Family

“You’re grounded!”  Angry voices, hardened hearts and slammed doors often punctuate the punishment.  How effective is grounding a teen?  A better question focuses on the goal of the grounding:  punishment or discipline.  Is the grounding a reactive response to undesirable behavior?  Or is it a forewarned consequence with proactive aspects?  ...

Drugs, alcohol, sports, gambling, and a lust for women, are the common pitfalls of men, and the main foibles that breed discontent. Bear in mind that not one of those things adds one wit to our lives. These physical things are quick fixes, they’re temporary, and though they may entertain ...

The story goes that an unwelcome visitor found central Illinois in the 1840’s in the form of cholera, one of the most deadly diseases of the time. It traveled on the ferry, arriving inside one very sick man. The  epidemic that ensued started with another man’s curiosity.   He knew ...

Yesterday, my wife and I were treated to an hour long massage session (an awesome Christmas gift from our oldest son), and we had lunch at Applebee’s. We ate; joked about our massage therapists; and talked a lot about God and the kingdom. It was the perfect mid afternoon date. ...

Are you thinking of moving…looking for adventure or the Promised Land?  Sub-zero temperatures, mounds of snow, frozen water…and all the hassles that abound in winter prompts many to dream of moving away.  Retirement and illusions of oceanfront relaxation inspire some moves.  Career opportunities fuel our mobile society too.  For others, ...