It’s just another day on the calendar for most people, but for me, July 31st will always be thought of as Daddy’s birthday! Since experiencing the loss of my dad several years ago, I’m realizing how the celebration of one’s life goes well beyond that person’s memorial service. In Matthew 5:4 we read: Blessed are…
“Throw me in the air again, Daddy!” You may remember making similar requests of your dad as you were growing up. There’s little argument that most dads interact differently than moms do with their children. Some of this relational time is through play; other is through communication efforts. But one thing stands out—dads do about everything differently when it comes to fathering.…
Think of a recent dreadful event that made headline news. What was your initial response to it? Did it create a sense of fear and hopelessness in you? Did it make you afraid to continue your normal daily processes—wondering if something bad would happen to you or your family members? Unfortunately, children often experience similar thoughts and feelings when tragedy strikes. Times…
Family Ministry is the latest buzz around churches these days, but what exactly does that mean? Of the descriptions I’ve heard over the past few years, my impression is that family ministry provides opportunities and “tools” to better equip parents in the spiritual education of their children. One of the main focal Scriptures in family ministry circles is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9.…
Last week I shared my story of loss through miscarriage. My experience (both the physical and emotional part) of losing a baby gave me the passion to reach out to other women, so they are not suffering alone. Some things I personally learned through this loss: Grieving is complex We all have heard of the stages…
The sadness of a mother with a broken heart cannot be compared to anything. It’s a kind of sorrow that cannot be explained unless you have experienced it. I remember waking the morning after we had found out our baby had unexpectedly died in my womb, and I wailed. It came from somewhere deep inside…
Hide and Seek is a familiar childhood game. The point, obviously, is for one person to search out every possible spot of the given area in order to find the concealed person. Children have so much fun playing this game! The anticipation of finding the one hidden is what makes the game so much fun. In comparison, what joy it is to…
When you hear someone say, “I promise,” what comes to your mind? Hopefully you have a positive reaction to this phrase, from experience with individuals who kept their word. A promise is a commitment to someone about a certain action that will be carried out. God provides many examples throughout Scripture of His faithfulness in keeping His promises. Do you give much…
“Why do I have to obey you?” This question comes up millions of times every day—from people of all ages. Children ask it of parents. Parents ask it of employers. And we all ask it of God. This lesson to obey—or not—goes back to the Garden of Eden, showing that it’s been a tough one…
I was picking up my son from school and I could tell something was up by the way he pulled open the back door and jumped in. With all my children/teens I can always tell when something is up by the look in their eyes, but there are times when I’m not quite sure if it is good…or bad. Will this be a moment of…