On Parenting: Their Sin is Not Your Sin
Part 2 of 11 of Parenting Principles
When you have your first kid, everyone, and I mean everyone, gives you advice. You get advice from the lady in the grocery store and the man behind you in line at the movie theater. Wherever you go, advice rolls in.
On Parenting: A Warning and An Encouragement
Part 1 of 11 on Parenting Principles
Any time that I ask people what they want me to write about, almost always the topic of parenting comes up. A few years ago I wrote a little article with ten principles that have shaped our parenting. So, I thought it might be helpful to flesh out some of these ideas in their own posts.
Engage...
The Spiritual Practices of Engagement
Spiritual practice is about preparing us to #LoveWell. These practices include practices of abstinence and practices of engagement. We can align these ideas with Jesus telling his followers to deny themselves and take up their cross daily (Mark 8:34-38). The practices of abstinence are how we practice denying ourselves. The second kinds of practices are those of engagement, the taking up of our cross.
Chastity, Secrecy, and Sacrifice...
The disciplines and practices of abstinence are designed to help us grow in our ability to know contentment and trust. They press us toward self-sacrifice. These practices are what we use to “deny ourselves.” They are counter-cultural and difficult to practice because they go against everything that is within us.
Wait, wait...
Amy and I were raising support to join the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) and living in Mount Pleasant, MI. I had just graduated from Central Michigan University and we were excited about our future. But, we had to raise some serious cash. When you’re a missionary with Cru you have to develop all of the financial support to provide for yourself and your family. So, we decided to do what any good evangelical would, we committed to fasting for a time.
Deny Yourself...Wait, What?
When was the last time you denied yourself something? If you’re anything like me that’s a hard question to answer. I am not in the business of denying myself much of anything. I am able to figure out a reason to get just about anything that I want, when I want it. It doesn’t really matter what it is. How about you?
Spiritual Practice Part 4: The Thing About Time
I take a few minutes and discuss the importance of time for spiritual growth.
When the Holidays Aren't Happy
The holiday season brings so many expectations. Expectations of joy, happiness, and fun. Every social media post seems to be a record of someone’s perfect and wonder filled holiday.
Yet, for many the holiday season is a time of pain, sadness, and heartache.
A Dealership and Disciplines
Why do we engage the disciplines of spiritual practice?
I will never forget the experience of going to work for my dad. I was pretty excited because my name was on the building and I assumed that I would get to work some cushy easy job and make the big bucks.
I was very, very wrong.
Spiritual Practice 3: Truth Of The Matter
Dan discusses the role that truth plays in our spiritual practice and growth.
The Truth of the Matter...
The fuel for spiritual growth
For the last few years I have had the privilege to help coach a few baseball teams. It has been an amazing experience of learning the game and learning how to help young men develop into the best baseball player that they can be. When a player is coachable, it is amazing to see how they grow and change over the course of the season. When a player is self-motivated, the growth is exponential.
Spiritual Practice Part 2
In this week’s episode I discuss the role of grace in spiritual practice.
The Thing About Time...
The key to spiritual growth
I am the oldest of three sons and I check just about every box on the “oldest child” list. Chief among them is that if I don’t think I can do something perfect right away I usually won’t even make the attempt. Do you know what’s odd about that? I love to learn. There’s something magical in learning something new. What I am coming to realize though is that when I say learn what I mean is gaining new information.
These two things are not equivalent.
The Circle
A foundational tool for spiritual growth.
What if I told you that the most significant thing that I have learned about consistently growing in my faith is something as simple as a circle?
Spiritual Practice Part 1
Introduction to Spiritual Practice
C.S. Lewis wrote, “Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is.” Dan dives in and asks how do we prepare ourselves for being taken off guard? How do we become like Jesus and not just act like Jesus?
Grace, Grace
The Foundation of Spiritual Practice
When we start talking about spiritual practice, spiritual growth, and the like some folks begin to sweat. They think that this necessarily means that there is something we are “adding” to our salvation. Some folks have a deep and abiding worry that somehow talk about spiritual practice necessarily leads to a works based Christianity.
The reality is that the opposite is true.
Practice? We're Talking About Practice?
An Introduction to Spiritual Practice
“Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is.” - C.S. Lewis
Do you find that quote to be relatively true? I do.
Actually, I not only find it to be true, it cuts me deep. As I think about that line it has me wondering, “How can I become the kind of person that does well when he’s taken of guard?”
Romans Part 8: Glory Now!
Dan wraps up his discussion on Romans in Romans 8:18-30. He talks about the reality that we can experience glory now by becoming more like Jesus. When we #LoveWell, it’s a little taste of heaven.
Grace, She Takes The Blame
Four Gs: God is Gracious
Grace, she takes the blame She covers the shame Removes the stain It could be her name
Romans Part 7: No Condemnation
Dan spends some time unpacking Romans 8:1-17 and its connection to a Romans 12:3-8.