An old photograph sits in a frame on my desk. Taken in 1959 when I was barely a year old, the black and white photo is of my father sitting at his desk in the pastor’s study. Visible on the … Continue reading 4 Crucial Questions Regarding Our Responsibility to the Next Generation
Not everyone should adopt, but more should than do. I could list numerous reasons to consider adoption, but here are my top 4: 1. 153,000,000 orphans worldwide. We should not think the orphan crisis is not just an issue for the … Continue reading 4 reasons to consider adoption
My favorite time of year has arrived. Football season is in full swing. College basketball is gearing up. The air is turning crisp. The leaves are turning. The holidays are just around the corner. That can mean only one thing: … Continue reading 5 reasons we pack Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes as a family
I pray daily for my children. To be honest, though, my prayers too often fall short. They fall short because they focus only on immediate concerns, like behavioral issues, a good day at school, or good health. There’s nothing wrong … Continue reading 17 things to pray for your children
“God’s favorite color is blue,” she said matter-of-factly. “Why?” “Because that’s my Daddy’s favorite color.” I wonder what other characteristics of mine my 5-year-old daughter has projected on God. I wonder if she would say … “God is kind, because … Continue reading A father’s influence on his child’s perception of God
Mercy found a couple of cheerleading pompoms at the Goodwill store this week. When I came home from work I was greeted with an enthusiastic cheer—“Yea, Daddy! Yea, Daddy!” The next morning I had a cheerleader as I brushed my … Continue reading Everyone needs a cheerleader
Early this morning, Mercy walked into our bedroom, stood beside our bed, and started talking. Are you wearing socks? I’m wearing pink. Pink’s my favorite. Do you like pink? What’s you favorite color? Look, I’m combing your hair. This is … Continue reading Words Matter
I read somewhere that the average four year old asks over 400 questions a day. If true, my child is above average. Her favorite word lately is Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? One of our recurring conversations yesterday started like … Continue reading The words every daughter needs to hear from her dad
“That’s my Daddy. He’s tall.” And strong and handsome. And a good dancer. A good smiler and a good laugher. That’s me, through the eyes of my four-year-old daughter. My little girl wants and needs a hero; I’m it. Meg … Continue reading 4 ways to be a hero to your kids
“Do you want to be chocolate?” This was Mercy’s question to me. Mercy is our Ethiopian born, adopted daughter and she’s quick to tell you she’s chocolate and mommy and daddy are vanilla. “OK,” I said, not sure where this … Continue reading The flavors of the heart: raising kids in a racially prejudiced world
