“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called the children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1). Our “baby” is getting married in 4 more days! The young man she is marrying loves her. It’s been such a delight to watch him studying her and finding out what she loves and what will please her. He discovered her love of […]
Read More →Category: Positive character building
In the Way WE Should Go
There is no way we can raise children who love and follow Jesus if we’re not loving and following Him. Our children can’t follow us somewhere if we’re not going there ourselves. If we love Jesus, we’ll want to listen to Him. If we listen to Him, we’ll love Him even more. And if we truly love Him, that love will spill out onto our children, and draw them to […]
Read More →Make Some Lists!
I’ve spent the last few weeks with a lot of lists. I’ve been making lists, referring to lists, and checking off lists. We have a wedding in just 23 days (!), and lists are what keep me on track (most of the time). I have lists for food, lists for flowers, lists for purchases, lists for music. I have lists I am faithfully checking off in my well-used copy of […]
Read More →Invest Now.
On Tuesday, we spent a little bit of time talking about “courtship”. It’s a challenging topic to talk about because of the different meanings people assign to the word. On another day we’ll discuss some of the pitfalls and common mistakes parents tend to make while overseeing a courtship. Because we’re human and sinners, we’re going to make mistakes. For today, let’s start preparing for the courtship years. Take the […]
Read More →Loving the Way Jesus Loves, PLUS Some Giveaways!
If you want to follow up your study of 1 Corinthians 13 with a good book, Loving the Way Jesus Loves, by Phil Ryken, is a great choice! My copy is underlined and asterisked all over the place. I thought I would share a few of my favorite quotes with you today. (We’re giving away a copy of this book and copies of two other Bible study books, so make […]
Read More →A 10-Day Bible Study for Kids — 1 Samuel 25
Today we’re going to take a chapter from 1 Samuel and talk about some ways you could lead your children in studying this passage. We’re going to study 1 Samuel 25. This is the account of David’s reaction and Abigail’s reponse when Nabal refused to give food to him and his men. Day 1: Read the entire chapter (or divide it into two days, if your children are really young). […]
Read More →How NOT to Discipline with Scripture
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” …but we can misuse it. Don’t use God’s Word to discipline your children without a real love for God and His Word. Children are experts in detecting hypocrisy. They will see right through you, and be provoked to anger. They will be tempted to reject you or what you are trying to teach them. When […]
Read More →The Importance of Community: Courtship, Part 2
I am basking in the joy of our church’s annual family camp this week. This is the 25th year we have attended camp with this group of fellow-believers! Some of our babies weren’t even born when we started coming to this camp. Now most of them are married, and some are chasing their own little ones around the campground! In between the great singing and eating, learning and sharing, and […]
Read More →Growth is Gradual
In his recent post on 5 Ways we Grow, Tim Challies gave me a good picture of the patience that is required when we’re looking for growth (in our own lives, or in the lives of our children). We are an impatient people accustomed to instant gratification. But fruit grows slowly. A fruit tree grows gradually and over many years of careful and deliberate cultivation. If you purchase a sapling […]
Read More →Are You Building Them Up?
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19) Here’s a simple project to try. Fill a jar or mug with dry beans. Set two glasses next to the beans. Label one jar with a “+” and one with a “–“. Listen to yourself as you go through the day. Every time you say something positive or edifying to […]
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