Why It ALL Matters To God And Should Matter To Us

By Jason, M.Ed., M.A.R., Headmaster

Several years ago, Richard Carlson wrote a book called, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff... and it’s all small stuff! In this little book, he espoused a carefree, detached sort of lifestyle. A year later, Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz answered with God is in the Small Stuff and It ALL Matters. Bickel and Jantz were giving a distinctly Christian answer to Carlson’s essentially Buddhist philosophy. These two little books represent two different approaches to life and the difference between the two makes all the difference indeed!

Last night, my wife and I were watching a Paul Tripp DVD series on marriage called, What Did You Expect? In the first session, Tripp recalls an incident in their married life when he was giving his wife a hard time about running late for a church breakfast. His nine year-old son politely asked if he could ask something and then came out with, “Dad, do you think this is the way a Christian man should be speaking to his wife?” Ouch! Paul Tripp’s reaction, after he calmed down and collected himself, was to be amazed that God would care enough about this mundane moment in their lives to confront him with such a blunt reminder of truth.

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Life Is Funny: Videos

By MAD21

We had a rough week last week in our family. Lots on the calendar. Tempers flared. There was crying over socks "not fitting right" and "skirts falling down" and "wrinkles in the bed" (note that none was really an issue). Life didn't feel so funny at the time. But on the worst of days, there are a few things I know that work to change the attitudes of my girls. It may only last for a little while, but I'll take any refuge I can get!

The following videos are sure to bring the biggest belly laughs from my girls. I thought I'd share them with you. Maybe you can use them when life doesn't seem to be so funny.

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When I Fail... Again

By MAD21

The last few weeks have been a learning experience in our home. I'm not sure which one of us is being stretched more; my kids, who are adjusting to being students and classmates, running and being tired all the time (moods reflecting it); or myself. As a parent you dream of doing what's best for your kids, teaching them to make good choices, and love one another. You try your hardest to do and say the right things all day everyday, all the while keeping your cool when they make all the wrong choices. You are, of course, the biggest influence of who they will be when they grow up. No pressure at all.

I have been failing all over everywhere all week. It's been a real mess. The harder I try to do the right thing, the harder I fall when I don't live up to my own expectations (there's a hint for ya). The harder I push my kids, the harder they push back. It did finally get to the point when I just had to stop and say... SERIOUSLY? The peek of my week I'll call, "The day of POO," but I'll discuss that in a post another day.

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Are You Using Your Gifts?

By Pat

Do we use the gifts God gave us wisely, in the way in which He intended for them to be used? I have to say in honesty that I probably don't, and it shames me. Sure, sometimes I do. But is that good enough?

Several chapters in Exodus describe the construction of the temple and the ark, the alter and the making of the priestly garments. And although God's instructions for each item were very concise, everything was carried out to perfection from the curtains to the tabernacle to the perfumed anointing oil. God's plan was carried out successfully because the talents needed to complete God's plan were used obediently. (Exodus 36:1).

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Fingerprint Friday: Colors of Fall

By MAD21

Fall is my most favorite season. I love everything about it. The cooler weather, the smells, and of course, the colors. Where we live, in the last few years, the colors have not been very vibrant. I've heard people blame too much rain, not enough rain, or too cold, or not cold enough. But for whatever the reason, the leaves just turned to drab colors and fell fast. We still had a lot of fun playing in the leaves, but we've missed the pretty colors.

This year was different. I'm not sure what changed weather-wise to make it happen. But this fall has been one of the most spectacular color shows I've seen since I've lived here. Just beautiful. Every time I look out my window or go on a drive, I thank God for giving us such amazing things to enjoy. Something as simple as color. What would we do without it?

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