Category Archives: Joy

Special Family Get Togethers

Posted on July 22, 2017 by familyencouragement

Last night I attended a wedding rehearsal dinner for my nephew and his soon-to-be-wife. I watched my sister, her husband, their twelve children along with dozens of their friends enjoying companionship, celebrating the wedding of a loved one and friend. … Continue reading →

Posted in close family, closeness, Family Get Togethers, Family Issues, friendship, Grandparenting, Gratitude, Happy marriage, Joy, Legacy, Marriage, Opportunities, Parenting, perspective, Wedding | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Enjoy Each Era of Your Child’s Life

Posted on July 18, 2017 by familyencouragement

As I write this it is the last night of our vacation.   In the morning we will get up early and head home.    This will be different though because it will just be my wife and I in the car. … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, close family, Empty nest, familiy issues, Family Issues, Gratitude, Joy, Love, Parenting, Personal Growth, perspective, Time, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Christ-Centered Marriage

Posted on March 9, 2017 by familyencouragement

Before I was married I wanted to be the best husband and father that I could be.   So I read lots of books on marriage and parenting.   I learned a lot and gleaned truths that have anchored our home to … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ-centered, Christ-centered marriage, close family, familiy issues, Growing marriage, Happiness, Happy marriage, Husband, Joy, Marriage, Obedience, Principle-centered | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Things That Strengthened Our Marriage

Posted on September 6, 2016 by familyencouragement

I made some mistakes in our almost forty years of marriage, but there were also some things that I’m glad that I did.    These actions strengthened our relationship and made us closer as husband and wife. In the next few … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Children, close family, closeness, conversation, Empty nest, familiy issues, family, Happiness, Husband, Joy, Love, Marriage, Parenting, quality time, Time alone, Wife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Change Your Complaining to Gratitude

Posted on February 26, 2015 by familyencouragement

In the late 1970’s as a junior in college I was privileged to serve in a wonderful church in Madison, Alabama.     Each weekend I traveled from Chattanooga to minister in a variety of ways.   They were very special years in … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, Complaining, Faithfulness, Gratitude, Influence, Joy, suffering, surrender | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Joy of Surprises

Posted on November 26, 2014 by familyencouragement

Years ago I was traveling through Vermont with my family and we took an exit to stretch and get a bite after driving for a while.   On our way back to the interstate my wife saw a quaint, small country … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Decisions, Family Issues, Father, Friends, Happiness, Joy, Legacy, Love, Marriage, Men, Mother, Parenting, Time | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Measuring Success

Posted on October 16, 2014 by familyencouragement

When I was younger I wanted to be very successful.   I didn’t know what that meant, but I did know that failure was not an option and I was not interested in mediocrity.   As I am in my senior years … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Issues, Father, Friends, Happiness, Joy, Love, Marriage, Parenting, Success, Will of God | 2 Comments

Success and Joy

Posted on October 5, 2014 by familyencouragement

A friend’s mother had been very ill for a long while and we knew her death was imminent.   She was a faithful Christian and loved the Lord and her family.   I always enjoyed visiting with her because she was so … Continue reading →

Posted in Compassion, Family Issues, Happiness, Joy, Love, Marriage, Mother, Parenting, Success, Time | Leave a comment

Success and Our Schedule

Posted on September 9, 2014 by familyencouragement

When I was on a church staff in the outskirts of Washington D.C. one of the pastors who was very skilled in administration took me under his wing and taught me many things about being a leader.   He became a … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Family Issues, Father, Friends, Giving, Happiness, Joy, Kindness, Legacy, Love, Loyalty, Marriage, Men, Mother, Parenting, Time | Leave a comment

How to Overcome a Bitter Spirit

Posted on February 8, 2014 by familyencouragement

How does a person know they are bitter?    Most people do not think they are because they call it other names – disappointed, hurt, unmet expectations.   An operational definition I use for bitterness is “harbored hurt”.   If not dealt with … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Compassion, Criticism, Family Issues, Father, Forgiveness, Friends, Happiness, Humility, Joy, Leadership, Love, Marriage, Men, Mercy, Parenting, Pride, Revival | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments