The concept is intimidating. I mean, who really has the time to craft a thoroughly vetted, perfectly worded, and beautifully displayed family mission statement in their home? Is it just for decoration, or is there some intrinsic value in having one? It’s one of...
Here’s what I think about families today: We’re good at sharing information with our kids, but terrible at helping them see Jesus. We pass along facts with the hope that they’ll inspire passion. But this never happens, nor was it ever intended to.
I’ve noticed a theme lately. It’s one that has come from many well-meaning, super-intentional, godly parents. It’s this: They think they’re failing. I mean flat out swinging and missing in being the parents they want to be. Days, weeks, months and even years are marked by many great memories, but ultimately feelings of discouragement when it comes to leading those they care about most.
My kids were going to take the world by storm. When they were first born, there was no limit to the vision my wife and I had for them. We weren’t hopeful they would be good kids; we were hopeful they would change the world. And then at some point, something changed.
Let’s face it – money is a taboo topic in families. As parents, we’re not quite sure how to address it with our kids, so many of us simply choose not to. We do this because we either don’t feel qualified, we don’t think it’s important, or because we don’t know what to say on the topic. I think this will help.
Many new marriages begin with it. Everyone has their reasons behind how the got it – and how it made sense at the time to go into it – but don’t necessarily know what to do get rid of it. I’m talking about debt, and how there is a positive aspect of bringing it into a new marriage.
Parenting is humbling. I mean, it sure is easy to stand in front of a group and teach them what is right and true. It’s an entirely different thing to have a “student” with you day in and day out watching to see if you “practice what you preach.” Their life ends up revealing yours.
Two years ago my family was changed forever, and it happened through a simple phone call. A couple of years and two new kids later, it has become our new normal. I’m glad our local TV station was interested to share it with others.
We’ve all heard the stories. It’s the stories parents share in Christmas cards and at cocktail parties. You know, those stories where their child was just elected this or just happened to earn that award. It’s what we parents all do, because we love our kids. But are the stories we’re telling more than we think they are?
How do you have a great marriage? That’s the million dollar question. I don’t know of any guy that proposed to his girlfriend with the lofty goal of having a mediocre life together. No, the desire is much different, but how you get there is worthy of discussion.
A little introduction is necessary... I'm a follower of Jesus, husband to the most unbelievable woman on the planet, father to a handful of kids and President of The Mentoring Alliance. God's grace has changed me and justice for little ones drives me.
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