People start gearing up for Christmas six weeks in advance but Easter often catches families by surprise. There are pages of Advent devotionals available online but just a handful of family devotionals for Holy Week or Easter Week. So why is Easter so neglected? Shouldn’t we celebrate Easter with the same gusto we do Christmas? Part of the challenge is that Christmas is always December 25th but...
“Mooooommyyyyyyy, I want some juuuuice . . .” “I don’t wanna go to sleeeeeeep . . .” “I have to go to the baaathrooooooom . . .” Is there anything more annoying than whining? Perhaps, but off the top of my head, I can’t think of it. Children who whine in an attempt to get what they want lack healthy communication skills. Parents mustn’t blame the child for this behavior. Rather, they must...
Two months ago, many families were huddled around Advent wreaths, reading the Christmas story by candlelight, or adding to their Jesse trees each evening and singing carols. Christmas is a wonderful time to create routines and to celebrate the wonder of Jesus. But what about the rest of the year? Parents, we have a responsibility to worship God with our kids and teach them the Bible all...
Many volunteers within the church feel overwhelmed at the thought of serving in the youth ministry. What is expected of a volunteer? What about being able to answer the tricky theological questions teenagers often ask? In Lead Them to Jesus: A Handbook for Youth Workers, veteran youth pastor Mike McGarry offers a comprehensive tool to equip and encourage every member involved with the youth of a...
When our oldest son was about four years old, I sat down to watch a movie some friends had recommended. Not too far into the story, the plot took a turn I wasn’t expecting. A child was tragically killed in a farming accident. The horror hit home and anxiety choked my heart. I didn’t even finish the movie. Sometime I can watch movies and enjoy the ups and downs of the plot. But other times, a...
