It started when he was an infant. His dad hung a football mobile over his crib and supplied him with a plush pigskin for a cuddle toy. This father had a big dream for his boy. He was determined for him to succeed as a football star. That meant no ice cream at birthday parties for this boy; he needed the best nutrition. It meant endless drills and devoted discipline. In the end, the boy indeed excelled at the game. I don't recall how well-known he became -- I read this true story years ago --but here's what I do remember. This son deeply resented his father for turning him into Continue Reading
Three Essential Characteristics of Passionate Parents
"It's only six more years," said the exhausted mother of teens who were involved in multiple sports. "And then they'll be out of the house." I was dismayed, but held my tongue. How sad! This mother was enduring, not enjoying, her years of child rearing. God meant for her to delight in that time, not just survive it. God wants you to experience joy as a parent, too. Remember, a passionate parent is a mom or dad who enthusiastically and fully invests him or herself in the joyful responsibility of teaching their children about Jesus. Here are three qualities you'll exhibit as a Continue Reading
Why You Can’t Afford to Confuse “Comfort” with “Comfortable”
As our friend pondered the tragic loss of a family member last year, he wondered, "Why do I never feel comfortable when I'm mourning? Doesn't God promise to comfort us in our grief?" Americans are all about being comfortable. We don't even know what the weather feels like most of the time, unless it's so glorious we decide to risk it and go outside. We don't usually have to suffer heat, cold, or hunger, so we opt out of those inconveniences. We use running water without a second thought, and holler our protests if someone dares flush while we are in the shower. We're a pretty Continue Reading
How to Relax About Your High Calling as a Parent
Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? How can we be relaxed about something that is super important? Let's back this whole truck up and look at the big picture. There's something I want you to grab hold of, because when you do, you will carry out what God has set before you with peace and with great effectiveness. We need to begin at the proper starting point for all this to make sense, which is: God has a destiny in mind for your child. Whatever thoughts, hopes and dreams you have for your child, God has bigger things in mind than you can even come remotely close to Continue Reading