In Psalm 127:3-5, Solomon tells us the blessings of being a parent by describing children as arrows in a warrior’s quiver. In times past, arrows have been used to win battles, put meat on the table, and win competitions. Whatever the task, though, diligence and focus are required for an arrow to hit its mark. Like arrows, … Continue reading How to Shoot Your Children

“My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments . . . (Proverbs 3:1 WEB). Much of the Book of Proverbs is presented as a father imparting wise advice to his son. Fathers are intended to pass on wise advice to their children, but to do so, we first need wise … Continue reading Learning a Father’s Wisdom (Proverbs 1:1-6)

I like the nighttime—I always have—and while it isn’t always the best part of my day, it usually is. This is when I get to put my children to bed. It’s not that I want to get rid of them or I am tired of them. What I like about putting my children to bed … Continue reading The Best Part of My Day

My wife shared with me last year a post from a missionary’s wife from Tanzania who wrote on her Facebook page after coming to the states on furlough. Her post said, “I asked [my five-year-old daughter] to tell me something that she noticed different between America and Africa. The first thing she said… ‘Here I … Continue reading The Best Way to Teach Modesty

I preface this simply by saying that I have far too imperfectly modeled these lessons far too often, but I maintain their worthiness. The world is rooting for our children to fail and fall, but the Word is written to counteract that! Prayerfully consider the following: –Character Is More Important Than Charm And Charisma –Hard Work … Continue reading Lessons I Want My Son to Carry into Adulthood

Aside from the Bible itself, the primary teachers children are given for religious instruction are their parents–not their preacher, elders, youth minister, or Sunday school teachers. Parents must instruct their children in God’s ways, especially the father. God’s Word is what gives us the wisdom and instruction to fulfill this responsibility well. Consider the advice offered by … Continue reading 6 Proverbs on Parenting

Someone once said, “Small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys.” The same statement is true for our sweet daughters. It should not be a secret to any parent reading this article today that we are in a fathering crisis. Fathers all across the world are turning … Continue reading Proactive Fathers Make the Difference

In 2005, Elizabeth Marquardt and Norval Glenn wrote a book entitled Between Two Worlds: The Inner Lives of Children of Divorce. I have not read the volume but have seen it referenced in a few places, including a book I am currently reading. One of the portions of that book that is cited and makes … Continue reading I’m Drawing a Blank

Several years ago, when preaching in Virginia, I spoke with a sweet, 69-year-old woman who had watched our TV program and wanted to speak to me. During the course of our visit, she told me a story I will never forget. Tearfully, she told me of her 14-year-old grandson, Matthew, who locked himself in his … Continue reading A Story With Many Points

Well this is awkward . . . not talking to my son about the “birds and the bees” so much as writing about it. . Before I go any farther I suppose I should start with a warning: this article uses the words for male and female genitalia. If you find this offensive, please do … Continue reading Telling My Son About the Birds and the Bees