Family Mentors

Just a little over a year ago, my wife and I discovered the joys of parenthood when I our little boy came into the world.  We were thrilled, blessed, excited, and SCARED!  The sacred trust of raising another human being is a massive responsibility.  While nobody is perfect, you certainly don’t want to mess up too badly as a parent.  Our parents were a huge help in giving advice and speaking from the personal experience of raising kids in the past.  Even so, we needed role models who were in the trenches of the early stages of family life. 

As we began looking for these family mentors we found a wealth of wonderful examples…

The Hunts – This family of five showed us the value of learning the temperament of each of your children and interacting with them on that level.

The Herrings – Another family of five that demonstrated the power of “Rites of Passage” in raising young men.

The Thomas’ – A family of six who gave us the example of raising kids who love to spend time with you, but consider you a parent rather than a friend.

Each of these families taught us these lessons and so many more just by doing family life in front of us.  Their example spoke volumes.  There are so many more families that we could add to the list above.  Here’s the point…

As you embark upon or continue on in the adventure of marriage, parenting, and family life find other families that you respect and do the following…

Watch Them – See what makes their family tick.  There could be a few big things or several little things that make them a family worthy of respect. 

Ask Them – As you think through issues in your own family or questions you might have, ask them what they did when they encountered specific situations.  They may not have all the answers, but at least they can speak from experience.

Steal From Them – There are tidbits of wisdom from these families you should steal for your own.  Take their best ideas and put them into practice.

There are so many that get it wrong when it comes to family.  When you find one of those few families who get it right, learn all you can from them.  The result could be a happier, healthier life for you and your family.

When Work and Family Collide

Starting a career and a family happened nearly simultaneously for me.  I got married, wrapped up grad school, and got a "real" job on in the course of less than two years.  In my mind I wanted to be successful in these two arenas and I was going to do it right.  Some had great careers at the sacrifice of their families, but I was determined to be different... Then came the reality.  Though I knew tension existed between the work place and the home front in life, I never guessed it could be so difficult to manage in certain seasons of life.

Just a few years into our marriage, with a baby on the way, and working four to five nights a week on top normal office hours during the day something had to give.  Though we were not at the end of our rope at home, we were way out of balance and the issue was my inability to create a reasonable pace at work and home.  It was in that season that I came across a sermon series by Andy Stanley that literally changed my perspectives on work and home.  

"Choosing to Cheat" was all about the fact that you generally choose to cheat someone or something when it comes to your time.  Often, that someone or something is a family or a marriage.  The result... Well without even listening to the sermon series you know what the results are.  The messages were at once convicting and inspiring.  It gave me a new perspective on how to handle the tension between family and work.  It gave me the motivation and tools to choose family first in many ways.

There are still seasons of life where I get the balance between work and family wrong, but I've come a long way.  This is due in large part to Andy Stanley's messages. I wasn't the only one that found them helpful.  From CEO's to pastors to car salesmen, I've heard how the concept of "choosing to cheat" helped them in their quest for balance.  The series was so popular that it was released as a book.  Last month, the book came out in print under a new name: When Work and Family Collide.  

If you are like many of us that struggle to find the balance between family and work, let me encourage you to pick up a copy of the book or download the messages from North Point Resources online.  Yu and your family will be glad you did.

Resolve to be with your family!

(Photo and idea taken from http://allendesigns.typepad.com/blog/)

Previously, we have talked about the importance of spending quality time together as a family.  Many of you may have made resolutions to spend at least one day a week (or hour, or evening) together, talking and spending time as a family.  That quality time usually involves having the TV and computers OFF, and focusing on one another without allowing other distractions to steal away your precious moments with family.  This week, we want to provide you with a family activity to do during those “fun family moments!”

One of the best ideas I think I recently found on pinterest.com (but originally from http://allendesigns.typepad.com/blog/) was a brilliant idea to use something you probably already have in your home...Christmas Cards!  I always feel bad about throwing the cards away, after the Christmas season has ended, but never know what to do with them.  Conversations usually go something like this…

Should I save them for next year? 

Probably not. 

Should I file them away? 

What for? 

Usually I record the addresses in our address book and end up tossing them with guilt in my heart.  Well, NOT THIS YEAR! 

This year we will be developing a weekly “flip-book” with the Christmas Cards we received.  The flipbook will prompt us to pray together, as a family, for each of the families on the Christmas cards.  So, for example, this week we’ll be praying for the Shugart family, and next week, the Miller Family.  Get the idea?  I don’t have 52 Christmas Cards collected from this past Christmas season, (although you may!), so once we flip through each family, we’ll just start the flipbook over again. 

The best resolution you can make for 2012 is to resolve to allow your family to have your best!  It’s so easy for us to give our “best” to everyone else, that by the time we get home at the end of the day, we’re weary, exhausted, and just plain grumpy.  This year, why don’t you resolve to save some of your energy until the end of the day, and offer it to your family!  Whether it’s once a day, once a week, or twice a month I assure you it will be time well spent.  Resolve in 2012 to make your family your top priority, and when with them...Be All There!  Don’t just say it… choose to make 2012 the year that you live it out!

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!!!

We hope that you are enjoying your Christmas with Family today!  We sure are!!

Our daily, 'Navigating the rope' posts will resume January 2nd, 2012!  For this next week, take some time and enjoy being with family!  

Coming soon!  

Tips on how to make New Year's Resolutions Last, 

as well as a list of attainable New Year's Resolutions! 

Christmas Family Fun - Week 4

Christmas Eve has always been one of my most treasured memories from growing up.  Even as a little girl, I can remember holding a candle INSIDE a church and watching the wax drip down as my family stood together and sang, “Joy to the World!”  As we grew up, the setting changed, and even various members of our family that were able to attend changed, but the special night remained just that – special!

Whether it was the annual “matching family picture” amongst the poinsettias at the front of the church, or watching my sister and husband have a wax-flicking contest (sound dangerous?  Yes it was…), Christmas Eve was such a special night for us.  It usually consisted of 4 or so services (my dad is a pastor, so of course we attended each service put on at our church!), then heading out for a special family dinner at some restaurant we rarely got to go to.  Afterward, we would head home to open that first “Christmas Eve gift” and snuggle up together while watching a Christmas Classic – more-often-than-not we selected “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”  Christmas Eve was the beginning of “Christmas” for us, and honestly was just as treasured as the next day!  It was a day that was committed to focus on the real reason for the season, and enjoy time with our family.

For our final “Christmas Family Fun” article, we wanted to encourage you to make the most of this entire “Christmas Weekend!”  There are special Christmas Eve services held in churches across America, which means that wherever you are, there’s a place you can go.  Many of them have candlelight services, but if you’d prefer to keep your kids away from the temptation of a “wax-flicking competition” then there are services that refrain from using candles!  There are more serious-focused services, and for families with young kids (like our own!) there's many “Family-friendly services!”  The point is to go ahead and extend your Christmas Tradition and allow it to start the night before.  Take some time, as a family to enjoy a sweet service full of Christmas Songs and moments to remember why we celebrate this precious holiday in the first place.  Then, head to wherever you’re going and spend some time as a family, making your Christmas Eve just as special as the day to follow!

One last thing….

Christmas is on a Sunday this year, which provides an EXTRA SPECIAL opportunity for your family.  Many churches across America are offering Christmas morning services as well, for you to take time out of your Christmas morning to focus on Christ and his birth.  They offer a chance to celebrate HIM along with others, and embrace that He is our reason to celebrate.  Don’t miss this opportunity to train your family, and teach your kids that Jesus is the REASON we celebrate.  It’s easy to make that statement, and hang that artwork (Jesus is the reason for the season) on our wall, but it’s an entirely different thing to live a life that reflects that.  Sure, the service may mean that you can’t remain in your pajamas all 24 hours of your Christmas Day, but I encourage you not to miss out on such a precious teaching opportunity, because you want to stay in your PJ’s.  Let’s keep the main thing, the main thing, this Christmas – Jesus!

Christmas Family Fun - Week 3

When I was a teenager, I was in love with young kids!  Babysitting was the joy of my heart, and I eagerly looked forward to my weekends, because it meant that I got to spend hours having fun with little kids, and one family in particular completely stole my heart. 

I started babysitting Abbey, and Luke when Luke had just been born, and walked through life with those sweet kids for years.  I was there when they even added their 2 twin brothers into the mix!  I was so sad when I left for college, and knew that my treasured moments with them would be minimal, but loved the time I was able to spend with them!  We would go to the mall and ride the 25-cent rides, share chick-fil-a, and even see Santa together!  Such great memories!

One memory in particular, that I cherish, and will never forget, is the first time we took them, along with their family to a live nativity scene.  A local church in our area made an annual tradition of setting up a little manger scene, and filling it with what appeared to be several students in their ministry acting out the characters.  To an onlooker quickly passing by, it seemed to be no big deal, but to sweet little Luke, it was an early “A-ha moment.” 

We walked through the luminaries, leading the way to the manger, and upon arrival to the nativity scene we sat down in the grass and stared at Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.  Watching it through little Luke’s eyes was precious, because as Luke saw Jesus for the first time in that manger, he looked at me, then at his family, then back at Jesus, and said “Awesome God!”

Luke got it.  He understood that it didn’t matter if it was a bunch of teenagers playing dress-up, and a doll baby rather than a real one, the picture being portrayed was one of our “Awesome God.”  He knew that this picture was one that would change our world forever…. truly, Awesome.

We’ve talked earlier this week, about being sure to make the main reason of Christmas (Jesus) shine through in your own heart.  Today, as we talk about a Family Tradition to begin in your own home, I want to encourage you to do just that.  Why not find a picture of a nativity scene, or going to a “live” one, and bringing your family.  Slow down from the hustle and bustle, and take some time to really concentrate on what Christmas is all about.  While there, remember to not just take them to see it, but in the car on your way back home (or wherever you’re headed), take some time to talk about what that baby in the manger really means.  Take the time to teach them about their “Awesome God.”

Have you brought your kids to see Santa yet?  How about making it a tradition to see the baby in the manger that has changed our world forever?  It’s nice to see a jolly old man in a red suit, but even better to see a picture of our “Awesome God.”  Go ahead and plan it!  You’ll be glad you did!

Christmas Family Fun – Week 2

“That is not for you, Mr. Browning”

These are the words that I hear every year when I go to take a cookie, tear off a piece of desert bread, or grab a homemade candy.  If I’m truthful, I know that these goodies are not for me but it is hard to control yourself when you have a plethora of Christmas treats all around you.  This is the scene in our home every Christmas.  Starting in early December our kitchen becomes a Christmas distribution center.

Admittedly, I am not the baker in our home.  I’m more like the kid at the end of the old “Shake N Bake” commercials.  I do my part and at the end announce – “And I Helped!”  The head chef at the Browning residence is none other than my wife Beth.  (I know… good looking and a brilliant cook?!? Some guys get all the luck!)  At this time of year, our little family gets baking so that we have a delicious treat for our neighbors, acquaintances, and others. 

Our little Christmas baking tradition serves a couple of purposes…

First: Family Baking Bonding Time.  If you don’t take yourselves too seriously in the kitchen this can be a really fun time.  You can talk, laugh, and enjoy some dedicated family time to doing a project together. You don’t have to be an expert baker.  (The first year we made sugar cookies.  That is the sources of the picture above.  Those were decorated by Beth… Somehow we lost the picture of the one’s I decorated.  Go figure.)  Just download a free recipe and have fun while you make it together.  Everybody can participate.  Beth oversees ingredients, I mix, Caleb pours in various ingredients, and the dog takes care of anything we drop on the floor.

Second: Sending Christmas Cheer to Those Who Are Near.  We’ve tried to make it a habit of dispersing our Christmas goodies to neighbors and acquaintances.  When I worked for Chick-fil-A I would bring in platters of cookies for my co-workers. We’ve trekked through the snow to bring loaves of Chocolate Chip Bread to new neighbors.  Bringing these treats to others is a good way to opening the door to some Christmas cheer and maybe even sharing the true meaning of Christmas with others.

WARNING: If you are going to give away something you bake, make sure it tastes good first.  In our home, I have the glorious burden of taste testing what goes out the door and into the lives/mouths of others.

So carve out some time this Christmas season to make some treats.  Your family, your neighbors, and your taste buds will be glad you did.

Christmas Family Fun - Week 1

Christmas is hands-down, my most favorite time of the year!  I love looking at the creative ways that people decorate their homes (inside and out!), I love listening to Christmas music, drinking hot chocolate by the fire, and I even love walking around the mall enjoying all of the exciting “hustle and bustle” as people try to find that perfect gift for a special someone.  I’m ashamed to admit that I even look forward to ABC Family’s 25 days of Christmas, so that I can watch the hokey ‘Original Christmas movies’ that they produce!  Yes, it’s truly the most ‘wonderful time of the year’!

One of my sweetest memories from growing up, was the special Christmas traditions we adopted into our family.  Things like going to the candlelit Christmas Eve service together, all color-coordinated, or riding around the car to see the beautiful Christmas lights are just a couple of the treasured memories I hold close.  This week, as I was thinking about what to write on our blog for Family, I had the idea of sharing some fun family activities that involve a Christmas theme!  So, with hopes of helping you to get into the Christmas spirit and make special family memories within your own home, we’ll be giving you a great Family Fun idea to try out each Friday in December!  So without further adieu, here’s our first family ‘fun’ idea! J

Since our very first Christmas being married, Steve and I have tried hard to remember that this sweet season is all about Jesus.  With that being said, we know of a lot of people who could use His help in many areas of their lives.  Perhaps we knew some friends that needed wisdom in making a decision, or just needed help as they were struggling through a tough time.  Maybe it was someone that we just wanted to pray that God would bless them incredibly or grow them up to love Him in a way that allows them to be used to change the world.  Whatever or whoever it was, we have tried very hard not to get so caught up in the great festivities, that we forget to keep our focus on the person who we’re supposed to be celebrating in the first place.  So here’s what we did….

We bought a piece of red and white poster board from Wal-Mart and went to work.  We cut out shapes that looked like stockings, and each night, would pick someone to pray for.  After praying for them, we would write their name on the stocking and hang it in our home.  It may seem like a small thing, but it became a daily tradition, and something that helped us keep our focus on the real “reason for the season!”  This year, we’ll be doing this same tradition, only allowing Caleb to join the mix!  Each night, before he goes to bed, we’ll spend time praying for his teachers, his friends, and the many people in his life that love and pour into him!

December 2nd has just arrived!  Why not start today, and spend the next 23 days leading up to Christmas Day praying for others!  What a difference something as simple as a little “prayer” stocking can make!

Thanksgiving Leftover ideas -- Don't throw them out!!!!

The turkey has been eaten, the dessert tasted (because let's face it....who has enough room in their stomach after eating all of that 'deliciousness' to eat some pie?), and your stomach is still stuffed from all the food you enjoyed yesterday!  There’s just one problem…  now your fridge is also STUFFED with tons of leftovers waiting to be eaten.  Now what?!?

I know of many people that really just don’t like leftovers of any kind.  Many in my own family, in fact!  Me?…. I’m a leftover girl!  I get so excited when I open the fridge at lunchtime and realize that instead of my usual ham and cheese sandwich there’s some leftover Chicken Pot Pie or Baked Ziti waiting for me!  It completely makes my day. (I know, I know…. it’s the little things, really!)

I’m just one person though, and although I might get THRILLED at the idea of having turkey, sweet potatoes, and green beans for lunches this next week, my family doesn’t share the same sentiment.  It was after hosting our own “Pre-Thanksgiving meal” years ago, and having nearly 8 POUNDS of turkey leftover, I became extremely creative with “re-creating our leftovers!”

Here’s just a few ideas to turn your leftovers into a delicious new dinner…. and chances are…your family won’t even know it’s leftovers!

Turkey Pot Pie -- It may sound silly, but use some of your leftover veggies from yesterday’s meal (carrots, celery, potatoes even!) and dump them in a pan along with some turkey!  I’ll include an actual recipe I’ve adapted, from an INCREDIBLE chef serving at a church in Florida below for you, but feel free to be creative based on what you have in your fridge!  Throw a new piecrust on top and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees and voila!  A yummy…. “quasi-new” dinner!

Turkey Enchiladas – This is a BIG change up, but still tastes delicious! Take your usual enchilada recipe and exchange the chicken for your leftover turkey!  The change in taste is EXTREMELY minimal and you’ll be able to save big bucks by not having to purchase meat!

Click here for the Recipe!

Turkey Noodle Soup – Similar to Pot Pie, this is a great chance for you to use up lots of leftover veggies!  Toss in some egg noodles, and canned chicken broth (to make it easy for you!), along with some turkey, and go ahead and bake a few biscuits in the oven to serve with it!  No one will even know it’s Thanksgiving leftovers and the yummy smell will penetrate your home causing everyone to come find out what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Click here for the Recipe!

Turkey Spaghetti – Ever had chicken spaghetti?  Just substitute the turkey for chicken and voila – delicious change-up ready super-quick!

Click here for the Recipe!

Turkey Pizza – I haven’t tried this recipe before, but we make a lot of homemade pizza in our home so it sounds like a real winner!!  Again, get creative with the toppings you love to eat!  This recipe even includes leftover cranberry sauce giving it a sweet taste!

Click here for the Recipe!

Now, the potpie recipe I promised…

(Just a little disclaimer…the chef would absolutely make his own piecrust, and probably stroke if he knew I made it using leftover turkey sometimes and make the adjustments I do.  He uses chicken, so I’ve included that in the recipe below.) 

Crust:

You can make your own…but I usually buy the refrigerated rollout crust you can buy near the butter in the grocery store….

Filling:

3 T butter

3 T flour

1 cup chicken broth

1 ½ - 2 cups milk

2 lbs chicken (I usually buy a rotisserie chicken from the grocery and shred it myself to save some time!  For TGiving…use TURKEY!)

2 potatoes cut into ½ inch cubes

1 carrot, thinly sliced (Steve doesn’t like peas, so we use 2-3 carrots instead!)

1 stalk of celery, thinly sliced

1 onion, chopped

½ pound of frozen peas (again, we don’t use these…but you should!) J

2 T. fresh parsley, chopped (yeah…. we usually just use whatever dried herbs I have on hand-- just less of them.  Rosemary, Thyme, etc.)

2 t. salt

½ t. black pepper

(I told you he would stroke!)

Directions:

Create the sauce for the potpie by melting the butter in a large saucepot.  Once melted, stir in the flour and cook over medium until it forms a light paste (called a roux).  Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, being sure to eliminate any lumps.  Next, add the milk and bring to a simmer.  Reduce heat and add the remaining ingredients.  (I usually sauté the veggies quickly in a pan to tenderize them a bit before dumping them in.)  Stir to combine.  Gently simmer 3-5 minutes over medium-low heat to begin the cooking process.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.  Add the mixture to a deep pie pan.  Roll out the dough and place over the pie dish to cover.  Then, if you have one available, break up an egg in a bowl with a fork and brush over the crust.  (Creating an egg wash – this will give it that beautiful golden brown color!)  With a knife, cut out a few vent holes in the crust to allow steam to escape.  Bake for 30-45 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown.  Let it cool 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set!

Courageous – Part 2

We watch movies to be entertained.  Whether we sit in a theater with a hundred others in front of a massive screen or at home with a few family members in front of a DVD player, the goal is the same… be entertained.  For the most part, a movie has the power to transport you to another comedic moment or dramatic event which will last for about 2 hours.  Afterward, we think upon the story line for a fleeting few moments as we recount the movie’s events with others and then go about our lives.  Every once in a while, a movie impacts us in a greater way than just a moment or an evening.

Courageous was one of those impactful movies.  The story line of fathers working in harms way while struggling to find meaningful relationships with their sons was compelling.  It caused me (and many others who have viewed the film) to stop and think about what this really means for dads and sons.

Here are a few questions I’ve been chewing on as a dad since watching the movie.  I don’t have the answers yet.  My guess is that the answers to these questions will morph over time as my son continues to grow and change.  So I’ll just lay these questions out for each of us to consider.

How Should I Be Fighting For My Children?  The men of the film were fighting for their kids.  They were going against the grain of culture and popular opinion to give their children better opportunities.  They were guarding their children’s hearts and helping them navigate real life decisions.  My son is still young, but I’ve got to be ready to fight for his life and future as he matures.

What is More Important Than My Children?  The answer should be an easy one, right?  Aside from my relationship with God and my wife, there is nothing that should be more important.  And yet, as the movie displayed I can say my top priorities include my son, but live in total denial of that fact.  To put the question in another way, what are the things in my time and actions that I allow as a greater priority than my son?  What can I do to rearrange those priorities?

What am I Modeling?  As a dad, you are the primary male role model for your child.  Every other man will be measured against your standard in your children’s eyes.  Therefore, I’ve got to consider what kind of role model I am for my son.  Let’s rephrase the question… If my son grew up to be just like his dad, would I be okay with that?  If not, what changes do I need to make?

Who Is Holding Me Accountable?  The film portrays a group of men who gather to make a commitment to their family and hold each other accountable.  This was difficult at times for the men in the film, but it gave a realistic depiction of what accountability looks like.  Men need someone to ask them tough questions.  We need accountability from others, especially in the great calling of Fatherhood.

What Do I Need To Do To Be Courageous?  Self-examination and action are required to assume the role of becoming a courageous dad.  There have been a number of resources and books made available in recent days on the subject of being a courageous parent.  These are helpful tools to continue to challenge us toward courage in raising our kids.  In the end, it all comes down to my resolve as a dad to be courageous no matter the cost.  My son’s life is on the line.  What do I have to do today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life to be a courageous dad?

Courage is not easy.  If it were, then each man would be described as heroic, but we know that this kind of description is worthy of precious few guys.  Even so, I want to be a courageous dad.  It doesn’t require perfection (thank the Lord).  But, it does mean giving it my best effort and top priority.  Courage is the calling for fathers.  It has been issued all across the country by this film.   Will you and I answer the call?

Courageous -- Part One

Last weekend, we were finally able to see the movie, Courageous, that everyone is talking about.  It certainly lived up to its expectations in our minds, and we'll be sharing our thoughts on it with you next week.  This week, however, I've copied an article written by FamilyLife.com explaining a little background behind the movie.  Your challenge this week....  if you haven't seen it, go see it.  You'll be glad you did!  


Have a great weekend!


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A Film Calling for Courageous ManhoodThe new movie from the creators of Fireproof is a powerful story of renewal and recommitment.Dave Boehi 

“Courage,” says filmmaker Stephen Kendrick, “is doing what is right when your feelings and circumstances are contrary to it. Everything about you is saying, ‘Don’t move forward,’ and you choose to do what pleases the Lord and what you know to be right.”

Like many in the church today, when Stephen and his brother, Alex, look at our country they see a “vacuum of leadership” in families. Many men are unsure of their roles in the home, and they are becoming passive. “Men are not leading their wives; they’re not leading their kids,” Stephen says. 

The Kendrick brothers’ last movie, Fireproof, called men to love their wives as Christ loves the church. With their new movie, Courageous, they challenge men to, in Alex’s words, “walk in courageous faith and do what God has called us to do, specifically as fathers and men.”

Courageous opens at theaters across the country on September 30. I’ve seen a preview version twice, and I believe this movie will have a powerful impact on men. It’s a compelling film that speaks directly to the longing in our hearts to be strong and courageous and to make the kind of commitment to our families that we know God desires.

It’s the story of a group of police officers in Georgia who are faced with a variety of challenges in their work and in their families. The primary character, Adam Mitchell, is a man who seems more committed to fulfilling his responsibilities at work than at home with his wife and two children.   When a tragedy jolts Adam out of his complacency, he leads the men on a journey to learn what God expects of them as men.   “There is so much in Scripture about being a father,” Adam says. “I never took the time to look it up.” 

Courageous is the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures, a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany; the first three wereFlywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof. Stephen and Alex co-write each film, and Alex directs. In Courageous he also plays the lead character, Adam Mitchell. 

With each film there’s a discernable improvement in filmmaking, particularly in the overall quality of acting. And one thing I particularly enjoy about this movie is that its emphasis on faith doesn’t feel forced. The spiritual awakening of the key characters feels real, at least to me. 

In an interview for FamilyLife Today (the programs air on September 28-30), the Kendricks said they are praying thatCourageous will turn the hearts of men towards home. Alex described a week when they filmed the movie’s climactic scene outside on days when the temperature topped 110 degrees. “I remember being totally exhausted and going home and feeling like all I had was leftovers for my family,” he recalled. “And most men operate that way. They give their best to their job or to their friendships or to their hobbies and they give their families the leftovers. And we cannot exist that way. 

“I was reminded, Lord, I have to have Your energy, Your strength, and Your wisdom to know how to do what You’ve called me to do and still give my family my best and my children my best, because whatever I give them, they’ll emulate that as they grow older.” 

Stephen said that he and Alex were inspired by the example of their father, Larry, who grew up in a family with a history of alcoholism and immorality. “Our dad surrendered his life to Christ, and he said, ‘The buck stops here,’ and he was the one who said, ‘As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’ And we grew up experiencing the blessings of Psalm 112, of a godly man of integrity, his children experiencing the blessings of God’s blessings on his life. And so we wanted that to happen in men’s lives.”

Courageous is the type of film that can inspire that type of change in men. 

And remember: In today’s culture, the movie business places a huge weight on how a film does in its first weekend. It would be well worth your time to see Courageous when it is released on September 30.

Is your “family room” doing its job?

When I was growing up the thought of having televisions in your room or computers of your own were foreign and ridiculous!  Sure, my parents had a television in their room, but when I was a kid, I never even desired to have a TV in my own room.   On occasion, I can remember plotting with my older brother to get our parents to allow us to pile into their bed after what became an elongated whining session in which we begged them to let us watch “Home Improvement” before we went to bed, but television was really a “rarity” in our home.  My mom had strict rules that involved us playing together outside or in our rooms (or the scary basement) and using our own creativity to fill our time.  In turn, we had a great time pretending to fight off “intruders” while jumping around on our trampoline, or “shooting dinner” while we pretended to go “hunting” in our Dayton, Ohio backyard.  Yes, our imaginations were unlimited and the need for electronics (that really didn’t even exist on a high level) didn’t seem necessary.

Fast-forward to the evenings, after dinner and our nightly “Little Debbie bedtime snack” had been eaten, and you would find the 5 of us together, in our family room.  We had a wonderful book called the “One-Year Book of Family Devotions” (one that Steve and I WILL get once Caleb is old enough to understand) that my dad would read to us, and then we would all try to guess the “Key Phrase” that came at the end of the story!  Afterward, we would all kneel together, at our family room couch, and finish the day by praying, thanking God for everything that He had done for us throughout the day.  My parents made a concerted effort to not just tell us that their faith in God was important, but to show us just how important He should be to us.  Family devotions happened EVERY SINGLE DAY, whether my dad was home or away at work.  (Something we’ll talk about next week!)  They were of the utmost importance.

After our devotional time ended, mom would bust out the blankets for Jason and I, whisk my baby-sister off to bed, and we would lay down and cuddle up, ready to listen to the best story-teller in the world…. Dad.  He would read us the Chronicles of Narnia, Stories from “The Magic Bicycle” series, and even “The Iron Scepter”.  Some of my favorite memories in the world of my dad include his “deep voice inflections, as he gave characters in the stories different voices as he worked to bring his reading to life!   Story time would end, and we would head to bed, looking forward to the next night when he might read 2 chapters instead of just 1!

This morning, as I was thinking about the memories that we’re trying to establish for our own son, I was brought back to remembering these treasured “Family Room” moments and I wanted to remind you to establish the same!

The Family Room was meant to do so much more than house several individuals doing their own thing.  It was meant for more than a TV and a chance to catch up on the day’s news.  The Family Room was meant for quality family time spent together.  It was meant for games to be played, stories to be read, and special family-friendly movies to be watched.  The Family Room was meant for memories to be created and moments of joy to be treasured!

What purpose is your family room serving?  Are you using that treasured room to make memories that will last, or filling it with moments that you’ll forget about tomorrow?  Let’s all work together to use the room for what it was meant…Family time!

"We have fun..."

Recently, I heard one of my heroes describe his secret to a healthy family life.  This man is an acclaimed author, a visionary ministry leader, and a dynamic speaker.  His influence is massive.  As he described the heartbeat of his family life, he spoke of being diligent in keeping family devotions, teaching his kids through victories as well as failures, and helping his family find purpose.  But when asked what the key was to having a happy, healthy family he drilled down on one surprising truth… “We have fun.”

In fact, as I have listened, asked, and read from the men who I respect the most for their family life, “fun” comes up all the time.  Another influential leader said of his family, “You should laugh with your family more than anyone else.”  I think that these guys may be on to something.

With the daily drudge of arranging calendars, shuttling kids to appointments, figuring out what to do for dinner, and dealing with discipline it can be easy to miss out on the fact that family should be fun.  There is a lot of seriousness in the American family.  Even so, fun can’t be left out of the mix. 

Thinking about this, I talked with the director of recreation at a large Christian conference center a few weeks ago.  I asked him what the roll of play and fun is in teams, families, and organizations.  He replied, “You can tell more about a person in 15 minutes of play than years of work.  Play unites people like nothing else can.”

Ask yourself, when was the last time that you really laughed as a family?  Can you remember the last time you had fun with your family?  It may be time to get a date on the calendar for some fun.  It could change the dynamic of your home for the better.  After all, it is one thing to endure time with your family.  It’s something completely different and wonderful to enjoy your family.  Have fun…

A Delicious Fall Treat!

(Pumpkin pictured above is courtesy of Caleb Browning) :-)

I love fall.  I love everything about it.  I love fall decorations.  I love fall smells.  I love fall football (Go FSU NOLES!) and I love fall foods!  I love it when the air begins to get cooler and crisp, and everyone pulls out their warmer clothes and spends time playing outside together.  Pumpkin patches become the "must" for weekend activities, and fall festivals bring memories to be treasured for years!


One of my most treasured things to do in the fall is to sit outside, sipping a warm cup of hot tea or coffee and enjoy snacking on a delicious pumpkin chocolate chip muffin (or two!).  I was given the recipe for these muffins from a sweet mentor in my life who worked hard to prepare me to be a wife one day, and I've hung on tight to the recipe ever since, handing it out to many pumpkin chocolate-chip muffin addicts! :-)  This morning, we decided that to help you embrace "family" this weekend, we would provide you with the recipe for a delicious "fall" treat that is sure to be a quick family favorite!  We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!  Happy Fall!!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins - 

(Makes 12 regular sized muffins)

Ingredients:

1 2/3 c. All-Purpose flour

1 c. Sugar

1 Tbs Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 tsp Baking soda

1/4 tsp Baking Powder

1/4 tsp Salt

2 large Eggs

1 cup Plain Pumpkin (Half of a 1# can, but don't worry -- you'll use the other half quickly on another batch!)

1/2 cup (1 stick) Butter, melted

1 cup (6oz) Chocolate Chips

Pre-heat your oven to 350, and make sure that you grease your muffin pans!   (I LOVE Bakers Joy because it doesn't leave that greasy film on my pans!)

Thoroughly mix flour, sugar, pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl with a whisk.

Break eggs into another bowl.  Add pumpkin and melted butter, and whisk until well blended. 

Once everything is mixed, add 1 cup of your favorite type of chocolate chips and mix them in.

 Stir chocolate chips into pumpkin mixture and once mixed, pour pumpkin mixture into bowl with flour mixture.  Fold in with a rubber spatula just until dry ingredients are moistened.

Scoop the mixture into the muffin pans and smooth out the tops using your spoon.  Then, pop them in your oven for 20-25 minutes, until the muffins come out puffed and springy.  

When they come out, they'll need to cool a bit, so pop them onto a cooling rack (if you can!).  In our home, they rarely all make it to the cooling rack!

Then, once they've cooled, add a little butter to the middle and watch the smiles of your family light up!  YUM!

Just in case you missed something....

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins - 

(Makes 12 regular sized muffins)

Ingredients:

1 2/3 c. All-Purpose flour

1 c. Sugar

1 Tbs Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 tsp Baking soda

1/4 tsp Baking Powder

1/4 tsp Salt

2 large Eggs

1 cup Plain Pumpkin (Half of a 1# can, but don't worry -- you'll use the other half quickly on another batch!)

1/2 cup (1 stick) Butter, melted

1 cup (6oz) Chocolate Chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  

Grease muffin cups or fill with paper baking cups.  

Thoroughly mix flour, sugar, pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl with a whisk.

Break eggs into another bowl.  Add pumpkin and melted butter, and whisk until well blended. 

Stir chocolate chips into pumpkin mixture and once mixed, pour pumpkin mixture into bowl with flour mixture.  Fold in with a rubber spatula just until dry ingredients are moistened.

Scoop batter evenly into muffin cups.  

Bake 20-25 minutes, or until puffed and springy to the touch in the center.  Turn out onto a rack to cool.  Best if served warm with butter -- delicious!!!