Over the past two weeks I’ve shared about why I want my kids to argue, and how it can be done in a healthy, productive manner. Want to know if it’s really worked for us? The Appeal My wife and I have used a process called “the appeal” in our home with our kids. We [...]
Last week I suggested that it might be to a parent’s — and child’s — benefit to argue. BUT, it must be conducted under certain parameters that allow parents to lead with wisdom and remain in authority. May I Make An Appeal? About 15 years ago, I observed an interaction between a six-year-old child and their [...]
If you're a parent, you are routinely embroiled in disputes with your child. Those disputes, especially in teens, are the symbol of appropriate developmental separation from parents. It's a vital part of growing up, but it can be extraordinarily wearing on parents. There is an art form to training up your child through argument with [...]
Your service as a volunteer will be repaid by the Lord. One day Jesus is coming. He brings his reward with him. He will repay with huge dividends to the faithful. What was done in secret, will be rewarded. A prayer offered for a child in secret will be rewarded. An act of compassion to a lost [...]
Is it truly better to give something away then to receive something? How does the mathematical equation of that scenario work? How does this add up? How can I actually have more after giving away? "Remember the words of our Lord Jesus, It is more blessed to give than to receive." Doesn’t it seem somehow backwards? Doesn’t this [...]
We have an unprecedented opportunity to begin leadership development with our own children. It is simply identifying the basic qualities of leadership that already exist in your children and fanning that gift into a flame. Involve Your Kids; Take the Time. We can involve our kids in our normal and basic duties at home. However, [...]
God is searching the earth for someone that he can strongly support. He’s looking for someone upon whom he can show himself faithful. How beautiful it would be if I were that person. The person who literally catches God’s eye as he spans across the entire globe. I want to be the type of person that [...]
Truth: 75% of strong evangelical kids left the church between ages 18 and 29. I’m most interested in what took place in the 25% who stayed. One factor present in someone staying was the influence of another adult who believe the same thing as mom and dad. Diversifying Influence At some point, kids are not going [...]
As small group leaders, we will inevitably have a few kids in our group who have won our hearts in a special way. Given a group of 10 kids, certainly, one or two kids will share a kindred spirit. This is normal and good. However, we must have no favoritism in ministry. Encourage All Find a [...]
Kids are full of questions. Sometime really good questions. Ever been stumped by a question from you kids? Have you ever had your son or daughter ask you a spiritual question that not only stumped you, but even remotely confused you? Don't Bluff You are not expected to know every answer under the sun about every [...]