Family
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A Reminder for Parents
Parents… …do you ever get frustrated because your children do something wrong after you’ve told them what was right? …have you ever been hurt because your “good child” did something truly rebellious? …do you ever wonder how this kid could be so foolish? …do you ever feel pain because you want to spend time with your child, only to see them choose something else? …have you ever talked and talked to your child about right and wrong and felt as if you were talking to a brick wall? …do you ever dream of a better future for your children, but wonder if they actually want to do better? …have you…
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When Your World is Spinning
Have you ever felt like you were in the middle of a whirlwind? You know what I mean – everything is spinning out of control and you feel like each day gets busier than the last one. With so much going on and only a limited amount of time to get it all done, you may want to just stop the train you’re on and get off at the relaxation station! I’ve felt that way lately. I try to plan my days so I can accomplish what I need to get done that day. Sometimes I make written lists and check them off so, at least, I feel like I…
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Building Up the Preacher’s Wife
She–along with elders’ wives–holds one of the most difficult “roles” in the Lord’s Church. It is difficult because it is not defined in Scripture, but is often “defined” by each member of a congregation, and she’s just expected to know that. From talking with dozens and dozens of families over the years, allow me to let you in on a little secret. You may not believe it at first, but I promise you it is true. It is this: there is a very high likelihood that your preacher’s wife feels very lonely. Her husband has dozens of people come up to him each week and basically tell him how great…
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Legacy Recipe: Skinny Pie
With warmer weather approaching and many people trying to get in better shape for their summer clothing, I thought I would share this recipe. It is not original to me. I got it from a group of friends who are all supporting each other in their health journey. Enjoy! 1 small box sugar free Jello (any flavor) 2 low fat yogurts (same flavor as Jello) 1 tub sugar free Cool Whip 1 graham cracker crust (can do the Keto crust for even lower carbs) Mix the first three ingredients together until smooth. Spread in crust. Can either freeze or chill. Serve cold and enjoy! (Editor’s Note: I forgot to move…
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Jesus vs. Family
One of the teachings of Jesus that is often just quickly passed over has to do with family. In Matthew 10:34-37, Jesus stated: Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. Often, when we…
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ReConnect 2023
A few years ago, Josh and Amanda Ketchum met up with Leah and me with an idea. They noticed that there was nothing that they knew of for preachers and their wives specifically to help build up their marriages. So, out of that meeting (at Chick-fil-A of course), ReConnect was born. The idea behind ReConnect is simple: it is a two-day retreat that is meant to give encouragement to preachers and their wives. Through lessons, discussion groups, and fellowship, these couples are given an opportunity to step out of the grind of ministry and, well, reconnect. This year, we are glad to have this event again, and we are grateful…
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Three Important Words
If my father happened to still be alive, he might wonder if I ever listened to anything he said. I am now a grandfather (and have been by the time you read this) for twenty-two years. At this point in my life, I wish I had listened more closely to my dad. I know that I’m not the only person to say something like this, but it seems that my father has certainly gotten a lot smarter the older I get. As shocking as it might seem to him, I have really tried to heed one piece of advice he gave me. Dad would probably be really shocked if he knew…
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A Case for the Paper Bible
First things first: I am not anti-electronic Bible. In fact, I know people who basically must use one if they are going to be able to read the text. A lot of older people with failing eyesight have been blessed by being able to blow up the font size on a tablet to very large sizes so they can continue to read God’s wonderful Word. I use an electronic Bible from time-to-time in special situations. So this is not an article meant to say “don’t ever use one of those techy things.” However… I do want to encourage the vast majority of us–especially parents–to use old-fashioned paper Bibles far more…
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No Respect
I was taught respect at an early age – respect for parents, respect for property, respect for other people and their belongings, and respect for God and His word. I can’t tell you how many spankings I got if I did not show the proper respect for others. I was spared one time from the spanking because my brother was the one who had not spoken to an older person when they had spoken to him. My little mother gave him a “talking to” and a spanking about showing respect for your elders. I learned the lesson! As I view the world today, and the lack of respect for so…
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A Christian Response to Transgenderism [Video]
A couple of weeks ago, I preached a sermon dealing with the difficult subject of transgenderism. The topic had been requested by several people of various ages, so I decided to tackle it. Today, for my “article,” I’m simply sharing the video of the sermon. You can watch it below, or click here to watch it on YouTube. If the “timer” is not working, the sermon begins at the 21:20 mark of the video.
