My favorite definition of a leader is this: A leader is someone who goes first. I like it because it’s simple, it’s practical, and it makes leadership achievable. Something anyone can do who is willing to get out there, give it a try, and learn from their mistakes. The people who follow find direction and courage in the steps of the leader. Sometimes they get a good laugh watching the leader make colossal blunders. Hopefully, the leader laughs too. Leading in prayer can be like that. ... [keep reading]
What My Dad Taught Me About Affection
Father's Day is here. As a dad and a husband, this is supposed to be a day celebrating me. But as I look back on what my dad taught me, I realize this holiday has the potential to be so much more. It’s difficult for me to separate any memory I have of my father from the smell of Old Spice. For anyone unfamiliar with Old Spice, it is a quality cologne that can be purchased wherever other fine fragrances, such as Aqua Velva or Skin Bracer, are sold. It has a distinct, aptly named aroma that ... [keep reading]
Don’t Wait to Teach Your Child the Importance of Being Patient
I know myself well. And truth be told, I’m not always thrilled about that. By knowing myself, I am fully aware of my shortcomings. And they are ugly. In fact, being in short supply of patience often tops my list. There are times I beat myself up for how I’ve handled a situation or how I’ve behaved (and I’m supposedly a grown-up!). At my age, I scold myself, I should know better! I’m extremely grateful God doesn’t base his love for us on behavior…if he did, I might very well be in perpetual time ... [keep reading]
When Your Heart is Breaking, Hold On for God’s Healing
Have you ever envisioned something a certain way only to have it turn out differently than you planned? How did you feel about that? Happy? Probably not. Disappointed? That’s more likely. Maybe you even felt disillusioned? That’s the way I felt in 1999 when my wife suggested we adopt all our kids. I adamantly resisted and even flat-out said “No!” Not that I was against adoption or caring for children who weren’t biologically ours. I just didn’t fully understand how adoption works. ... [keep reading]
What Happens When You Can’t Hold it Together?
One of my favorite places on earth is unreachable without a four-wheel-drive, off-roading vehicle. You won’t see tour buses. No tickets are sold for it, and there isn’t a concession stand available for visitors. Topping out at almost 12,000 feet in elevation, Columbus Basin, in the La Plata Canyon of western Colorado, takes my breath away. I’ve stood at the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China, but man-made monuments pale in comparison to the majesty of God’s declaration of sovereignty through ... [keep reading]
How Do You Help Your Child Deal with Fear?
Because we’re human, we know fear. We’ve experienced it, looming over us, daring us to a challenge. And when we become moms, we suddenly discover fears we never knew existed: “My baby isn’t crawling yet, there must be something wrong.” “Maybe I’m too strict with my children, or maybe not enough.” “I’m raising my children as believers, but what if they fall away when they’re older?” “What if I become ill and can’t take care of my child?” Or, “I do my best to keep my child safe, but what if ... [keep reading]
From a Mom’s Heart – A Special Prayer for Mother’s Day
Mom, this is for you on your special day. Give thanks to Him for all He's done in your life. He loves you so much! Lord, look at my little ones. They’re looking to me for love and guidance, for truth and knowledge, for help in navigating this big, big world. I’m overwhelmed with the beautiful responsibility and so very grateful for this most-important life work. You are my provider, my encourager, and so I turn to you. Father, I give my heart to you—please fill it with patience. They’re ... [keep reading]
Mom, You Don’t Need to Be Perfect…Because God Is
Hey, Mom, I don’t remember exactly when it happened. It was well after spending months learning about what to expect during my pregnancy, purchasing the car seat, and packing the bag for the hospital (a month early, just in case). I remember I felt large and so ready to meet our little girl. It was during the excitement of those final days of pregnancy that I came to this realization: I’ve been so focused on the pregnancy, I know NOTHING ABOUT PARENTING! Should I have been reading books ... [keep reading]
8 Lessons I Want to Teach My Daughters
Hi Mom, Below are the things I desperately want my children to know. Maybe you share some of the same wishes for your kids. My hope is this will inspire you to come up with your own set of lessons to teach your kiddos. *** Dear daughters of mine, I am so incredibly blessed to be your mother. It seems like yesterday you arrived into the world with your tiny ballerina toes and wisps of blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes that spoke directly to my heart. And now? Now you are full ... [keep reading]
Why Talking to Your Kids About Sex Doesn’t Have to Be Awkward
What’s sex? We were out on our usual evening walk but this walk ended up being anything but the usual. Out of nowhere my child asked me about sex. It took me completely off guard. I hadn’t planned for this, I hadn’t set out to discuss this, I certainly didn’t think I was ready to have this sort of “sex” talk the right way. Everything felt so awkward. I was pressed to answer great questions that went so far beyond, “Where do babies come from?” My child wanted to know about the Bible's view of ... [keep reading]
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