Family by God&#039;s Design

What Does Homework Have to Do with Conscientiousness?

Did you know that conscientiousness—the desire to do one’s work well and to do it thoroughly—takes a temporary dip in late childhood and early adolescence? However, a study that followed 2,760 students as they transitioned through grades 5 through 8 suggests a way to avoid this dip. Specifically, they found that students who “thoroughly and...

Family Shepherds

autonomy competence conscientiousness homework responsibility routine

July 19, 2021

Don’t Let Defensiveness Ruin Your Marriage, Take The Antidote Instead

I don’t know about you, but I often find myself making defensive maneuvers when my wife and I get into an argument. I hate being wrong. I want her to understand. So, I start defensive maneuvers. Maybe you recognize some of these: “Well, I wouldn’t have done that if you hadn’t….” “But you need to...

Grace Honor

arguments defensive responsibility

May 29, 2021

Caring for the Gift of Your Marriage

Your spouse and your marriage represent two of the most precious gifts you can ever receive. I know this is true for me. They are wonderful gifts. When we take care of these two gifts, they bring us a lifetime of joy. But, if we neglect or abuse these gifts, they result in a lifetime...

Celebration Honor

communication encouragement marriage peace respect responsibility student

January 28, 2019

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It’s Time…for #redeemingFacebook

I recently saw a friend’s post in which he suggested giving up Facebook for Lent. He was frustrated with the constant bickering, criticism, accusation, and harshness on Facebook. I don’t blame him. What we focus on becomes what we see. Focus on things that frustrate, anger, and divide… and you will see more things that...

Grace Honor

kindness peace politeness respect responsibility

April 21, 2018

A Gift to Build a Longer, Happier Marriage

Want to give your spouse a great gift? If you do, I have the perfect idea. This gift will promote your spouse’s physical health and even contribute to longer life. It will also enhance your relationship, leading to a happier, longer-lasting marriage. To top it all off—the icing on the cake so to speak—this gift...

Honor

integrity planning responsibility trust

February 20, 2017

Do Your Child a Favor: LOVE Mistakes

One-hundred-twenty-three children played this video game, all 7-years-old. No, it’s not the start of a bad joke. It’s the start of an interesting study about learning. Anyway, the children played a fast-paced game in which each player helped a zoo-keeper capture escaped animals by pressing the space bar when an animal appeared UNLESS…(there is always...

Family Shepherds Grace

confidence encouragement learning responsibility success teach

November 21, 2016

“You Complete Me” Kills a Marriage

At least two quotes came out of the movie Jerry Maguire (1996): “Show me the money” and “You complete me.” I wouldn’t mind if someone took the time to “show me the money.” Better yet, hand me the money. I’m glad to work for it, but I still want someone to “show me the money.”...

Grace Honor

dreams intimacy marriage maturity responsibility

April 23, 2016

The Top 6 Components of an Effective Apology

Let’s face it; we all make mistakes. We all do things in and to our families for which we need to apologize. It could be something as simple as forgetting to pick up the milk or as complex as feeling unloved. Whatever it is, an apology is in order. But, not just any apology will...

Grace Honor

apology forgiveness intimacy responsibility

September 14, 2015

Should We Give an Allowance?

Parents often give children an allowance to motivate them to complete chores. Unfortunately, I have found allowances to be poor motivators. Don’t get me wrong. Allowances often worked in our family for a short time…but then no longer worked. They would work again when our child had something they really wanted to buy (the real...