Tag 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

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

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

Love is Based on Truth

Posted on September 2, 2013 by familyencouragement

I do a lot of marriage counseling.   Sadly, most of it is not preventive, but rather involves restoring hope and dealing with hurts that need to be forgiven.   It’s true, people spend a disproportionate amount of time on their wedding … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Issues, Happiness, Joy, Love, Marriage, Truth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Serving Difficult People

Posted on August 22, 2013 by familyencouragement

One Sunday Paula and I were arriving home from church and not only was I tired, but my mind was full of the events that had happened during the day.    We pulled up in the driveway  and I grabbed my … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Family Issues, Forgiveness, Friends, Giving, Humility, Joy, Love, Marriage, Mercy, Parenting, Pride, Selfishness, Thinking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Kindness is Seen in Forgiveness

Posted on May 23, 2013 by familyencouragement

A practical expression of kindness is forgiving those that have hurt you.   The Bible associates kindness and forgiveness. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”.   (Ephesians 4:32) … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Issues, Forgiveness, Friends, Kindness, Love, Marriage, Mercy, Parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When Someone You Love Finally Comes Home

Posted on April 18, 2013 by familyencouragement

I love stories and movies with good endings.    The parable (short story) that Jesus gave about a son leaving and returning home has both a warm, happy ending and one that is sad (Luke 15:11-32). When the rebellious son finally … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Issues, Father, Forgiveness, Friends, Joy, Kindness, Love, Mercy, Parenting, Perseverance, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Things I Learned from My Mom – Celebrate Traditions

Posted on February 26, 2013 by familyencouragement

I often say that I got my heart from my father and my sense of humor from my mother.   That doesn’t mean at all that Mom was heartless and Dad was humorless.   Those were simply personality strengths that stood out … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Issues, Joy, Mother, Parenting | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bringing Joy to Your Home

Posted on September 26, 2012 by familyencouragement

I want my home to be a place of joy, happiness and fun.    One day my children and wife will stand in a funeral home before a casket where my body rests.   While there, conversations will be had, comments made, … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Issues | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment