What do live clams have in common with a burning bush -- and what does the comparison have to do with you? Allow me to explain. Last week, I found myself doing a very touristy thing -- collecting shells on the beach in Florida. (Having watched many episodes of Seinfeld back in the day, I felt like I was tasting life at the fictional "La Boca del Vista.") Scott and I had just attended the annual conference for Care Net, the affiliate organization for the ministry where we work. This just after our youngest son's wedding at the end of August. Whew! We were tired. The rest was Continue Reading
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The Three Things Your Kids Need to do with Money
Jesus talked quite a bit about money, so it follows that Christ-honoring parents need to instruct their children on this topic. As with everything else you teach your kids, the starting point is your own understanding, and then your actions based on that understanding. What do you believe about money? Is it evil? Is it good? How much of it should Christians have? A little? A lot? How should we manage it? Jesus said this: "I tell you,use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Whoever can be trusted with Continue Reading
For Strong Faith, Children need Critical Thinking Skills
I’ve seen the atheists’ billboard that reads, “Think before you believe.” I’d say it this way, “Think because you believe.” God gave humans a beautiful, brilliant mind as his image bearers. He also likens us to sheep, knowing our propensity to follow the crowd. Parents who love Jesus and want to impart a strong faith to their children must teach their children to be thinkers. Like all discipleship, this begins with parents developing their own critical thinking skills. After all, we can’t give our children what we don’t have. Critical thinking has nothing to do with Continue Reading
How Electronic Devices can Hinder Your Child’s Spiritual Development
Parents are busier than ever. In today’s crush of responsibilities and activities, it can be really tempting to allow electronics to “babysit” our kids. Is it harmless – socially, emotionally and spiritually – for children to spend time on electronic devices? As it turns out, all that touching and clicking on bright screens is powerful brain candy. It has an addictive quality. Letting your baby have access to an ipad or allowing your teen to stay up at night on their cell phone has an adverse effect. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain right behind your forehead. It Continue Reading