Category Archives: spiritual formation
Before They Leave The Nest
Sitting in my office today, I noticed this picture of my son in his then brand new tree-house, taken maybe five or six years ago. Since that time, despite my friend and I building the house with an extra-tall roof, … Continue reading
Five Reasons to Bring Me to Your Church, School, or Organization to Speak
Whatever your reasons, I know you are already considering seeking some kind of guidance or encouragement from me – you’re reading my blog post. So, I think it’s safe to assume you (and probably several others you know) could use some inspiration and direction. Given that, here are five reasons to consider bringing me to speak to you and your people in your church, school, or other organizational community. Continue reading
The Wonder Years: Putting My Dissertation Research Into Practice
When I decided to pursue my Doctorate back in the day, I was eager to study the dynamics of family life and entertainment media. At the time, television was still king, so to speak. Smart phones and tablets had not … Continue reading
5 Questions I Dare You To Ask Your Teen!
Asking good questions is a great way to build any relationship. It helps the questioner learn more about the other person, as well as communicating a certain level of genuine caring for that person. Why bother asking, if I don’t really care, right? In the spirit of opening important doors of conversation and facilitating a more powerful relationship between you and your teen, I have five questions to share with you. Continue reading
Three things I wish my Dad and I had done together before I left home:
This is not a post about regret or blame. Let’s be clear up front. It’s about encouraging fathers to seize the day and share your knowledge, wisdom, experience – share your self – with your teens while they are still … Continue reading
The Prodigal’s Dad – Lesson Three: Who’s Responsible?
We’ve all heard the term “helicopter parent.” The parent who feels compelled to follow around with constant monitoring of their child or teen, ensuring everything goes as planned. So let me ask you this: have you EVER heard the … Continue reading
One Day At A Time
This is a week when many of us get serious about considering what changes we want to make in our lives. There’s just something about starting a new year that gives us fresh hope and fresh motivation. Unfortunately, many people … Continue reading
Welcome
I was reminded last night of the rich blessing of hospitality. Not just the blessing of being welcomed into a home. But being welcomed into a conversation. Welcomed into someone’s world. Welcomed into their heart. And having someone share their … Continue reading
Welcome to Our World
As I begin reflecting on the meaning of this Christmas season, this song keeps coming to mind. Thank you, Chris Rice, for sharing this beautiful song of rich theology and grateful hope. In the next couple of weeks, I will … Continue reading
The Prodigal’s Dad – Lesson Two: Allowance
Of all the lessons we can learn from the Father of the Prodigal, this one may be the hardest: He is willing to allow his son the freedom to make his own choices and mistakes, thereby learning the most … Continue reading
