Dave Says: What’s the Best Thing?
Dear Dave,
My wife and I are trying to help our son and daughter-in-law. They are both 29-years old, and they have been married for three years. They have good jobs, but the problem is they ask for money on a regular basis. Helping them out hasn’t been a strain, because we’re in good shape financially, but we have started encouraging them to live on a monthly budget. They always say they will…
Come the Morning
Thirteen-year-old Ben Gibson (Travis Knight, UHF, An Outlaw in Oklahoma) needs help. His mother, (Susan Howard, Dallas, Star Trek)–armed with her Bible, two suitcases, and a little cash –has journeyed with her children across the country to Los Angeles in search of the man who deserted them.
Victimized and forced onto the streets, they come face-to-face with the horrors of homeless life in a…
Seven Ways to Help Your Kids Be Strong and Resilient – Part 2
In my last post, I provide you with the first four points concerning how to raise resilient kids. They are:
Train your children to be “Treasure Hunters” not “Trash Collectors.” Teach them to build up others.
Teach your kids to be optimistic and to realize they are created in God’s image and can make a difference in the world.
Remind them about the importance of doing their best. When…
May They Find Wise Friends
Excerpt taken from Everyday Prayers for the School Year: A 30-Day Devotional & Reflective Journal for Moms by Tara L. Cole
Day 4
May They Find Wise Friends
Read Proverbs
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
—Proverbs 13:20
Many times throughout my life, I’ve asked my friends for advice. All of us rely on our friends at times to help us…
Redefining Self-Care
The Self-Care Trend
Self-care is defined in the Oxford Language Dictionary as "the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress."
Self-care is not a word you are going to find in the Bible. This may be one reason why some Christians pause when they hear it. They may wonder if self-care is a concept in which…
Soul Care: When You’re Grieving
Excerpt taken from Soul Care: When You’re Grieving by Edie Melson
Chapter One
Moving Past Denial
Denial is where most of us begin our journey through grief. Initially, we refuse to believe the worst has indeed happened. More than that, we struggle with constant reminders of the one we’ve lost who should be present with us.
Our daughter-in-law’s tragic accident and death rocked my world. She…
Unlock the Glory in You
When is the last time you stared in awe at a newborn baby or marveled at the vibrant colors of a flower? I hope it was recently – because God reveals Himself through creation (Romans 1:20). When we pause our passionate pursuits to see Him … to treasure His creativity, power, and wisdom, we bring Him joy.
Did you know God’s favorite vessel for revealing Himself is you? Humanity holds a special…
Dave Says: It’s Always a We Thing
Dear Dave,
My husband recently approached me with an idea for our money. He wants us to set up an account where we both put 10 percent of our income for discretionary spending. My husband makes more money than I do, and because of this, he says it is fair that he would be able to spend more than I would. How do you feel about this?
— Liz
Dear Liz,
I’m sure deep down he’s a decent guy and…
Examples to Imitate
"You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit … you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia."—1 Thessalonians 1:6–7 NIV
Paul reminded these Thessalonians that Christianity was a lifestyle. Following Jesus should make a practical difference in their lives. As they learned what it…
Power
"For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance"—1 Thessalonians 1:5
The Gospel spread to Thessalonica through preaching and teaching. During his visit, Paul had “reasoned with them from the Scriptures” (Acts 17:1–9). Responding, these believers realized that the message was the actual “word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
But…