All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. J.R.R. Tolkien A few nights ago, as I struggled to get to sleep, I flipped to my Bible App and opened Psalm 90. Earlier in… Continue reading It’s okay to feel out of place
Surviving College… as a Christian
College has always been (and always will be) awash with challenges and temptations. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either blind or deceitful. High stress, binge drinking, drug abuse, mental fatigue, promiscuity, and financial inducements can lead a naive kid to destruction. Even if you put your nose to the grindstone and focus entirely on your studies, you may find yourself idolizing your career and forgetting God somewhere along the way. So how does one survive the testing ground of college?
If You’re Going Through A Dark Valley In Your Marriage
The month of July marked twelve years of marriage for us. This past Tuesday, we cuddled up on the couch to watch the first lesson in The Heart of the Family course. As we listened to Kirk and Chelsea Cameron talking about their story, it caused me to reflect on our own marriage. I remember how often we were… Continue reading If You’re Going Through A Dark Valley In Your Marriage
A heart in tune
O Thou Fount of ev'ry blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me ever to adore Thee; May I still Thy goodness prove; While the hope of endless glory, Fills my heart with joy and love. Here I raise my Ebenezer, Hither… Continue reading A heart in tune
Back-to-School time for Grandparents
So many families have no choice but to be dual-income. With the cost of living rising faster than wages and divorce rates elevated, many parents are unable to volunteer in their kids' classes. Some parents have to put their kids into after-school care with people they don't know all that well. Homeschool parents also get overwhelmed, particularly if they have children with developmental, physical or behavioral disorders. Grandparents, retired from full-time work, can play a valuable role in the lives of their grandchildren while providing some much needed help for their children.
The Benefits of Reading to Your Children
Connecting with our children is vital. Connecting our children with God is paramount. Books supply a comfortable entry point to discuss uncomfortable topics and provide a context for the consequences of bad behavior.
Prayers for Teachers
Teachers and cops have something in common: a negative perception of the whole is based on the actions of a few. I've known many teachers and many cops, and just like any profession, there will always be a few bad apples. The persistent degradation of good teachers based on the poor performance of a few… Continue reading Prayers for Teachers
Prayers for Parents of School-Aged Kids
As we press through August and into the fall, we will see frequent signs that school is back in session. Gradually, a few parents will develop a worry line or two. Homeschool moms may find themselves sobbing as perfect lesson plans implode in the face of another autistic episode. Another mom may be quietly sobbing in an empty room as their youngest child moves three or three hundred miles away from home in pursuit of a college degree. A dad may be getting stomach ulcers worrying about the safety of his daughter around all those teenage boys. On top of all the back-to-school changes, these parents are still facing life with all it's pressures and frustrations. Are we sensitive to their needs? Are we reaching out to be supportive? Encouraging? Helpful?
School-Time Prayers
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18, ESV Raising kids isn't for the faint-hearted. Educating them is no cake walk either. In the run-of-the-mill routine of life, we can slip into two traps: putting our parenting… Continue reading School-Time Prayers
If it’s hard to love your spouse…
There’s something almost magical about a wedding—even the smallest ones. Two people pledge to become one, exchanging vows to love each other in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse. The flaws of the person standing in front of them are overshadowed in the brilliance of romantic ceremony. Thousands… Continue reading If it’s hard to love your spouse…
Elihu's Corner 