Let's Parent on Purpose: Christian Marriage, Parenting, and Discipleship

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4 This is one of the most basic, foundational passage in...

Everyone wants your 100% best.  But it’s impossible for everyone to get your 100% best. During a time in my life when my family was suffering because of my inability to set appropriate boundaries in work, a wise friend recommended this book to me: When Work and Family Collide (by Andy Stanley) made an incredibly complex subject very clear to me. I want to give my best to everyone, but the truth is...

I have a question for those who think that sex is primarily a physical act:  why have you never heard of someone going to a counselor for years after smashing their thumb with a hammer?  I’ve done that before.  I’ve also smashed a finger in a barn door, and it was one of the most intensely painful experiences of my life. But aside from having a silly story to tell and being extra carful around the...

If I can think of one word to describe the culture we live in, it’s “Confused”.  Gender identity might be the battle that gets the biggest headlines, but it’s not like the vast majority of males and females are killing it. I believe that a paper understanding of our identity is key to stability, resiliency, purpose, and meaning.  A misunderstanding of identity leads to confusion, anxiety, and… bas...

I want to share with you two simple object lessons you can use with your kids encourage them to think different. And yes, I know it’s “think differently”.  But Apple made a bazillion dollars off of it’s “think different” ad campaign, so I’m sticking with it. Anyway, we know that we live in a culture that is continually pressuring kids to conform to patterns of destruction, all in the name of “not...

In case you haven’t notices, your children typically have multiple character issues that need addressing.  Also, in case you haven’t noticed, they usually don’t appreciate when you address those issues. They especially don’t like when you bring up multiple issues all at once.  In that way, they’re like the rest of us humans.  But unlike the rest of humanity, children often have no sense of urgency...

Have you ever longed to be in a great discipleship relationship, where you get to mentor someone  and watch them grow  into a fully devoted follower of Jesus?  Are you in one of those relationships now?  If you don’t think you are, let me encourage you to go back home and take a peak in your extra bedrooms at the little people who eat all of your food.  You’ve got your disciples.  Now, how are you...

I had a recent conversation with one of my good friends and partners in local youth ministry, Crisman Koechig.  It was fun for me and I think it will be helpful for you to listen.  We hit these important topics, and you should really listen in! What are the commonalities you see in families who’s children actually spiritually thrive? What kind of families are most challenging for kids to thrive sp...

We are one week into 2018.  Have you radically changed your life yet?  Me neither.  I’ve mostly been trying to convince my body that I’m not still in India.  I love mornings.  But I don’t love 2AM. Many people love New Year’s Resolutions, and others just as passionately hate them.  I mostly stay away from the “resolution” word because it feels like as soon as theirs failure, there’s despair and gi...

Helplessness.  Hopelessness.  Darkness.  Lethargy.  Racing thoughts.  Why am I feeling this way? My good friend Jenny Price joins me again this week for a very honest and helpful talk on anxiety and depression.  Jenny is 26 years  into her marriage and is raising 5 children with her husband, Pastor Matt Price.  She gives a very open, honest account of her personal struggle with anxiety and depress...

Mother of 5, career coach, and pastor’s wife Jenny Price muses on what she would tell her early parenting self if she had a time machine.

Professional Counselor and adoptive father Bradley McCallester joins me again to talk about strategies for using mistakes to train desired behaviors.

Professional Counselor and adoptive father Bradley McCallester joins me to talk about strategies for using mistakes to train desired behaviors.

When families come together for the Holidays, sometimes it’s a clash of worldview and parenting styles. Here are some steps to ease the pain.

This is a sticky subject: should you keep your children home from church as a consequence for bad grades or behavior?

Here are strategies you can use to invest in your child emotionally, making behavior and conflict resolution much easier.

Investing in your spouse will keep your marriage from going bankrupt!

If you think your family is a mess, you’re in good company.  Most families in the Bible were the definition of dysfunction!

What happens when all of the devices that were supposed to make life easer make living harder? Technology Slaves Be honest, are you in control of the technology in your home, or does it control you? I recently read a book by Andy Crouch called the The Tech-Wise Family .  I was anticipating a guide warning me about the dangers of this website or that ap.  Instead I got a soul-convicting call to lea...

Tragedy and loss are going to come.  Here’s what your soul needs in order to heal.

How do we develop long term passion and perseverance in our kids?

These are really helpful tips for navigating conflict in your marriage AND parenting without starting a war.

Sometimes the worst of storms do actually happen in life. What do we do then?

In the absence of a mind reading device, here are some tips to help understand and be understood with your teen.

Complications at home and comparisons with other families can really tank one’s confidence in their parenting skills.  But there’s hope!