The Reformed Advisor

Category: Family

I’m Definitely Not Abraham. Are you?

Posted on January 28, 2014 in Family by

I, like many people watched the History Channel mini-series “The Bible” when it aired nearly a year ago. I have not often been excited about biblically themed television shows. They tend to veer towards blatant misrepresentations after relying more on extra-biblical sources than the Bible itself. But this series, from husband and wife producers Mark Burnett (Survivor) and Roma Downey (Touched By An Angel) received much media attention and hype prior to the first episode for what critics said was careful attention to detail in staying true to Scripture.

As I watched the first episode I was pleasantly surprised and filled with promise that this could be worthy of the adjective used frequently to describe it on social media: epic. Of course it will be necessary to overlook the fact that everyone is speaking in a British accent. But I’m more interested in the series being biblically and historically accurate than employing the proper accent. (I do realize the historical inaccuracy of everyone speaking in the wrong accent. it’s just a detail that doesn’t bother me.)

Are You a Boy That Can Shave or a Real Dad?

Posted on January 24, 2014 in Family by

The last couple of weeks have reiterated the importance of father’s being actively engaged in the life of their kids. Unfortunately most dads are simply present, doing the necessary things, but never truly becoming fully engaged and involved in the lives of their kids. The effect of this terrible pattern is astounding. It has been proven time and again that absent father’s contribute to poor academic performance, the likelihood of drug and alcohol use and abuse, sexual immorality and trouble with the law.

For an in-depth analysis of the family as it stands today check out www.familyfacts.org.

The fact remains that it is absolutely critical to the development of every child that their father be actively involved in their life. If a biological father is not present or able to be involved a good “father figure” should be sought. The devastating effects of no father figure in the life of a developing child will be felt long into their adult years.

Helpful Tips on Combatting Entitlement in Kids

Posted on January 21, 2014 in Family by

Good, I’m not the only one that struggles with the entitlement mentality in my kids, or me. My earlier post on this subject generated quite a bit of feedback from many who are facing similar issues. At least I know I am not alone in this struggle to counter the selfish, materialistic culture we now live in each day.

As I heard the comments and thoughts from different people on the previous article I got to thinking about the specific things my wife and I do to discourage entitlement and encourage giving; both in our kids and in ourselves. So I thought I would share some of those things in an effort to pass on the tips and practices that have helped us. I hope these thoughts are helpful to you and something you can use to build on for your own family.

Has Feminism Helped or Hurt Our Daughters?

Posted on January 17, 2014 in Family, Marriage by

I’ve always thought that feminism was an effort perpetrated by a few really angry, hurt women to get otherwise happy women to become angry and hurt. Of course I’m thankful that certain unjust inequities were righted; such as voting. But to me it seems the overall point of feminism has been not to achieve equality, but superiority over men. Since the movement began it has seemingly lost roots in mere equality and rights and instead sought to elevate the worth of women over that of men in a perceived battle of dominance.

Perhaps no other aspect of society has been more impacted by feminism than that of sexuality.

How to Deal With Entitlement in Kids…and Parents!

Posted on January 16, 2014 in Family by

And many of us want to give our kids every advantage, we want them to have everything we didn’t have growing up, so we struggle with giving our kids the latest and greatest of everything. One by-product of our sincerely good intentions is a generation with an entitlement mentality believing they are owed anything and everything. Those items we would have described as “wants” and “privileges” when we were growing up are now called “needs” and “necessities” by our kids. Something went wrong.

The Definition of Marriage is More Than A Defintion

Posted on January 10, 2014 in Family, Marriage by

The definition of marriage is not just an arbitrary conglomeration of words with no meaning. But that is exactly what those seeking to redefine marriage are trying to make it. Opponents of traditional marriage believe the definition is too narrow and exclusive, so they are seeking to broaden the definition in order to be more inclusive.

The problem is that by broadening the definition of marriage, these self-titled liberals and progressives would also erase any actual or perceived definition of marriage. Marriage is inherently the union of one man and one woman for one lifetime. For example, the Webster online dictionary defines marriage thus:

A Hurried Life is Hard on a Family

Posted on January 7, 2014 in Family by

There’s an old saying I’ve heard all my life which says, “If Satan can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” This sly strategy has effectively rendered the life of many Christians null and void. While inspiring authors like John Piper say “Don’t Waste your Life,” and visionary pastors like David Platt call us to be “Radical,” and respected leaders like Francis Chan push us toward a “Crazy Love” for God; Satan pushes us toward the breaking point with calendars so full they rival presidents and pop stars. Click here for 5 characteristics of a hurried life.

To say that we are “hurried” is perhaps a great understatement; hurried would be an improvement for most people today. Between strenuous workloads for mom and dad that produce less and cost more, school activities, community activities, sports, fund raisers, and the typical errands of life; we are far more than “hurried.”

And sadly, many people don’t see the hidden dangers of their hurried lives; or the consequences a hurried life has on children. Most notably is the negative effect on family a hurried life produces as each member of the family becomes a “ship in the night” passing by daily without more than a few minutes of interaction. In fact, one recent article I read says that in the very near future new homes won’t even include a dining room because they will be considered “unnecessary.” Yet we read in Deuteronomy 6:6-9 that one of the main times of teaching our kids occurs when we “sit down in our house” to eat. Click here to read about how to lead even when life gets busy.

The Top 10 Pro-Life Pro-Family Stories of 2013

Posted on January 5, 2014 in Family, Life by

LifeSiteNews has posted their top pro-life and pro-family articles from 2013. Check out the list and see how many of these stories you heard about over the year. If you are not getting your news from some alternative media sources besides the mainstream outlets, there is a good chance you are not aware of these and other critical stories.

These articles struck a chord with LifeSiteNews readers for their affront to pro-life or pro-family values. These values are shared by the vast majority of people not just in the U.S., but around the world. And yet they are being attacked vigorously by those who would seek to undermine them. Read these stories and share with others. Only by staying informed can be we hope to combat the onslaught of attacks from those who would like to destroy the values that made America great.

The top-10 pro-life and pro-family stories of 2013 that made you weep, shout, curse…and share

10) Why my support for abortion was based on love…and lies – Jan. 24, 2013

Jennifer Fulwiler’s account of her conversion to the pro-life position was shared over 40,000 times on Facebook.
When I was younger, I was always particularly shocked when I heard about societies where it was common to abandon or kill unwanted newborns. In college I once read a particularly graphic description of a family in ancient Greece “discarding” a newborn baby girl. I was shocked to the point of breathlessness. I was also horribly confused: How could normal people be okay with this, let alone participate in it? Nobody I knew would do that! Were people that different back then?!

I Don’t Want to Fall Into the Category of “Man Fail”

Posted on December 27, 2013 in Family by

Being a father in today’s world is one of the hardest things I have ever done. I’ve wore a number of hats including, worship leader, teacher, laborer, store clerk, writer, administrator, graphic designer, and musician. But being a husband and father as the Bible describes is by far one of the most challenging things I have ever undertaken.

I will confess that I don’t think I am a great father. I have happy, healthy kids that other people often compliment. My kids are smart and articulate – just ask their doctor. But despite the outward appearance I daily wrestle with my own feelings of inadequacy and guilt for what I perceive to be shortcomings.

There is plenty that I don’t know about being a father, but one thing I do know is that fathers are one of the most critical parts to a family. Now, this isn’t to diminish the importance and need for a Godly mother, but rather it’s to highlight the God-ordained role fathers were called to carry out in the life of their family.

Spotting Integrity Issues in Parents

Posted on December 26, 2013 in Family by

Do you have integrity? Wait, don’t answer that. Maybe we should let those who know us best answer the question. What would they say? Would they affirm us as a man or woman full of integrity or someone lacking basic ingredients of integrity?

For that matter, how would your kids answer the question? We would all be naïve to think our kids don’t know us the best. We think we hide our shortcomings and weaknesses from them, but honestly, we know they are smart enough to notice the issues that we struggle with the most.

I can’t think of a single parent that doesn’t want to raise kids full of integrity. Sure, we want them to be healthy, happy, talented, successful and well-liked. But to see our kids grow into men and women full of character and integrity is surely at the top of the list for any parent.

Archives

↑ Back To Top ↑
%d bloggers like this: