The Importance of Remembering Amidst COVID-19
The pandemic we are living through is history in the making. Stories will be told decades from now, about how this changed everything, how it altered the course of governments, businesses, individuals and families. Yet in the middle of it all, I’m struck by how important remembering the past is, how important it is that we “remember to remember” amidst COVID-19. Our personal and collective histories are critical to how we navigate these crazy days.
The One Thing You Need to Make Tough Decisions
Have you ever wondered how to make tough decisions well? You’ve probably had to make some over the last few years. You’ll probably make more in the coming days. How do I know? Because when I ask how I can pray for people, the answer is universal: “I’ve got to make some tough decisions.” There […]
4 Essentials the Next Generation Craves from Parents
Have you ever heard someone say “OK, boomer”? The phrase, popularized by millennials and Generation Z, exploded across the internet last year after a boomer criticized them in a video on social media. The phrase expresses the younger generations’ disdain for the older generation’s attitude toward them. It’s ignited generational conflict between older and younger adults, and both sometimes feel dismissed and disrespected. But what do millennials need from us?
10 Ways to Stop Worrying
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer.” The same is true for a good father. When he feels fear about meeting monthly bills, or his child possibly doing drugs, or paying for college, he digs deep and determines to do the right thing and stick it out. He keeps his promises. He keeps his word to his kids. He leads a life of self-sacrifice so his children may live better than he did.
The Parenting Idea I Stole From My Wife
My wife Susan is very creative in all aspects of her life, and that includes parenting our five children. There are times when I see her doing something creative with our kids and think, “I want to be a part of that!”
Many years ago, I watched Susan and our daughter Megan start trading a writing journal back and forth. After this went on for a few weeks, I noticed them laughing and talking more together. Pretty soon, Susan had these journals going with all of the kids. I felt left out of the fun and bonding so I took her idea and started journaling back and forth with our kids too! Of course, she didn’t mind, and maybe it was her plan all along to make it look so fun that I would practically beg to be a part of it, instead of telling me that I should do it.
From Me to You
Susan: We arrived at school, the kids got out the car, and I drove away, marveling that Megan had put into practice what we had discussed. I was so excited and wanted to encourage her to continue being patient with her siblings.
Then my excitement turned pensive. I began to worry that I would forget to praise her after school. I knew I would be distracted getting all the kids where they needed to be, finishing homework, preparing dinner…you know the drill. But I was not going to miss this opportunity to encourage her. I drove home and immediately wrote her a long note of praise and left it on her pillow. Why are indelible words on paper often more powerful than fleeting comments?
A New Way of Thinking as a Dad
The way you think as a man and father is greatly influenced by your past. You are, to a certain extent, a product of your past. Two of the greatest past influences on your mindset as a father are your father and culture.
#143: How to Overcome Obstacles in Life with Faith
Scars. We all have them, whether they are the time we fell off our bike when we were young or the emotional ones we carry with us as an adult. Every scar has a story! On today’s show, we will hear from former NFL player Devon Still, and how his life has been a journey from one scar to the next.
How to Love Your Unlovable Spouse
My wife Susan is good at loving me when I am unlovable. When I walk through the door cranky, stomping my feet and hissing, she could snap at me and say, “What’s your problem?” But, instead, she approaches me gently, hugs me, and loves me.
