Oh, the whoopin’ that is parenting. Exhausted from endless whining, we’ve all resorted to “because I said so.” But we don’t have to live there. We can’t live there . . . if we want whining kids to become winning godly adults. Kids need our provision and protection, but they need something even greater. Kids [...]
With my best British accent, I asked my wife: “If I were to call you, ‘My laaady,’ would you call me, ‘My looord’?” Without hesitation, Anna replied, “Aaahh, NO!” Although never dubbed “my lord,” I’ve been blessed with something far greater. It’s politically unpopular, yet biblically brilliant . . . something my wife gives our [...]
It’s not until you become a parent yourself that you realize how much parents give their kids. Looking back, I see how my mom gives unending love, undeserved patience, and unmatched enchiladas. And my dad is still simply the most humble, giving man I know. Despite few words, Dad’s generosity spoke volumes. Whatever he had, [...]
When bad things happen, we ask, God, why don’t You care about me? While I can’t explain such pain, I also can’t explain God’s favor. In August 1979, God extended His favor, and I was left to ask, God, why do You care so much about me? A few days before my senior year, I [...]
Godly sons not only carry on a family name; they also carry on a family legacy. Godly sons are strong and masculine, yet supportive and mindful. They lead out, yet lean in. Undaunted protectors, yet unending praisers. Uncompromising fulfillers, yet unquestioned fuelers. Godly sons are flawed too, but they funnel others to a forgiving Savior. [...]
I love my sons, but there’s just something about daddy’s little girl. The first time you hold her and imagine swinging her in a playground and walking her down the wedding aisle. You wonder if she’ll be as inspiring as her mother. Three decades later, I no longer have to imagine. I’ve seen the power [...]
As a boy, I wasn’t just playing Batman. I was Batman. With ultra-cool cape, mask, and belt, Batman prowled the yard in search of villains and two older sisters. Soon, though, reality began sinking in . . . because I had no bat mobile. As a parent, the trick is shaping our kids’ dreams without [...]
When exactly do you stop parenting? Is it when kids stop listening? When they graduate? When they have their own kids and realize you’re smarter than they thought? As a dad of three adult kids, I now know the answer: Never. Whether 5, 35, or 85 years old, we all need to choose the beliefs [...]
“But, Mom, you don’t understand!” “Dad, why don’t you let me do anything?!” Chances are, you said this as a kid, as have your kids. I’ll never forget arguing with my young daughter after she smooched a boy and told me, “Oh, Dad, you don’t know boys!” How could I? I’m just a grown boy. [...]
It’s easy to be cocky about parenting until you become one. Turns out, it’s a little scary to dive in. If only parenting came with a floatation device to keep your head above water. That’s what I saw with my dad at Molikini . . . A tepid swimmer at best, my dad quickly agreed [...]
