We’re sitting at dinner with our oldest son and his family. Five-year-old Reuel wants to know which movies I’ve seen. “Have you seen Planes?” he asks. “Yes, I have,” I reply. “How about Planes 2?” “I’m not sure, but I think so.” “Have you seen Cars 2?” “No, I don’t think I’ve seen Cars 2.” “Yes, you have!” Reu says gleefully. “There are two cars right there on your driveway!” Stand-up comedy, Kindergarten style. I’m glad my grandson is developing his sense of humor, but I’m even more grateful for the way his parents develop his character (and that of his Continue Reading
How to Teach Children to Obey the “Law above the law”
Do your children or grandchildren know the difference between "legal" and "moral?" Do they understand that Christians uphold and submit to the law of the land -- unless that law violates God’s commands? We live in a day and age when man’s law and God’s law do not always agree. The result is cognitive dissonance and moral confusion. It doesn't have to be that way in your household, or wherever you have an influence. Read more in my latest guest post here: pregnancyhelpnews.com. May God bless you and yours as you uphold the Law above the law. Continue Reading
How to Find Beauty in your Bleakest Season
Exhausted from the long trip, we pulled up in front of the rental we were moving into. The skies hung low and grey; the ground squished under our feet. Bonners Ferry, Idaho is stunningly beautiful, but we landed there in late November, the bleakest season of the year. The fiery splendor of fall had died, leaving only shriveled brown leaves to be tossed about by chill winds. Even the larches’ gold needles had turned to rust and dropped to the dull forest floor. The landscape waited for winter’s saving grace, a pure white blanket of snow. So far, just bare limbs and cold, grey Continue Reading
5 Indicators that Your Home Could Be Child-Centered (And Why that’s Not a Good Thing)
Tired after a stressful day at work, my brother Wil walked through the front door to greet his wife and little girl. As Kathy finished dinner preparations, little Rachael’s negative behavior began to escalate. Wil thought about how to deal with this. Should he offer his daughter loving attention? Should he correct her? In a flash of inspiration, he walked over to his wife, put his arms around her, and held her for a long moment. Almost immediately, their little girl settled down. Here's what that incident years ago illustrated: When children know that Mom and Dad are doing Continue Reading