Years ago, when our children were younger, we used to schedule “mystery family vacations.” The idea was a brilliant one, I might add. The concept was simple. Lisa and I would devise a fun family vacation but keep it a secret. We would simply share with our children the date of departure, the date of […]
-Read MoreThe real reason for the holiday season sometimes gets lost beneath the presents, parties and pie – especially for children. But, this year, a new Christmas tradition points kids to the real reason we celebrate – Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. A Nest for the Savior is a new children’s book about a sparrow who […]
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The answer to that question could determine the success or failure of your Christmas experience. As a parent, the question is: What do we really want for Christmas? Don’t we want something that will last on into generations to come? Something powered by more than batteries. I have never heard anyone say, “We have a […]
-Read MoreOne day, my wife Lisa said she felt that it was time we sacrifice more. I wasn’t sure what she meant. Was it time to begin to construct an altar in the back yard? What would our neighbors think? What would we do with all the animals? Would Chihuahuas qualify? “Stephan, Stephan, Stephaaaaaaan….I think God […]
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Fall in South Florida is challenging for those of us who long for the splendor of the leaves while dreaming of a crackling fire and meaningful conversations. The temperature and humidity are often smothering, so we lower the degree on our AC and light a candle to set the mood. Our health is often measured […]
-Read MoreUnderstanding “Thank You” is one of the most missing elements in our culture. “Thank you” is also one of the most important lessons a parent should teach a child. Post Katrina a group of displaced, homeless people in Louisiana had been given “homes,” albeit trailers, to live in for the past year (emphasis on the […]
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Imagine a humble, little first-century home existing within the New Testament era. Picture a dinner being prepared in a small, humble kitchen in first-century Palestine. A family is about to have a meal together. Out in the courtyard—outside the home—children are playing, running about and laughing. Just outside of the kitchen in the common area, […]
-Read MoreIn the previous issue of the Good News, we shared a very common story of Zack and Ally, a couple living the Marriage Selfie life; appearances say they are amazingly happy in their marriage and successful in life. Sadly, social media has allowed us and sometimes pressures us to create “fake news” images and stories […]
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Here are a few strategies to help you and I restore or at least redefine our strained relationships. Most people are weak when it comes to reconciling with another person. Most people are strong when it comes to ignoring problems in relationships. As a result, friendships take a nose dive, churches split, and marriages and […]
-Read MoreThe silence was thick Sunday morning as Zack pulled his 2018 BMW into a parking space at church. There was nothing to say to Ally, despite having just returned from a luxury Mediterranean cruise. The kids escaped to the safety of their friends’ company. Zack dutifully stepped out and retrieved their Bibles from the floor […]
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