A friend of mine with three teen boys once said they never get into fights. Wow! I can’t relate to that. My mom and dad did a good job encouraging me and my two brothers to love one another, and we’re best friends today. But we still had brotherly brawls and beat each other up on a few occasions when we were kids. Now, I’m not advocating that, but sibling conflicts do occur. So try not to get down about it. ...
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Susan and I knew there would come a day. That day has now come. Our five children have grown up. They are no longer living in our home full-time. I didn’t just cry when our youngest child left, I cried each time one of our kids left the nest. But even though our nest has changed, it’s not empty. Here are a few reasons why. First, we have each other. Because we intentionally focused on our marriage as our...
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One of the biggest challenges for men today is living a life of integrity. Integrity is what you do when no one else is looking. Secret temptations and addictions in a man’s life can damage that integrity and keep him from being the leader he was designed to be at home, at work and in life. So how can a man guard against those temptations and addictions? Be open for inspection. For example, my wife knows my...
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November is National Adoption Awareness Month. There’s a great need for loving, adoptive families. Children in the U.S. and around the world are waiting for a family to call their own. A survey by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption found that 4 out of 10 adults have considered adopting a child, but many families don’t pursue it. Misconceptions about adoption sometimes deter them from taking the next step…...
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I have 5 children, ages 18 to 23. Here are 23 things I’ve learned in those 23 years. First, I must consistently impress upon my kids that they are immeasurably valuable for who they are, not for what they do. Their value lies in their person, not in their performance. Second, my children must know that I love them unconditionally—no matter what. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate them from my love. Third, I...
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A privilege is something that you earn and can be revoked at any time. An entitlement is a right that can’t be taken away. For example, your teen says they have the right to a car, a cell phone, Facebook, or a date. How should you respond? Tell them those are privileges they earn, not entitlements they automatically have. Just because they’re 16 doesn’t mean they automatically get to drive. Maturity and trust...
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Many parents mean well; but, sometimes unintentionally discourage their kids. How? First, they offer too much help. As a result, their child may think their parent doubts their ability. So, when your child learns to ride a bike, show them how, hand them a helmet and let them go. It’s okay if they fall once or twice. Second, parents compare their kids to others. Comparison can break a child spirit. There...
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