There’s an expression. “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” The idea is that people are doing things they shouldn’t be doing and don’t want other people to find out about it! “Let’s keep secret what happened in Vegas!”Sometimes we can have that same mentality about our homes—even if we don’t use that expression. I’m … Continue reading What happens in the home
children
Praying as a unit
Colossians 4:2: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Different families have different temptations. Matthew Henry wrote: "Busy families are in temptation to wordliness, and neglect of religious duties; mixed families are in temptation to discord, and mutual jealousies; decaying families are in temptation to distrust, discontent, and indirect courses to help themselves.”* If … Continue reading Praying as a unit
We pick stuff up, almost by osmosis
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). Have you ever been talking to a young child when they use a word that you know they didn’t come up with … Continue reading We pick stuff up, almost by osmosis
So little unstructured time
The New Yorker once had a single-pane cartoon which depicted two boys walking down a sidewalk. They were wearing baseball hats and had a stack of books under their arms. One said to the other: “So many toys—so little unstructured time.” It was a commentary about how busy many children are. Their time is very … Continue reading So little unstructured time
(Really) prioritizing the faith of children as we re-vision our lives
For those of you with children or grandchildren, or for those of you who lead or teach children and youth in some other way, I’m about to share something that might be a bit jarring. But there are times when some soul-rattling is in order. Let me share it with you, and then explain my … Continue reading (Really) prioritizing the faith of children as we re-vision our lives
Role models for children with anxiety
“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do” (Philippians 3:17). I recently interviewed Lyndsey Stevenato about anxiety in children. (See links below.) She has seen this trend rise through the pandemic. One of the things … Continue reading Role models for children with anxiety
I wish my dad were here
I wish my dad were here. He died in November 2014 after a short but difficult battle with cancer. I trust that he is in a much better place now than this problem-fraught earth, so it’s not like I wish he were back again dealing with worldly problems instead of enjoying heavenly awesomeness. What I … Continue reading I wish my dad were here
Supper’s ready!
I heard about a survey where Americans were asked what words they most liked to hear. Number 1 was “I love you.” No surprise there. Number 2 was “I forgive you.” Makes sense. Number 3 was a bit less predictable. But it totally makes sense… “Supper’s ready!” I wonder why so many people like to … Continue reading Supper’s ready!
