Topic(s): Marriage

Forget the popular image of the married couple driving each other nuts. “Studies show that getting married improves mental health and decreases depression,” says Linda Waite, a sociologist at the University of Chicago. In fact, one study found that people who never walked down the aisle are more likely to be admitted to a psychiatric facility. The intimacy found in marriage bolsters your self-worth and a sense of purpose, which actually enhances mental stability.

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing.” - Proverbs 18:22

The Marriage Altar?

Topic(s): Marriage

Someone once said that when the wedding march begins, a bride sees three things—the aisle, the altar, and him—and from that time on her motto is: “I’ll alter him.” And when it does not work that way, there is disillusionment and difficulty. —Bob Russell, Take Comfort: Encouraging Words from Second Corinthians, pp. 91–92.

“Let us not therefore judge one another any more...” - Romans 14:13

End of Argument

Topic(s): Humor

The other day, Nancy and I got into some petty argument. (I say it was petty. She would have said it was the end of the world.) As is our nature, neither of us would admit the possibility that we might be in error. To her credit, Nancy finally said, “Look. I’ll tell you what. I’ll admit I’m wrong if you admit I was right.”

“Fine.” I said.

She took a deep breath, looked me in the eye and said, “I’m wrong.”

I grinned and replied, “You’re right.”

The ABCs of Parenthood

Topic(s):Children, Father, Mother

1. Always trust your children to God’s care (Matthew 19:14).
2. Bring them to worship and Bible School (Hebrews 10:25).
3. Challenge them to high goals in life (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
4. Delight in their achievements (Romans 12:15).
5. Exalt the Lord in their presence at every opportunity (Psalm 34:3).
6. Frown on evil (Proverbs 25:23).
7. Give them love (Titus 2:3–5).
8. Hear their problems (James 1:19).
9. Ignore not their childish fears (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
10. Joyfully accept their apologies (Romans 15:7).
11. Keep their confidences (Proverbs 25:11).
12. Live a good example before them at all times (Matthew 5:14–16).
13. Make them your best friends (Genesis 44:10).
14. Never ignore their endless questions (1 Peter 3:15).
15. Open your home to their friends (Hebrews 13:1–2).
16. Pray for them by name daily (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
17. Quicken your interest in their spirituality (Matthew 5:13).
18. Remember their needs (Philippians 2:4).
19. Show them the way of salvation (Acts 16:17).
20. Teach them to work and be responsible (1 Timothy 5:8).
21. Understand they still need you, even when they are older (Psalm 71:18).
22. Verify your statements (Romans 12:17).
23. Wean them from bad company (Proverbs 1:10).
24. Xpect them to obey (Ephesians 6:1–3).
25. Yearn for God’s best for them (Numbers 6:24).
26. Zealously guide them in biblical truths (Proverbs 22:6).

Budget Allotments (After God’s Percentage)

Topic(s): Priorities

• Housing:        30%
• Auto:              15%
• Insurance:       5%
• Clothing          5%
• Recreation     7%
• Medical          5-7%
• Retirement     5%
• Saving            5%
• Education for Children:  5%
• Debt                7%

Grandparent Humor

Topic(s): Humor

My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, “62.” He was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, “Did you start at 1?”