Walt Mueller of CPYU (see CPYU blogs here) recently posted this 2-minute-42 second video from IKEA. It communicates such an important message for families that I wanted to post it as well. As the holiday season approaches, this video serves as a crucial reminder of what our children really desire. As one comment notes, parents...

Celebration Family Shepherds

October 17, 2015

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A Daily Activity to Decrease Anxiety

by John Salmon

Want to reduce anxiety and family stress? I learned a surprising way to do it. A study by Adam Hanley has documented a daily activity that reduces anxiety by 27%! This same activity increased “mental inspiration” in his test group by 25%. And, all this happened in response to a simple six minute activity—washing dishes!...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

anxiety chores sleep

October 5, 2015

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Enjoy Parenting (or not) With These 9 Tips

by John Salmon

Do you enjoy parenting? I do…most of the time anyway. There are times I’d like to throw in the towel; but overall, I really enjoy parenting. My kids are in the process of “leaving the nest” and I’m going to miss having them at home to parent. As they prepare to leave, I have thought...

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Celebration

family intimacy fun gratitude play student time

September 28, 2015

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Laughter is No Laughing Matter for Families

by John Salmon

Laughter is an amazing medicine. This is not new information. In fact, one ancient Hebrew proverb states that “a cheerful heart is good medicine…” (Proverbs 17:22). Laughter is like medicine, not only to the soul but to the whole person. Consider these “medicinal benefits” of laughter: Laughter decreases the secretion of stress hormones in the...

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Celebration

family intimacy family relationships fun healthy development laugh play

September 19, 2015

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The Wisdom of Annie

by John Salmon

Remember Annie, the incurable optimist who looked toward a better tomorrow and gleefully sang “You’re never fully dressed without a smile”? Well, she’s right. We need to put on a smile before we greet our families. There is a magic in your smile that will brighten your spouse’s day and your children’s lives. Your smile...

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Celebration Grace

family intimacy fun happiness intimacy listen

September 12, 2015

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The Mighty Power of Kindness for Families

by John Salmon

In this time we call our own and in a home very near to our hearts, there rages an epic battle for the families we call our own. This battle rages between those principalities that wield great power in their efforts to tear the family apart and those in the resistance who quietly, on a...

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Celebration Grace Honor

family intimacy intimacy kindness support

September 7, 2015

What I Learned at Family Camp, 2015

by John Salmon

My family and I just returned from our annual trip to Family Camp at Camp Christian. Once again, Jim and Terry Jones organized a wonderful weekend of relaxation, fun, and worship. We enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and making new friends. This year, Tim Jones was our speaker. Tim and his wife, Lisa, minister through...

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Celebration Honor

consequences emotions family intimacy family relationships fun laugh memories

August 31, 2015

Boost Your Memory & Have Fun Doing It!

by John Salmon

School time has returned. Morning routines need adjusted to accommodate school’s early start. Afternoon schedules get adjusted to fit in homework and extracurricular activities. In the midst of these adjustments, I recommend one additional change to your routine. Your children will likely enjoy this small change. In fact, my daughter used to make this change because...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

fun memories play schedule

August 22, 2015

Last Weekend “Was Very Good”

by John Salmon

My family and I attended a beautiful wedding at Camp Christian last weekend. The wedding ceremony took place in the chapel. Then, everyone walked a short distance to the Millhouse for the reception. It was a beautiful day. The bride and groom, along with their families, have participated in numerous programs at Camp Christian over...

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Celebration Honor

encouragement husband intimacy marriage wife

August 10, 2015

Lincoln on the Parental Tyrant

by John Salmon

My family and I enjoyed a wonderful trip to visit family in Illinois. While there, we visited the Lincoln Museum and Lincoln’s home in Springfield. As we toured a home in Lincoln’s community, I read a quote by Mary Todd Lincoln: “He [Lincoln] always said, ‘It is my pleasure that my children are free, happy...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

acknowledgement consequences consistency discipline label parent child relationship parenting

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

What Your Kids (and You) Really Want!

A Daily Activity to Decrease Anxiety

Enjoy Parenting (or not) With These 9 Tips

Laughter is No Laughing Matter for Families

The Wisdom of Annie

The Mighty Power of Kindness for Families

What I Learned at Family Camp, 2015

Boost Your Memory & Have Fun Doing It!

Last Weekend “Was Very Good”

Lincoln on the Parental Tyrant