No parent gives mercy better than one who is convinced that he desperately needs it himself. https://youtu.be/CqML9pbh2OI There have been two Christian terms that I have viewed in the past as synonymous: grace and mercy.  As I have grown in my faith, I have come to understand that there is a small but significant difference... Continue Reading →

It is only rest in God’s presence and grace that will make you a joyful and patient parent. I was recently driving the interstate by myself which allowed some private reflection time that doesn’t happen very often.  As I was driving North, I noticed the beautiful fall foliage and was reminded of an analogy from... Continue Reading →

Control has always been an issue for me.  I feel more at peace and less anxious when I feel I am in control of my home, my job, my family.  However, the Christian life is supposed to be relinquishing our control to God and walking in faith the path He has called us to (Proverbs... Continue Reading →

Not all of the wrong your children do is a direct rebellion to authority; much of the wrong is the result of a lack of character.Paul D. Tripp A wise person once said, “character is who we are as Christians and what we are called to be because of our relationship with Christ.” It is... Continue Reading →

The foolishness inside your children is more dangerous to them than the temptation outside of them.  Only God’s grace has the power to rescue fools.Paul D. Tripp Last week's post examined how being lost displays itself in daily life.  This week, let's examine the foolishness of man and how God's grace has the power to... Continue Reading →

One of the foundational heart issues in the life of every child is authority.  Teaching and modeling the protective beauty of authority is a foundation of good parenting.Paul D. Tripp Last week we shared the fact that all of humanity, even our precious children, are fully lost in sin.  This week, let's examine how being... Continue Reading →

As a parent, you are not just dealing with bad behavior but a condition that causes bad behavior.Paul D. Tripp This week several parents reached to us asking for advice on how to handle a particular situation with their child.  They had tried different approaches but felt like nothing was working.  So often, many of... Continue Reading →

You must be committed as a parent to long-view parenting because change is a process and not an event.Paul D. Tripp It is incredibly hard in life to take the “long-view” approach to almost anything.  It's no secret that we live in a society where we want and expect immediate results.  When it comes to... Continue Reading →

If you are not resting as a parent in your identity in Christ, you will look for identity in your children.Paul D. Tripp I spent over a decade coaching high school athletics.  During that time, I interacted with many parents who delicately balanced the ongoing tension between pushing their children to excel and encouraging them... Continue Reading →