Tag Archives: mother

Relating to Your Parents at Mid-life

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

Gaining Wisdom through a Time Alone with God

Being a mother is exhausting.  It involves almost twenty years of constant giving with very little in return.   And that is just for one child.  The fatigue is multiplied with more children.  If there is not a plan to replenish … Continue reading

Posted in Bible, Bible reading and prayer, Family Issues, Time Alone with God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Building Your Children

When I was in the eighth grade my mother asked me to sit down.   I could tell she wanted to have a serious conversation and I thought I was in trouble.   However, she wanted to pass on to me an … Continue reading

Posted in Building a family, Children, family, Family Issues, mentoring, Mother, Parenting, Teaching, valuing your children, wise family | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Most Neglected Advisers

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

The Importance of Obedience in Parenting

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

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

How to Overcome a Bitter Spirit

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

Affectionate Greetings

One of the most devastating days in my life was September 4, 1971.   About 8:45 a.m. that Saturday morning my grandfather died unexpectedly.    He was my namesake and we were very close.   I was only thirteen years old. When I … Continue reading

Posted in Affirmation, Children, Encouragement, Family Issues, Father, Love, Marriage, Mother, Parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Power of a Personal Greeting

When I was fourteen years old we had a guest speaker at our church for a youth banquet.  I met him before the event and we talked briefly.   He was very friendly and gracious.   After it was over I told … Continue reading

Posted in Affirmation, Children, Encouragement, Family Issues, Father, Gratitude, Marriage, Mother, Parenting, Speech | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Broken Promises Produce Anger in Children

My wife taught me a valuable lesson when our children were very young.   Sometimes the kids would ask me about going somewhere or doing something special and I would think it was a great idea.   So, my response was, “Yeah, … Continue reading

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Children, Faithfulness, Family Issues, Father, Forgiveness, Lying, Mother, Parenting, Speech | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment