There is a lot of talk about wonder these days. How can we reawaken wonder in today’s generation of kids? How might time in nature ignite wonder inside us? Does wonder have anything to do with faith? And what can we do if we lose our sense of wonder? These are valid questions, but how often do we stop to consider what wonder is? As we define wonder, we can find where it fits in our lives and how...
Apologetics in youth ministry is an interesting concept. I think a lot of youth ministers love apologetics and desperately want their students to understand it too. But there’s a tension. When is there possibly time to incorporate apologetics into your youth ministry? The schedule is already packed; you don’t have a lot of time with your students, and you probably don’t want to take any away from...
We live in a world filled with trouble. From our past to the possible future and from headlines to heartaches, there are endless reasons to be burdened. Maybe for you it’s unexpected expenses, health concerns, or a strained relationship with your kids. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed caring for an aging loved one or are uncertain about a career change. Sleepless nights, distracted minds, tense...
I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. . . .For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.~ Philippians 4:11, 13 The Four Ds of Discontent Grumbling and complaining is a common struggle for children. As parents we want to shepherd our children toward gratitude and contentment. The transformation from grumbling to gratitude, from complaining to contentment, comes as...
Gladine and I celebrated fifty years of marriage this year. What an amazing milestone and only reached by God’s grace! What would I say to our younger selves on our wedding day? If I knew what I know now? Here are some thoughts. Larry and Gladine, what an exciting day this is—your wedding day. After four years as high school and college sweethearts, you are finally beginning life together as...
