My love for music began in middle school. As a rising 6th grader, I joined the middle school band, choosing to play the tuba. Practicing every evening, I became very proficient in the instrument. In fact, my middle school band director insisted that I was on track to become a professional musician if I chose […]
Do you ever feel like your family is wandering aimlessly? Most families actually do. They just go from event to event and crisis to crisis, because they have no clear direction. They’re living day by day, reacting to what each day brings, without any idea of whether that “new” day and “new” thing is going
How to Set a Vision and Purpose for Your Life and Family Read More »
Teaching our children to pray can be a challenge! Young children might struggle to focus, might not seem interested, or could pray for what we deem to be “silly” things. Nonetheless, there are few things that are more important as parents that we can teach our children than how to pray. Prayer is not just
Teach Your Child to Pray: 5 Things to Remember Read More »
Can I be honest? A solid prayer life is something that I have to fight for. My flesh naturally reverts to self-dependency instead of dependency on the Lord. Sadly, this self-dependency tends to pour over into a lack of prayer with my wife. I believe that my lack of prayer reveals my proud heart and
How to Pray with Your Wife: 10 Tips to Start and Stay Consistent Read More »
The Reality Our children spend 6,570 days in our homes from birth to high school graduation. Approximately 936 of those days are Sundays that are spent at church. If your family also attends church on Wednesdays, that brings us to 1,872 days a year of spiritual instruction. According the Barna, 89% of us do not
How to Start a Family Devotional Time Read More »
When in Wome Being the youngest of three boys has its advantages. You get to watch and listen to cooler movies and music at a younger age. You get to stay up and out later and longer. You get to learn what works and doesn’t work from the struggles and successes of your older siblings.
Calling of the Weak: Attack. Avoid. Attach. Read More »
As my family recently drove back from eating dinner at a local restaurant, my youngest son randomly announced that he was going to list all the “Names of Daddy”. Matthew, Matt, Honey, Mr. Speck, Mr. Matt, Coach Matt, Dad, Daddy, Father, Father Papi the Dearest… Before he could complete his list, my oldest son got
Calling of the Called: Embracing Your Influence on the World Around You Read More »
Recently, my ordered, predictable, hope-filled world has become disordered. I feel like I’m being controlled. Controlled by virus particles that can only be seen with the strongest microscopes. Controlled by a nebulous disease none of us had ever heard about two months ago. Controlled by 24/7 breaking news and alerts that keep me perpetually distracted
7 Things you Can Do to Help Kids Negotiate Fear Read More »
In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic the world has seemingly spun into a panic. While I can’t recall ever having experienced a worldwide crisis of this magnitude, like most people, I’ve had my share of personal crises. Sometimes, I’ve handled crises well. At other times—not so much. One thing I’ve learned, though, that I
5 Ways to Model a Strong Faith in Moments of Crisis Read More »
A few weeks ago, my middle-school aged daughters challenged me to a little footrace through the neighborhood. Historically, I’ve “smoked” the girls during these sorts of races, showing no mercy in pursuit of the finish line. This time the outcome was far different. While I jumped out to a fast start, both girls quickly passed
Balanced Wellness for Fathers: Caring for the Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength Read More »
