There are eight critically important words that as parents we need to say to our kids, as often as necessary—and they are hard. Let me re-type that more appropriately. They are HARD. They may be the hardest words to say in the English language. They are relationship building words, and words that model what true repentance looks like. If you don’t learn how to say these words, at some point, your relationship with […]
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to make some changes, to consider where growth is helpful and necessary. In this “Best of” episode of CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD, I share 13 gauges on how to improve as parents and as individuals this year. I walk you step-by-step through a personal assessment that examines your faith life, your marriage life, your family life, your domestic life, and nine other areas while offering simple, everyday guidance on how to make effective and lasting change. This powerful tool for […]
People always assume I have an incredible memory because I can quote many Bible verses and whole passages of Scripture verbatim. They’re wrong. My long-term memory is pretty ordinary, and my short-term memory is as bad as it gets. I lose my phone at least 10 times a day. (I have no idea where it […]
King David said, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11) As Believers, we know that we are supposed to hide God’s Word in our hearts, but most of have a really heard time retaining Scripture. We know that a verse is somewhere in a certain book of the Bible… probably. And we know what it says… sort of—but we […]
Keeping Christ at the center of Christmas is a HUGE challenge for busy parents. Can I get an AMEN? Or a Merry CHRISTmas. We are constantly pushed and pulled a hundred different directions, especially at the holidays. Our event calendar in December can look like a flow-chart from an international airport with constant departures and arrivals. And it is so […]
Last Christmas, I was perusing a list of “The 100 Best Christmas Movies of All Time” on Rotten Tomatoes, the universal hub for movie reviews, and received quite a shock. The first few offerings were expected Christmas classics. Earning top billing was Meet Me in St Louis followed by The Shop Around the Corner and Miracle on 34th Street. (The list has since […]
Hey Mamas & Papas, “He sees you when you’re sleeping.He knows when you’re awake.He knows when you’ve been bad or good So be good for goodness sake.” Our culture tells us that Jolly ole St. Nicholas is keeping a list, and he’s checking it twice. He’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice. So the gifts under […]
There is a powerful and pervasive cultural myth being piped into our kids these days, and you are a bad parent if you don’t buy into it. The myth says that our kids can be whoever they want to be in life. Is this idea BIBLICAL? Is it TRUE or even REALISTIC? The idea that you can be whoever you want to be is the central theme in countless books, movies, and television shows. Check out this back cover […]
Keeping Christ at the center of the Christmas season is always a challenge, especially for us crazy busy parents. The hectic pace of life intensifies during December, and often our focus shifts to the never-ending list of responsibilities and chores to complete before the big day. What’s a busy mom or dad to do? Well, strategically celebrating Advent is […]
Biblically parenting a child who struggles in their sexuality requires resting on a bedrock foundation of truth while always operating in a spirit of love, humility, and surrender to Christ. We must never deny God’s truth, but a child struggling in this area must first be completely secure in their parents’ unconditional love. Focusing on the relationship is paramount. That relationship is secured by practicing unconditional love, the same love that God gives to us. What can parents do to build a strong […]