What’s On Your Playlist

Did you know that before he was thrown out of heaven, Lucifer (aka Satan) was the angel in charge of music? He may be an outcast, but he’s still in the music business. In Ephesians 2:2 he’s called the prince of the power of the air, the spirit…in the children of disobedience. One of his most effective tools is music. …

From Beanie Babies to iPads

A Survival Guide for Ultimate Satisfaction in a Forever Changing Culture Super Mario Brothers for Super Nintendo, a Classic Duncan Butterfly yo-yo, a new deck of Pokémon cards, the latest season of Power Rangers on VHS, the new Beanie Baby, and a case of “Squeeze It” juice bottles was the ideal Christmas list of any young teen during my teenage …

The Challenge of Being Cool

There are many words in the English language that have a definite meaning. For example, “stop” means to cause to cease –– really no argument there. The beauty about the English language is the fact that there are so many words that change based on the context or values of the person saying the words. This principle can work with …

Navigating the Digital Storm

[av_dropcap1]R[/av_dropcap1]ight now on the floor of the bedroom sits a black plastic milk crate. My wife came in and put it on my side of the bed and declared, “You’ve gotta do something with this.” I groaned in my spirit, because I knew this day was coming. You see, this isn’t any normal milk crate. This is a milk crate …

Ready for Launch

May of 2013 will be Nineteen years since my high school graduation, and I can honestly say that time has flown by in what seems like the blink of an eye. Since that time I have become a husband and a father, graduated from college and law school, managed a busy legal career and currently serve in my local church …

Tips for Teens

Ah, the teenage years. I feel like it was just yesterday that I embarked on those never-forget years of being a teenager. There were many memories made during my teen years: high school, heading off to college, first time to Disney World (I know, I was robbed in my childhood), and sports. There is one landmark event that occurs at …

The Most Basic Needs of Teens

Most likely you or someone you know has had to deal with a distressed teenager at some time or another. Let’s face it; our American culture has taken its toll on the emotional health and well-being of our teens. They face pressures today that put them on the brink of emotional breakdown. Consider some of the most common stressors that …

15 Ways to Affirm Your Children

1. Speak Praise to Them—just pause in an unexpected moment and say, “Hey, I just want you to know I’m proud of you, and here are some reasons why!” 2. Write a Specific Note to Them—Write out the good qualities and successes you see unfolding in their lives. Even better—mail it to them. Their surprise is well worth the fifty …

Enjoying Life With Your Teen

Teenagers in Your Home? You’ve lived through 2 a.m. feedings, toddler temper tantrums, and the back-to-school blues. So why is the word “teenager” causing you so much anxiety?  The teenage years are an intense time of growth, not only physically, but morally and intellectually.  Add to that after-school sports, a learner’s permit and a part-time job, and you have the …