At dinner, my children discussed whether or not one can find a justification for “talking smack” as they say, with Elijah’s taunting comments on Mt. Carmel. 1 Kings 18:27. According to the boys, this is a pertinent question given that…
Why Do Teens Struggle With Being Critical?
Those who have raised teens or worked with them notice that young people often struggle with being too critical. Of course, not all teens sin in this area. But, many do, particularly those who have some God given critical thinking…
A Wonderful Resource for Families
I posted previously that parents should strive for homes where the aroma of Christ is a part of every day life. One of the ways we do this is through family devotions. My family is currently using the book, Big…
What can kill your children
Moralism – – the idea that we merit God’s favor by being good – – is the deadly enemy of Christian parenting. Moralism trusts in its own goodness, virtue, and principled intentions to get a “not guilty” verdict from God…
A recommended Christmas present to give to parents
We spotted a stray flake of snow a few days ago in the Valley. And, there is enough of a nip in the air, to make it acceptable to start Christmas shopping. So, here is a gift idea: Gospel-Powered Parenting:…
Christian Parents – – Strive for Homes With High “Relative Humidity” This Weekend
The great theologian Cornelius Van Til describes the atmosphere of his boyhood home: Ours was not in any sense a pietistic family. There were not any great emotional outbursts on any occasion that I recall. There was much ado about…
It’s Saturday. Would you follow Luther’s example and tell one of your children or grandchildren a story?
Luther was away from home in Coburg when his oldest son Hans turned four. As a birthday card, he sent this story to his son. I know a beautiful lovely garden. There are many children in it with golden garments,…
We All Want to Be Written into the Story
My 3 year* old daughter Mary Beth loves to be written into the story. She likes traditional fairy tales a lot. But, she loves them even more when I invent a role for her in the story. So, I’ve been…
An Illustration of Why We Should Be Patient And Cautious About A Child’s Profession of Faith
Shannon Popkin: Me: "Why did Jesus die?" Cade: "To save us from our sins." Me: "Have you sinned?" Cade: "Yea, like when I scratched Cole last night." Me: "What is God’s punishment for sin?" Cade: "He says we have to…
Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action; reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character reap a destiny
If it’s true that physically, “we are what we eat,” it is just as true that we become what we think. That is the point of the above progression. What do you spend your time thinking about? In growing as…