Whew, what a blur this month has become! My children have activity after activity, some out of state and some next door. Some mark major life transitions (such as graduation from high school) and some are great opportunities (such as participating in state level academic programs). Then, there is the typical run-around involved in keeping...

April 6, 2013

Time for a Family Spring Photo Race

by John Salmon

No, I’m not talking about getting the spring family photos or even the lovely spring photos of prom dresses and spring formals. I’m talking about a Great Family Race. This family celebration takes a little bit of preparation but results in fun, laughter, and time together. To begin, pick a destination that your family...

-Read More-

Celebration

activities fun intimacy laugh play traditions

March 30, 2013

What We Do For Marriage & Family

by John Salmon

Last week I read a post by The Romantic Vineyard about “What we do” to keep our marriage strong. I wanted to add some “we do’s” to the list as well. What do we do on a regular basis to keep our marriage strong? Interestingly, most of the things I thought of not only build a stronger...

-Read More-

Celebration Honor

fun hugs marriage music parent child relationship physical affection

March 17, 2013

Curiosity Killed the Cat, Worry Kills the Family

by John Salmon

“Curiosity killed the cat” but worry kills the family. I know that sounds kind of extreme, but worry really does interfere with family intimacy. Worry becomes a quiet, unseen but powerful rip current that pulls families apart…or a whirlpool of twisting, turning, dizzying emotions that hurl a family into discord and confusion. Consider these ways...

-Read More-

Celebration Honor

anxiety connection family relationships intimacy worry

March 2, 2013

Nourish the Snow White in Your Life

by John Salmon

I love the Disney animation “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”—a classic story of jealousy turned to hatred, the love that battle against that hatred, and the final victory of “true love’s kiss.” Although this classic, an adaptation of an even older Grimm fairy tale, was released in 1937, it is still reenacted every day...

-Read More-

Celebration Grace Honor

admiration differences family relationships gratitude happiness marriage parenting power of words schedule

February 6, 2013

Celebrate Lent As A Family

by John Salmon

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...

-Read More-

Celebration Grace

acceptance Easter generosity holiday sacrifice traditions

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...

-Read More-

Celebration Honor

communication family meals play priorities rest

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...

-Read More-

Celebration Family Shepherds

parenting play stress management worry

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...

-Read More-

Celebration Honor

generosity hospitality legacy

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...

-Read More-

Celebration

fun intimacy laugh memories play

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family Rest: A Lost Family Art

Time for a Family Spring Photo Race

What We Do For Marriage & Family

Curiosity Killed the Cat, Worry Kills the Family

Nourish the Snow White in Your Life

Celebrate Lent As A Family

5 Tips To Create A Family Rhythm

A Magic Bullet?

Build A Family Legacy of Hospitality

LOL-On Safari for the Elusive Smile