Tag Archives: father

Relating to Your Parents at Mid-life

Posted on November 9, 2018 by familyencouragement

Years ago I taught a small group of married couples that were in the mid-life stage.   It was one of the most fruitful seasons of my ministry.   I brought a series of lessons that dealt with issues unique to that … Continue reading →

Posted in close family, communication, conflict, disagreements, expectation, familiy issues, Family Issues, Father, Mid-life issues, Mother, Parenting, problems, Senior adult issues, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Key Ingredient in Building a Strong Home

Posted on January 15, 2018 by familyencouragement

Several years ago we put new locks on the doors of our church and we issued keys to those that needed them.   A few days later when I came to work I put the key in the door it wouldn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in broken home, broken marriage, Children, close family, Decision-making, Family Issues, foolish family, Growing marriage, Happy marriage, Legacy, Marriage, Parenting, Principle-centered, rebellion, sorrow, wisdom, wise family | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Most Neglected Advisers

Posted on April 20, 2016 by familyencouragement

When I wanted to ask Paula to marry me, I didn’t do so spontaneously.   There was something that I had to do first.   While I knew she was God’s choice for me I needed to get the approval of … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Change, Children, church, counsel, Decision-making, Decisions, familiy issues, family, Father, Friends, guidance, Influence, mentor, Mother, Parenting, Personal Growth, problems, Success, Will of God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Filters for Making Wise Choices

Posted on February 11, 2016 by familyencouragement

A farmer hired a man to work for him. He told him his first task would be to paint the barn and said it should take him about three days to complete. But the hired man was finished in one … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, attitude, Bible, counsel, Decisions, familiy issues, family, Legacy, Marriage, Men, mentoring, Obedience, Parenting, Personal Growth, surrender, Will of God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Four Key Decisions

Posted on January 14, 2016 by familyencouragement

As a pastor I counsel hundreds of people every year.   Sometimes it is to help someone out of a mess and other times it is to give guidance.    All decisions do not carry equal weight; some have greater consequences than … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Change, Children, counsel, Decisions, familiy issues, family, Happiness, Leadership, Marriage, Parenting, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Importance of Making Good Decisions

Posted on December 15, 2015 by familyencouragement

I was sitting in the stands behind the backstop watching my sons at baseball practice one Saturday morning and couldn’t help but notice a sad scene play out before me. There wasn’t much practice going on because the coach was … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Bible, Children, counsel, Decisions, Discipline, Discouragement, familiy issues, family, Legacy, Marriage, pain, Parenting, problems, Selfishness, Strategy, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Importance of Obedience in Parenting

Posted on May 20, 2014 by familyencouragement

Have you ever considered in detail the different ways your parents positively influenced your life?    I think it’s a good exercise that encourages us to develop a deeper sense of gratitude for them and to be able to know how … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Discipline, Family Issues, Father, Mother, Obedience, Parenting | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Parenting that Leaves a Positive Influence

Posted on May 6, 2014 by familyencouragement

When I was a Youth Pastor in Virginia in the early 80’s I had two sharp young men in our ministry.   They were respectful, attentive, interested in spiritual matters, and were balanced in both academics and sports.   I was intrigued … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Family Issues, Father, Gratitude, Leadership, Legacy, Men, Mother, Obedience, Parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best Friends are Honest

Posted on March 15, 2014 by familyencouragement

Once I was complaining about an issue and when I finally finished my diatribe a close friend made a quiet, but convicting comment to me.   He said, “Rick, that’s not like you to be cynical”.    While I didn’t enjoy the … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Family Issues, Father, Friends, Influence, Love, Parenting, Rebuke | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 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