On Home Education: Freedom from the Machine
As a graduate of home education, and a currently-home-educating mom, I get many questions about it. I’ve been approached by people who have an inkling— or maybe even a deep conviction— that they want to pursue it for their family; but it’s unfamiliar, scary, or they just don’t know where to begin.……
The Value of Sport for Young Disciples
“To sport or not to sport” is a question for many Christian families. I believe our response should be a hearty, resounding “Yes!” The Things of Earth Does sport fit into the Christian life, and in particular, the Christian family life? I propose that those questions are part of a broader…
3 Tips for Family Discipleship with Infants and Toddlers
When you first start telling people you’re going to have a baby, people start asking questions you’ll have to answer over and over again— “Do you know what you’re having?” and “Do you have a name picked out?” As for my wife and I, like many couples, we wanted to be “surprised” by the baby’s gender.…
Are You an Owner-Parent?
In this brief article I want to challenge you to consider two words that may not seem to go together at face value. The words are ‘parent’ and ‘steward’. When we hear the term ‘steward’ our minds tend to go to thoughts of money and possessions. When we hear the word ‘parent’, we think of kids.…
3 Things Your Adolescent Son Needs to Hear
I never heard the words I needed to hear most as a young man. As a result, I turned to the world to give me the value and “wisdom” I craved. I don’t blame my parents— they did the best they could with what was available to them. My dad passed away when I was 6 and my stepdad passed away a few years…
5 Steps for Reading the Bible with Your Children
A few weeks back I was up early reading through the book of Hebrews. Our oldest daughter, Dela (6), happened to get up early too. She’s a professional snuggler, so her typical M.O. is to climb into my lap regardless of what I’m doing and just sink in. Except this morning was different.…
A Quick Reminder on Work, Life, Eternity, and the Home
I’m writing this quick post for all (including me) who need to remember: you don’t live in order to work, you work in order to live. Our society prizes accomplishment and material wealth above all. As a believer, you are called (and freed!) to live for a set of different priorities. You…
Coastlines Don’t Shift in a Day
The other day I had to once again sit down and teach our two oldest daughters about listening. They had flown off the rails and blown through every boundary we’ve set for them. Like a frog in a boiling vat of water, Selena suddenly realized just how bad things had gotten in a short time. So…
Important, Eternal, Soul-Forming Work
This thought challenged me recently: How quick can we be to dismiss or take too lightly the joy and importance of being parents? Life is hectic. Work seems important. Your body feels tired. It’s so easy to lose perspective. If that’s you, keep reading for a timely reminder! The Molder…
3 Ways to Trust God as Parents
We can so easily underestimate our ability to teach our kids the deep things of God. Or, we think it's our pastor's job (to an extent it is), or that they'll have to learn on their own. This is the very special reality that is the home: we are placed in our kids' lives for a short period of time to…