Parental Support

In the early 1900's a management specialist, named Ivy Lee, was hired by Charles Schwab to improve his company's efficiency.  Lee suggested that Schwab needed to create a list of daily tasks to complete before moving on to other items on his "to-do" list.  Lee's idea was so brilliant that Schwab would go on to say that,during his entire business carrier, this was the most profitable piece of advice he was ever given.* With his idea Lee introduced Schwab to the difference between being busy and being productive: intentionality.  Intentionality is a deliberate choice.  Intentionality does not just apply to the business world, but to our families as well.  In our families we must differentiate between that which makes us busy and that which makes us productive. Prior to the birth of my son, I thought I lived a busy, fast-paced life.  Since his birth, I have come to experience a whole new definition of busy, in fact there are days when I cou...

Without a doubt, one of the most cutthroat, competitive, and volatile work environments is that of parenting.   Take a minute sometime and scroll through a website for expectant mothers.   You will find a variety of parenting opinions, values, and points of view.   One group of pregnant women stands behind breastfeeding while another expresses their intent to use formula. Some list the possible side effects of vaccinations while others boldly proclaim their intent to vaccinate.   Still others present their desires to stay at home with their children while another group expresses their plan to go back to work.   Differing points of view are wonderful, but within these websites expectant mothers begin to bash and shame one another.   Rather than be excited for each other, many of these mothers demand to know how any rational person could disagree with their point of view.             This scene is not...

A battle is raging in the war for the hearts, minds, and souls of our children.   This battle is not one against drugs, sex, alcohol, or any of the other commonly identified enemies of our children.   This battle is against an opponent who rises from within our kids.   This battle is the one being fought against anxiety and depression.               Experts agree that both anxiety and depression are on the rise in adolescents.   Some parents may not witness their children experience either of these ailments, but chances are they will know someone whose children are caught in their grasp.   For this reason, every parent should have at least a basic understanding of how to aid someone trapped in the pit that is anxiety and/or depression.             The prophet Elijah provides a framework by which Christians can work through their anxiety and/or...

The Hunger Games  Series tells the story of Katniss Everdeens' struggle to overcome the turmoil around her and within herself to become the woman she was meant to be.  While this story is applicable of every person, I believe it to be especially representative of members of Generation Z.  Referring to those born after 1995, Gen Z encompasses those who are college age or younger. This generation has massive potential, but they have one primary challenge holding them back: fear.  Gen Z is terrified. If I had to pick one person who I believe best exemplifies this generation it would be the young Greta Thunberg.  Greta best represents this generation not because of her political beliefs, not because of her attitude, and certainly not because of the way in which she presents her convictions, Greta represents this generation because of her motivation.  If you listen closely to what she is truly communicating, you will hear the voice of a talented young girl who...

My mother once declared, in a matter-of-fact voice, that there were days during my pre-teen and teenage years when she was certain that portions of my brain had drained out of my ears and onto my pillow during the night while I slept.  Many parents express similar feelings during the adolescent years of their children.  Some parents wonder if their children are the only ones who have brainless moments and begin to question whether they have done something wrong in their parenting.   During a child's adolescent years, the brain is changing and becoming that of an adult's brain.  In fact, in most respects, the teenage brain is fully developed.  However, two primary factors create the whirlwind of emotions and impulsiveness that characterize the teenage years: (1) the pre-frontal cortex & (2) lack of experience.  The pre-frontal cortex is the last part of the brain to develop and doesn't fully develop until around 23 years old.  This portion...

As I get older, it seems that every year passes faster than the year before.   I’m told there are twenty-four hours in a day, yet many days I feel that someone is stealing some of mine.   As I look around, it appears I’m not the only one who is experiencing a constant battle with the clock.   The reality is that our lives are busy.   We all have numerous responsibilities and commitments that pull us in many different directions.   No wonder so many of us are tired, stressed, and overworked.   Certainly, using the time God has given us in a productive way is a worthwhile endeavor.   Yet, if we are not careful, we can find ourselves in chains, slaves to the taskmaster that is time.               Many, if not most, of the responsibilities you and I have are beneficial pursuits that do good.   Yet, if these pursuits lead us to be enslaved to time, that which was once good can cease to be ...

My five-year-old son is a joy to my life and I love him dearly.  Recently, like most children, he has begun to fear the monsters hidden in his closet and in the dark corners of his room.  Many nights, he comes running into the living room, loudly expressing his fears.  These nights I take him back to his room, turn on the lights, and help him search his room for monsters.  When he has sufficient evidence that there are no monsters, I reassure him that there is nothing to fear and tuck him back into bed. Eventually, as he grows up, my son will come to learn what all adults already know: there are no monsters lurking in the dark or hiding under his bed. What if I told you that the fears you had as a child are true?  What if I told you that there really are things lurking in the darkness, intent on doing you and your family harm?  This is the reality described in 1 Peter 5:8.  This passage describes Satan as a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour....