My daughters have accused me of telling “Dad jokes.” I don’t know what they’re talking about. Even some of their friends have accused me of telling dad jokes. I asked for clarification of the “Dad joke” and knew their answer could not describe my jokes…”lame,” “silly,” “sarcastic,” “uncool.” Well, maybe I do that once in...

Celebration Family Shepherds

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 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 24, 2015

Giving Children Freedom to Grow

by John Salmon

We love our children. We will do almost anything to help them grow and become the amazing adults we see waiting to burst forth from the guise of childhood. We know they have greatness lurking beneath that façade of awkward teenage angst. But, our kids still need to be kids, not superstars. We need to...

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Family Shepherds

children encouragement fun healthy development parent child relationship play

July 5, 2015

An Instrumental Family Fun Night

by John Salmon

When I was in my early teens I made a washtub bass out of a washtub and a broom. I thought it was cool…and it worked. My parents, on the other hand, were less impressed and rather upset that I drilled a hole in the bottom of their washtub and cut the bristles off their...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

family fun night family intimacy fun laugh play

May 26, 2015

12 Inexpensive & Fun Family Summer Ideas

by John Salmon

The countdown to summer is coming to an end. School will soon “let out” and summer will begin. Do you have any fun family summer plans? I often find it difficult to come up with summer ideas due to financial constraints and time limitations. If you find yourself with the same struggle, try a couple...

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Celebration

fun identity intimacy laugh play summer value

May 4, 2015

A Family Activity that “Does All That”?

by John Salmon

Would you like a great family activity filled with fun? One that gives you and your family lots of fresh air and a little fun exercise? An activity that can help your family grow more intimate and your children more mature? An afternoon activity to bring a smile to everyone’s faces and give each person...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

family fun night family intimacy family relationships fun play

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

The Power of “The Dad Joke”

Enjoy Parenting (or not) With These 9 Tips

Laughter is No Laughing Matter for Families

The Wisdom of Annie

What I Learned at Family Camp, 2015

Boost Your Memory & Have Fun Doing It!

Giving Children Freedom to Grow

An Instrumental Family Fun Night

12 Inexpensive & Fun Family Summer Ideas

A Family Activity that “Does All That”?