I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors… as I remember you constantly in my prayers… I am reminded of your sincere faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well… Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in … Read More
The Undervalued Spiritual Act of Keeping Kids Safe
I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. –the Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 1:5, NLT) My grandmother wasn’t Lois, but my mom was and she’s associated with my earliest spiritual memory. I was three and at Bushkill Falls, … Read More
A Tribute to My “PDL” Friends and Other Sources of Hope
Every 2-3 months I get together for an “in-service” training with three of my heroes. They are part of Care Net’s Pregnancy Decision Line (PDL). Anyone in the country can call 877-791-5475 and these coaches offer live compassion, hope, and help to women and men considering abortion. They do so by presenting realistic alternatives to abortion and referrals to life-affirming … Read More
All “I’s” on Hero-Dads
It was a cool morning in August 2005, and Johan Otter, 44, and his daughter Jenna, 18, were only 90 minutes into their morning hike in Montana’s Glacier Mountain National Park when it happened. Apparently in an effort to protect her cubs, a huge female grizzly suddenly appeared on the trail running straight toward them! Jenna was knocked aside, suffering … Read More
Giving Moms the Honor They Deserve
As I [Paul] remember your [Timothy’s] tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother, Lois, and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. (2 Timothy 1:5, ESV) I’ve spent a good part of my career … Read More
How to Stay Married and in Love for a Lifetime
*This piece is written in tribute of George and Barbara Bush’s 73-year marriage—the longest in Presidential history—and is dedicated to my newest son, Josh Ginchereau, who is about to marry my youngest, one and only daughter, and dear friend, Emily Elizabeth Austen. Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they … Read More
Becoming a Grandparent and Other Amazing Gifts
***This is dedicated to Matthew Gregory Austen, one of the finest and most humble men I know. You are an attentive and loving husband, and will be an excellent father. Ready or not, it came. My oldest son, Matthew, and his wife, Kylie, arrived with a small brown gift bag—white tissue paper sticking out—and set it down in front of … Read More
How to Love and Desire Your Spouse
***This piece is dedicated to my daughter Emily and her fiancé, Josh Ginchereau, in view of their upcoming wedding on May 25, 2018. To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” (Gen. … Read More
How to Help Your Kids Read and Enjoy the Bible
My friend, Jake, is a young father I have tremendous respect for. Recently he asked me how to help his daughter, Meg, learn to read and enjoy the Bible. It’s a great question and related to a core value all Christian parents share: We believe a firm hold on Scripture is necessary to keep faith strong and alive. The question is … Read More
Listening to Marital Advice from My Younger Self
Tomorrow, my wife, Pam, and I will celebrate our thirty-first wedding anniversary with a meal at Seasons 52. Eleven years ago, on our twentieth, I wrote a piece for National Fatherhood Initiative called Three Simple Things to Improve Your Marriage. Reading it again, I still find it valuable and hope you will too. Here’s the article and I will conclude … Read More