Cynics may rant about the commercialism of Christmas, but you can quietly build the Kingdom of God in your own home during this unique season. While the halls are decked with holly, here are a few ways to enlarge your child's capacity for generosity: 1. Emphasize giving, not getting. As you include your child in plans for shopping or making handmade gifts, emphasize the other person's joy at opening the gift. Rather than promoting a message of Christmas means getting a bunch of stuff, prompt your child's enthusiasm with Won't it be so fun to see how happy your brother is when he Continue Reading
How Boredom is Just as Important as Busyness
When someone asks you how you are, what's your typical answer? If you're like most people, you probably say something about being busy. We live in a culture where busyness is expected. Life has become faster and faster, with more and more "conveniences" demanding our attention. Our schedules are jammed. Our inner motors are constantly revved up. It's a go go go world, and we work hard to keep up. Problem is, we like it that way. As my pastor Kevin Beeson said recently, We wear our busyness like a badge of honor. It makes us feel like we're important. People used to say that Continue Reading
How Thanksgiving Benefits Your Brain
Heading into the holidays can seem like a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your life circumstances. Some of us are looking forward to spending time around the Thanksgiving table, counting our blessings and carving the turkey. We can't wait to put away the pumpkins and pull out the awesome bling of Christmas. Others of us have experienced a loss this year. Perhaps a loved one passed, or you got laid off, or your marriage died. Perhaps your health is suffering, or a long-hoped for dream failed to materialize. Life is full of curve balls. It's also full of blessings. We Continue Reading
How to Teach your Children the Difference between a Hero and a Savior
“Jesus is my favorite super hero!” announced my four-year-old grandson, face beaming. I smiled, but his comment got me thinking. Apparently, someone at Reuel’s preschool or at children’s church was attempting to make Jesus relate-able to kids who might not have a frame of reference for who he is. However, children need to understand... Jesus didn’t come to earth to be our hero. He came to be our Savior. That’s a vital distinction. Jesus is in a class all by himself. No super hero comes anywhere near his power or his compassion. Here are just a few ways super heroes can’t Continue Reading