June 29, 2011 Posted By: Mark Merrill

Privileges vs. Entitlements

kids playing video games

  Our children want a lot of things, don’t they? They want toys and trips, xboxes and xgames, iTunes and iPhones, apps and accessories, laptops and luxuries. But, are they entitled to any or all of those things? If you ask your child, the clear answer would be, “yes.”  I mean, “all the other kids …

June 23, 2011 Posted By: Mark Merrill

Avoid Arguments by “Taking a Break”

a couple sitting far apart on a couch

  This is a useful tool for couples when conflict starts to escalate out of control. One way to do avoid conflict with your spouse before it starts is by “taking a break.”  Let’s say you and your spouse are arguing, things are getting pretty intense, and the ugly words are starting to fly.  That’s …

June 22, 2011 Posted By: Mark Merrill

Parenting in the Control Tower

looking out of a control tower

  I’m a former private pilot and have been in Tampa International Airport’s control tower with my son, Marky. It’s a busy place…no time for a nap. But a number of air traffic controllers have been caught sleeping on the job, according to recent news reports. The job of an air traffic controller is to …

June 21, 2011 Posted By: Mark Merrill

My Family is Houseless but Not Homeless

Mark Merrill

  “Hello, Mr. Merrill? This is John Smith from Tampa Fire and Rescue. Do you know what’s happened to your home?” “No,” I said in with a questioning voice. “Well, you have a major problem in your home.  It’s flooded.” “What?” I gasped. “What happened?” “I would just suggest you get here quickly,” he exclaimed. …

June 20, 2011 Posted By: Mark Merrill

Wimbledon and your “Sweet Spot”

famiy resting during tennis

  Top tennis talent will start showing their stuff on the court at the Wimbledon tennis championships starting June 20. Do you play tennis? Have you ever swung a racket?  I used to play quite a bit of tennis…not much anymore. But I do know where I’m supposed to hit the ball.  On the “sweet …

June 17, 2011 Posted By: Mark Merrill

A Big Dad in a Small Town

dennis rainey

  Today my friend Dennis Rainey is joining us to share about his father and the profound impact his dad had on his life. With Father’s Day just around the corner, I hope you’ll be encouraged and inspired by the words Dennis shares about the role his father played in his life. Dennis talks more …

June 15, 2011 Posted By: Mark Merrill

Parenting: What Makes A Good Dad?

max lucado headshot

  With Father’s Day just around the corner, I thought it might be helpful to look at what makes a good dad. My friend, Max Lucado, has a few words of wisdom to share with us in this guest blog today about what it means to be a good father. There’s no higher honor than …