week. New beginnings are a wonderful opportunity to set so many things in motion. Regardless of what school your children are in, parents are always key to the education of their own children. Little things can make a big difference. What can you do to encourage your children to make the most of every day? Get ready the evening before. One secret to fruitful days is in how the previous evening is spent. Prepare so that the morning hours are not spent in “emergency mode.” Play good music around the house during the morning routine. Encouraging, Christ-honoring music will help everyone’s spirit. Take a Bible…
Read MoreThe Family Vacation
The European’s have long taken their “holiday,” but it is America that has institutionalized the family vacation. American’s spend an inordinate amount of money every year on elaborate trips and extravagant adventures. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, the great thing about vacation is not the place or the activity – it is the people we share it with. We very intentionally set aside a few days each summer just for family. Sometimes it is on the road and sometimes at home. The goal is simple: to make memories together and to give undivided attention to those we love most. Every family is different and everyone wants something different for their vacation. Here are a few principles that…
Read MoreA Mother’s Day Meditation: “The Law Of Thy Mother”
Proverbs opens with a father speaking to his son and closes with a mother speaking to her son. Children need the influence and instruction of both dad and mom. In the first chapter of this book of wisdom Solomon wrote, “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Proverbs 1:8). I am thinking today of many things that my father has instructed me in. But as we approach Mother’s Day I have returned again to this beautiful phrase, “the law of thy mother.” Mother’s have laws for sure! And they know how to enforce them. Yet the greatest laws are not laid down in words but in actions. Life teaches more than…
Read MoreFamily Worship
Did you know that the first time the word “worship” is used in the Bible is in the context of the home? On top of Mount Moriah Abraham taught Isaac what it truly meant to worship God (Genesis 22:1-18). I promise you this was not a lesson that young man forgot! The first “worship leaders” should be parents. The first demonstrations of worship should be as dad and mom lead their children to pray, read God’s Word, and praise the Lord. Such an emphasis would plant the seed of revival in hearts and homes of this generation. Many years ago Thomas Boston was burdened over the cold spiritual state of his church. It was not only cold, but practically empty.…
Read More7 Specific Prayers for the One You Love
Tammy and I are on our way to speak at a marriage retreat for the next couple of days. This week is, of course, a special time for sweethearts and I am truly grateful for mine. At Valentine’s day we often think more about the romantic aspects of love. Yet God’s love is the same at all seasons and it is much more than romance. It is reality. The greatest thing you can do for those you love is pray. Your words to God will accomplish much more than your words to them. There is an intimacy in intercession that brings God into every aspect of the relationship. Prayers recorded in Scripture provide a pattern for prayer. These Spirit inspired…
Read MoreGUEST POST: “A Goodly Heritage”
My first guest author this year is my pastor and hero. He has been my best friend all of my life. I am grateful for dad’s testimony of faithfulness. He has lived at home what he preaches at church. As we focus on marriage and family this month I am happy to share with you a few of his thoughts on the home, and pray that they will be a blessing to you as they have been to me… I grew up in a Christian home and thank God for the instruction and influence of my parents. Our family really never had much, as far as material possessions, but we were certainly blessed. My father was a preacher and when…
Read MoreA Simple Idea for Families
Families are busier than they have ever been. One of the most challenging things to do as a spouse or parent is consistently read the Bible with your family. I must confess that I feel I have failed in this area more often than I have succeeded. We have done better at certain seasons than at others, but I want to be more diligent in putting the Word of God into our hearts and home. Pastor Sexton instructed us that a Christian home has more to do with what you put into it than what you take out of it. In one of the classic passages on the family the Heavenly Father reminds us that a key element in home…
Read MoreThink First!
As children we were always instructed to think before we speak. Now, with children of my own, I realize that this is good advice for adults too. This simple rule would transform relationships and the very atmosphere in most homes! God’s Book of Wisdom cautions us not to be “hasty” with our words (Prov. 29:20). In the Proverbs of the New Testament the Holy Spirit counsels us to be “slow to speak” (James 1:19). We are all too quick to share our mind before we truly examine it! My dad has said through the years that there is a difference in responding and reacting. When we react we are operating in the flesh. When we respond with grace we are operating…
Read MoreQuiet in A Noisy World
This is a busy time of the year. It seems that every season has become a hectic one! So much noise. Beneath the surface our hearts long for quiet – true quiet in a noisy world. Over the last few days I have been blessed by the writings of S.D. Gordon. He makes me think. His book titles are very revealing: Quiet Talks on Power, Quiet Talks on Prayer, Quiet Talks with World Winners, Quiet Talks on Personal Problems, Quiet Talks on Service…18 volumes of Quiet Talks! Gordon wrote, “God is quiet. The earth has grown noisy. Nature is still. There are storm noises and earthquakes, but these are results from disturbances above and below. Both the disturbances and the…
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