Enjoying the Journey
Posts Tagged ‘parents’
The Scariest Job In the World
Every job has its drawbacks and even its dangers. But, what is the scariest job in the world? It is a job that many of us have! The scariest job in the world is parenting. The demands, the implications, the complications…about the time you start to figure a few things out your kids are almost grown. Tammy and I are at a new season in our lives as two of our children are in college and the youngest is less than three years from finishing high school. Over lunch recently I told friends that this phase of parenting has been the most challenging for me personally. I have loved every stage but as your children get older there are unique…
Read MoreHow NOT To Choose A Mate
When I was a young man someone told me, “Choose only a date who would make a good mate.” That was good advice. A casual relationship can quickly turn into a serious one. Friendships often become lifelong commitments. There are many choices in life, but few have more lasting consequences that who you will marry. In Genesis 6:1-2 the Bible describes an ancient society where “the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.” This would set in motion a chain of events that eventually led to the worldwide flood. Civilization was destroyed because of evil imaginations and carnal desires. What can we learn from this…
Read MoreFor Those Who Love Children
“Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.” The greatest way to impact the future of a nation is to reach another generation of children. More than ever, we need people with a passion to reach and teach children for Christ! My friend, Pastor Mark Fowler, worked with children for many years. Some time ago he compiled for his church a list from the life of Samuel of “What I Wish Every Child Had.” These are wonderful truths from 1 Samuel and I am happy to pass them along to you… Every child should be prayed for (1:10, 11, 20, 26-27). Every child should be given to God (1:11, 22,28). Every child should be taught to live…
Read MoreThank God For Christian Education
The last two days I have been speaking in Michigan at a wonderful Christian Educator’s Convention. It has been a privilege to spend time with men and women who are giving their lives to help families as they seek to provide their children with a true Christian education. Tammy and I both had the joy of being a part of Christian schools and are grateful for the outstanding Christian academy the Lord has allowed our children to attend. I thank God for Christian education. Christian education is undoubtedly more than Christian schools. It is done in the context of home and through the ministry of local churches. In the words of one of my mentors, Dr. Clarence Sexton, “Christian education…
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 MoreA Big Day
Tomorrow is a big day for our family. In just a few hours Lauren will turn 16 and Morgan will graduate from high school. As a dad it is both joyful and sobering to watch my baby girls grow up. Later this summer our youngest, Grant, will turn 13. (Pray for us, please!) Today is reflective for me and for their mother. Where has time gone? Just last month they were all born. Just last week they were learning to walk. Just yesterday they started school. Or at least that’s how it all seems. Life…a vapor. I am not writing these things to depress you! Instead, I am encouraging you to make the most of every day. Don’t waste one.…
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 Word to the In-Laws
I know. The title has real potential. A preacher friend of mine recently said to me, “I have no problem with mother-in-laws. I love my wife’s mother-in-law!” (For the record, I did laugh. But I shouldn’t have…) My relationship with my wife’s parents has always been especially good. For that I am truly grateful. My word of thanks to them goes far beyond my own relationship… Today my wife and I celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary. My thoughts are full of past experiences, present blessings, and future dreams. I am a blessed man. On this special day I would like to say thank you to people who often do not get the credit they deserve. You see, without my father-in-law…
Read More3 Things You Could Write Today
Writing is work! It takes time and more mental energy than most tasks. I am currently reading the biography of Jonathan Edwards. Edwards was one of the greatest theological minds that America has known, and this is no accident. His father worked diligently for the education of each of his children. One of the disciplines that the elder Edwards built into his children’s training was the practice of regular writing. Correspondence and other compositions were expected on a regular basis. Today’s young people are learning to tweet, post, text, and message…but they are not learning to write. Some will argue that this is a different day and communication is so much simpler. The truth remains that writing is connected to…
Read MoreCounsel to Young People and to Those Who Counsel Them
It is my privilege to work each week with hundreds of middle school, high school, and college age young people. It is fascinating that the older I get the younger they seem! Not long ago (in my mind) I sat where they sit. Making decisions and seeking direction. Recently I spent several days just meeting with kids, listening, talking, praying. Full of hope for their future, every one of them is in the middle of a season of decision. Decisions that will alter the course of their life. Perhaps I am more concerned than they are because I have seen so many poor choices and sad casualties. Meeting after meeting it seemed that the conversation returned again and again to…
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