Family by God&#039;s Design

*A Fellow-Heir

Women have always had a special standing in the heart of God. Men may have, at times, attempted to make them second-class citizens, but God has always held women in high esteem. He created women with a special purpose, a purpose that has often been misconstrued. Specifically, He created women as a “suitable helper” (Genesis...

Book Reviews Honor

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December 16, 2024

Having a Child in Love

Mary must have been so overwhelmed as that first Christmas day approached. Met by an angel and “favored of God.” Witnessing an aged Elizabeth give birth and a mute Zacharias sing a song of praise. Traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem while 8-9 months pregnant because the occupying government demanded a census. While in the overcrowded...

Celebration Family Shepherds

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September 16, 2024

Love One or Love the Other

Parents love their children, right? If you’re reading this blog, I’m sure you love your children. I love my children. But…sometimes our actions don’t reveal the depth of our love. Our love gets divided along with our attention. Let me explain by drawing your attention to a study published in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent...

Family Shepherds Honor

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December 16, 2023

Hope for an Imperfect Parent

Have you ever felt like an imperfect parent? Maybe even a failure? I know the feeling. I have. But I also have good news. Our children are wise, even from a young age. They don’t need perfect parents. They need parents with a sincere intent to love. To better understand this, imagine a scenario with...

Family Shepherds

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January 9, 2023

Just Because

Maybe you and your spouse are in the same boat as my wife and me. In fact, I’m pretty sure you are. We are different people. We have unique strengths and interests…which makes keeping the marriage boat on course a tricky venture at times. In our case: You get the idea. We are different people....

Grace Honor

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December 24, 2022

Scrooge or Cratchit Revolution This Christmas

The “Christmas Spirit” seems to have faded some. I don’t know. Maybe I’m wrong. But it seems like more people have a “Bah-humbug-get-to-work-and-stop-wasting-time-on-frivilous-celebrations” view of Christmas, or a “give-me-give-me” view of Christmas than an “excited-generous-grateful-and-celebratory” view of Christmas. In other words, I encounter more Scrooges than Cratchits. Worse, I feel the pressure of society pushing...

Celebration Grace

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November 7, 2022

It’s NOT All About You…or Me

My wife asked me a question, a simple question. “Where’s the cinnamon?” But there was an edge of irritation in her voice that sent “my mind a wandering.” Why does she sound irritated? Does she think I stole it? Why would I steal cinnamon? She is probably accusing me of putting things in the wrong...

Grace Honor

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April 11, 2022

What A “Pittsburgher” Learned About Family in Cleveland

My wife and I enjoyed a trip to Cleveland. We had a great time and met some wonderful people. (Yes, I am from Pittsburgh AND I found Cleveland fun & enjoyable…go figure.) After breakfast one morning we strolled through the Arcade 5 and saw this sign outside the Johnnysville Woods store. It lists “The 5...

Grace Honor

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February 14, 2022

I Love Valentine’s Day

It’s Valentine’s Day but…not everyone is happy about that. In fact, I’ve heard some countries actually ban Valentine’s Day. But wouldn’t it be nice to add a little more love into our families and our communities? After all, “love cures people—both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it” (Dr. Karl Menninger)....