What do you feel like doing? Ask me that question, and at any given moment, I might answer it in a hundred different ways. Early in the morning, I might feel like locking my door, grabbing 8-10 of my favorite books, and putting my phone on “Do Not Disturb” for three hours. Ask me again about noon, and I’m likely to feel like eating lunch and then inviting the nap fairy to sprinkle her magic dust over my nostrils. Who knows what you’d get from me around 6:00 – I may feel like … [Read more...]
We all want to be on a team. Some team. Any team. If it happens to be an amazing team…well, that’s a phenomenal bonus. The main thing is that we end up somewhere, with some group of people, all wearing the same jersey, and all working toward the same goal. If you’re not on a team, I’ve got some exciting news for you – you can be on one within the hour, and all it takes is buying a t-shirt. The team is called "Team Jack,” and it’s not just any team—it’s one of those amazing … [Read more...]
I eat this stuff up. I get juiced when a major secular publication such as The Wall Street Journal leans toward an aspect of biblical truth. The issue? Character. And, according to The Wall Street Journal’s Paul Tough, it turns out it really does count. For several generations now the focus of parenting in America has been on cognitive development. The idea has been that if our children can simply develop their powers of reason and intellect they will have the best chance of becoming … [Read more...]
I’m blaming it on stress. Our family took in a 9-week old yellow Labrador Retriever this week, and I’m attributing our decision to a study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). A research team from VCU found that a great way to handle daily anxiety is by taking your dog to work with you. Less stress & more cuteness…who in their pet-loving-right-mind wouldn’t want that? … [Read more...]
“Do you really think God can change my life?” I’m asked that question on a weekly basis. People dealing with addictions. People in failing marriages. People struggling with stale, lifeless careers. Men and women. Old and young. Healthy and unhealthy. People want to know if God truly has the power to change lives. … [Read more...]
How do you know you have an enduring marriage to a highly committed mate? When, at 85-years-of-age, she beats up a moose for you. … [Read more...]
Our family often holds hands when we pray before a meal. My son usually sits to my left, and holding his hand is like gripping warm flypaper. It’s sticky and smells like toads, baseballs, and dog hair. And, quite honestly, sometimes there are even flies attached to them. … [Read more...]
Some dads are present sometimes. Some are absent. And then some are palpable presences in their children’s lives. I love how Nathan Miller describes Theodore Roosevelt’s father in his book, Theodore Roosevelt: A Life: No one had a greater influence upon his namesake. By example and instruction, he imbued Theodore, Jr., with a strong sense of moral values and remained an almost palpable presence at his side long after his death at the age of forty-six. There’s no short cut to being a … [Read more...]
What my nine-year-old son hears: I’m going to be gone for about a week…so you’re the man on the house, Son. You’re the one to slay the Kraken if he’s released in our neighborhood. You’d better sharpen all your weapons, lay them out on your bed, and be ready to use them. If someone breaks into our house, you’ll need to be the one to disarm him, render him helpless, and pin him to the floor with your ever-growing biceps until the police arrive. Do all this…and you’re the one who … [Read more...]
You know we’re confused about the human nature and where evil comes from when we have a problem with a three-year-old deaf child who signs his name in a way that looks like he’s pretending to hold a gun. (The boy's name is Hunter, so the sign for his name involves a gun-like motion. Click here for the story.) I’m sorry, but this is silliness amped up on steroids and run amuck. Don’t misunderstand me. I’m for the enforcement of existing gun laws. I’m for background checks … [Read more...]
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