Lent begins this week. The observance of Lent reminds us to prepare our lives for the coming Christ. Traditionally, people observe Lent by practicing some sort of fasting (giving something up), generous compassion toward others (justice), and prayer (communion with God). To me, this sounds like a great opportunity to practice grace in our family...

Celebration Grace

February 2, 2013

Start a Revolution for Valentine’s Day!

by John Salmon

“You say you want a revolution, well, you know…we all want to change the world.”–The Beatles I have an idea…a revolutionary idea. It is not a new idea. On the contrary, it is an ancient idea written to the Ephesians some 2000 years ago by Paul, a wise Jewish evangelist. His words of love...

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Grace Honor

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February 2, 2013

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Praising Your Child

by John Salmon

Parents can promote good behavior, maturity, and positive growth in their children through encouragement and praise…well, most of the time. Encouragement and praise can also undermine a child’s growth and maturity. “What’s that you say?” It is true. If we, as parents, want encouragement to promote maturity and positive growth in our children, rather than...

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Family Shepherds

discipline encouragement parenting parenting myths praise

January 26, 2013

Help! My Teen Lies to Me!

by John Salmon

Yes, it is true. Teens lie. Teens argue. Teens often want to have their cake and eat it too. They want to be given the freedom of independence while relying on their parents’ supportive cash for gas money and money to go out with friends. It is a very confusing time—for teens and parents. As parents, we...

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Family Shepherds

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January 26, 2013

5 Tips To Create A Family Rhythm

by John Salmon

Ever have one of those days when nothing your family does seems to go as planned? I have. Every interaction feels disjointed, out of sync, confused, out of sorts. Everything discussion seems to jumble together and even the simplest task becomes difficult. The emotional and physical needs and desires of each family member seem to pile...

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Celebration Honor

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January 19, 2013

A Magic Bullet?

by John Salmon

I have spent what seems like a lifetime in search of some way to buffer my children against stress. The world seems to bombard our children with demands and pressures, “you have to’s” and “you better’s.” You know what I mean, the “You have to do perfect on the state assessment tests (PSSA’s for us) or...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

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January 19, 2013

Build A Family Legacy of Hospitality

by John Salmon

One evening while in college, a friend, his girlfriend, and I were invited to enjoy dinner at the home of my friend’s grandmother. While she fixed dinner, someone knocked on the door. We opened the door to discover a traveling salesman advertising his wares…vacuums in this case. My friend’s grandmother invited him in and allowed...

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Celebration Honor

generosity hospitality legacy

January 12, 2013

Now That’s A Legacy!

by John Salmon

I have heard adults talking about children and making statements like, “He’s got an anger problem, just like his father…” or, “She’s a gossip, just like her mother…” or, “He is so selfish. His grandmother was the same way.” What a terrible family legacy to pass on to our children! I don’t know about you,...

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Grace Honor

generosity gratitude husband legacy marriage spouse wife

January 12, 2013

3 Signs You Are A Helicopter Parent

by John Salmon

Are you protective of your children? Perhaps even a helicopter parent? Children need a parent to protect and guide them, no doubt. They need parents who will teach them right from wrong and hold them accountable to those standards. They benefit from parents that will support them and advocate for them when necessary. However, in...

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Family Shepherds

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January 5, 2013

LOL-On Safari for the Elusive Smile

by John Salmon

The smile—you know, that infant giggle that brings joy to a mother’s heart, the hearty laughter of a child telling silly jokes, that elusive expression that goes into hiding through the teen years, the “raucous guffaw” of the adult watching comedy. We love to smile…and laugh. A recent review of a study on smiling and...

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Celebration

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Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Celebrate Lent As A Family

Start a Revolution for Valentine’s Day!

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Praising Your Child

Help! My Teen Lies to Me!

5 Tips To Create A Family Rhythm

A Magic Bullet?

Build A Family Legacy of Hospitality

Now That’s A Legacy!

3 Signs You Are A Helicopter Parent

LOL-On Safari for the Elusive Smile