Movies can provide the starting point for a great family fun night. A family movie night can begin as easily as renting a movie to watch as a family. Order some pizza and pop some popcorn, turn up the sound, and turn down the house lights to get the real flavor of going to the theater. When everything is in place,...

July 14, 2014

Managing Your Child’s Schedule…or, Seeking Balance in the Devil’s Playground

by John Salmon

“Idle hands are the devil’s playground.” I have heard that statement many times…and, I know the truth in it. Laziness, the habit of doing nothing, leads to trouble! However, in our culture we have swung to the opposite extreme with our children’s schedule. Rather than having “idle hands,” our children are overscheduled, pressured to be...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

fun healthy development intimacy parent child relationship parenting rest schedule time

June 23, 2014

Make Your Child “a Head Taller Than Himself”

by John Salmon

I enjoy learning about and teaching child development. Recently I read that “in play a child becomes a ‘head taller than himself.'” Most people probably do not use the phrase “a head taller than himself.” I had to think about what that meant; and, as I read the example, I realized it means a child...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

character emotional health fun laugh maturity parenting play

June 21, 2014

A Taste of Heaven on Earth

by John Salmon

Last weekend my wife and I enjoyed the opportunity to attend a wedding. It was a wonderful wedding. The families of the bride and groom joyfully welcomed one another into their growing family. An acoustic guitar played quietly as the people gathered. The bride was radiant and the ceremony was beautiful. A lovely young girl...

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Celebration Honor

intimacy love marriage michelangelo priorities security spouse

June 7, 2014

Welcome to the Family Games

by John Salmon

We love to watch competitions—to see our favorite athlete in the Super Bowl, the Olympics, the World Series, the World Cup, or any number of various competitions. Many of us also love to compete. Competition hones our skills and motivates us to improve. Why not use that competitive spirit for good in your home? Let...

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Celebration Grace Honor

acknowledgement admiration apology appreciation compliment encouragement fun kindness politeness sacrifice

May 18, 2014

Husbands…Set Her Free

by John Salmon

Picture an imaginary scene from the life of Michelangelo. A group of community leaders has commissioned Michelangelo to sculpt a statue for the town square. Michelangelo accepted the commission and now wanders through a quarry to choose a block of stone from which to sculpt the commissioned statue. He slowly walks past various stones, peering...

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Celebration Honor

acknowledgement admiration appreciation husband intimacy marriage value wife

May 10, 2014

Protect Your Child With a Blessing

by John Salmon

Kids can be mean! You know it and I know it. I see it on the playgrounds, in the school, and even on the internet. Our kids face bullying, cyberbullying, teasing, name-calling, and physical intimidation more often than we want to admit. Over 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year and as many...

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Celebration Family Shepherds Honor

acknowledgement admiration appreciation healthy development parent child relationship self-image value

May 5, 2014

The Dark Side of Praise

by John Salmon

What should parents do when their children do something well? Praise them, of course! Praise them with statements like: “You are so smart.” “That is a beautiful picture.” “Good job cleaning your room.” Well…at least common knowledge on the street says to praise a job well done. However, praise does have a dark side. Let...

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Celebration Family Shepherds Honor

acknowledgement appreciation effort parenting praise success

May 4, 2014

Put the Zing of Anticipation in Your Marriage

by John Salmon

We have all experienced anticipation…that feeling of excitement that something is going to happen, the expectation that an exciting event is coming your way! Perhaps you experienced anticipation while looking at the oddly shaped and wrapped present under the tree with your name on it. Or, you may have felt anticipation when you knew a...

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Celebration Honor

husband intimacy marriage sexual intimacy spouse wife

April 21, 2014

Family Date Night Tip: Do Not Text and Date!

by John Salmon

Let me say I believe in scheduling regular date nights with your spouse and children. Having a date night with your spouse will truly boost your marital happiness. The quality time and intimate conversation shared on a date will enhance your marital intimacy. And, regular “date nights” with your children will also improve family relationships....

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Celebration Honor

availability family intimacy intimacy marriage parent child relationship priorities spouse time

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family Night at the Movies

Managing Your Child’s Schedule…or, Seeking Balance in the Devil’s Playground

Make Your Child “a Head Taller Than Himself”

A Taste of Heaven on Earth

Welcome to the Family Games

Husbands…Set Her Free

Protect Your Child With a Blessing

The Dark Side of Praise

Put the Zing of Anticipation in Your Marriage

Family Date Night Tip: Do Not Text and Date!