Family
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Moving is Hard Work!
Jim and I have just moved, and it was hard work. We moved from a 5-bedroom house with 3 bathrooms to a 3-bedroom house with 2 bathrooms all within the same city. The old house had a huge walk-in attic and it was full. It also had a large shed and a two car garage with a storage room off of it. We now have a small attic, no shed and no storage room off of our garage. Downsizing seemed like a very logical thing to do at our age (and it was), but little did we know that it would be so difficult. Deciding what furniture to move and what to sell was the…
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An Important Tip from An Eight-Year-Old
Some sermons are heard and some sermons are seen. Human behavior can be extraordinarily moving and thought provoking. There were even times in the life of the Son of God when He marveled at the actions of certain individuals. He marveled at the faith of the centurion (Matt. 8:10). He marveled at the unbelief of His own countrymen (Mark. 6:6). And I believe He marveled when He saw the widow give all her livelihood at the Jerusalem temple (Luke 21:1-4). It is with this in mind that I recall last Wednesday evening. Returning home from Bible class my young daughter traveled with me as we stopped to get a smoothie.…
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How To Lose Young People (in Three Words)
There comes a time when we have to loose young people. At some point in their lives, they have to be on their own. Parents have to “let go” and let their children start their own families, careers, etc. Some secondary school, trade school, college, or university will be the last place of formal education for them. Home congregations will have had the last opportunity to instill truths from God’s word (at least on a regular basis) as they move on in life. However, the cry heard from many quarters has little to do with loosing young people. Instead the cry from families, educational systems, and churches is: “We are losing our young people.”…
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Quick Children’s Devotional Idea [Video]
I recently did a Periscope with a short devotional idea for kids. (Yes, it was one that actually worked!) Here’s a quick description of how you can do this same devotional for your kids. (Video not working? Click here.)
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10 Lessons on Parenting from a Small Family Farm
[NOTE: This week’s guest post comes from Josh Ketchum. To learn more about Josh, check out his bio following today’s article. Also, note that this will be our final guest post until December, as we will be taking one week off, then relaunching our podcast on September 4.] We purchased 20 acres in Graves County, Kentucky, in the fall of 2013, and are now in the process of building a home on the property. We have four children ages 2 to 10 (3 boys and 1 girl). While the experience has been a real challenge at times to manage the extra work and stresses, it has also been lots of fun and…
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Our Homsechool Room and Curriculum [Video]
For today’s post, Adam and Leah recorded a video. In it, they give you a quick tour of their simple homeschool room, as well as some thoughts on the books and materials being used this year. Enjoy! (Video not playing? Click Here.)
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The Joy of Family Reunion
[NOTE: Today, we are pleased to bring you a “follow up” post of sorts. A few weeks ago, Daniel Gaines wrote our guest post. In his bio, we shared that he and his family were facing a separation, due to a medical condition with one of their children. Now, the family is all back in the states together. We are honored today that his wife, Tiffany Gaines, took the time to share some thoughts about their reunion that will encourage you.] Hair fixed, makeup on, perfume sprayed, and 3 kids in tow, I anxiously watched the clock in the terminal click to 1:47 pm. He was finally here! I knew…
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It Goes Without Saying
It is a common phrase. It is often used when one means, “Well, of course, I shouldn’t have to make that point, should I?” Then they add the phrase, “It goes without saying!” I wonder, though, if too many parents have that same attitude when teaching and training their children. Do you? Are there things that you are assuming your children know, but leaving those things unsaid? Here are 3 areas where words should not go without saying. 1. Etiquette. Some parents leave any words regarding manners unsaid. Maybe they think their kids will just grow into it. Maybe they think manners are not important in the grand scheme of…
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What I Missed : A Letter from “Randy”
Dear World, I couldn’t quite understand all the words. The sound was muffled, but I picked up a few things. I heard a pleasant voice say, “Welcome,” and I figured out some instructions about filling out some paperwork. I knew I would have to wait for a few minutes, but I could not figure out what we were waiting for. It was hard to hear everything where I was. It was warm, and I was always taken care of, but sounds are garbled inside a mother’s tummy. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. My name was supposed to be Randy. At least, I heard that name sometimes and I liked…
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“And Me” : A Lesson from a Child’s Prayer
I enjoy listening to children pray. On those occasions when our family is able to be together, I especially appreciate hearing our grandchildren pray. For some time now, I have been intrigued by a phrase often used by our youngest grandson when he prays. He regularly thanks God for “Mommy, Daddy, Mary Carol (his sister), and me.” “And me”–I’m not sure I’ve ever heard him pray when he didn’t add those two words. A few years ago, I saw this Ziggy cartoon. Apparently the cartoonist and our grandson are on the same page when it comes to how they view life. A young boy’s prayer and a cartoon serve as a…
