Category Archives: Gratitude

“No One Has Ever Told Me That Before”

Posted on June 29, 2021 by familyencouragement

People influence you in different ways and in different stages of life.   In my case, my gratitude for them has grown as I have gotten older and matured.   I’ve realized how unusual and special they were.   One of those was … Continue reading →

Posted in Faithfulness, Gratitude, Leadership, mentor, mentoring, Mentors | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Friends Give Gifts to Each Other

Posted on August 29, 2020 by familyencouragement

A healthy marriage is one where the two are friends.  When a husband and wife lose the elements of friendship, the relationship struggles and becomes dutiful.  This is a dangerous place to be.  The benefit of having a Christian home … Continue reading →

Posted in Building a family, close family, Family Issues, Friends, friendship, Generosity, Giving, Gratitude, Married and Friends | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Friends Express Their Feelings to Each Other

Posted on September 17, 2019 by familyencouragement

A close friend had been sick and in the hospital and was rapidly declining.  My wife and I went to visit him.   We didn’t know it would be the last time we would ever see him when we walked into … Continue reading →

Posted in Affirmation, Attention, close family, communication, emotions, Encouragement, Family Issues, friendship, Gratitude, Growing marriage, Happy marriage, Kindness, Married and Friends, Speech, Time | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Special Family Get Togethers

Posted on July 22, 2017 by familyencouragement

Last night I attended a wedding rehearsal dinner for my nephew and his soon-to-be-wife. I watched my sister, her husband, their twelve children along with dozens of their friends enjoying companionship, celebrating the wedding of a loved one and friend. … Continue reading →

Posted in close family, closeness, Family Get Togethers, Family Issues, friendship, Grandparenting, Gratitude, Happy marriage, Joy, Legacy, Marriage, Opportunities, Parenting, perspective, Wedding | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Enjoy Each Era of Your Child’s Life

Posted on July 18, 2017 by familyencouragement

As I write this it is the last night of our vacation.   In the morning we will get up early and head home.    This will be different though because it will just be my wife and I in the car. … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, close family, Empty nest, familiy issues, Family Issues, Gratitude, Joy, Love, Parenting, Personal Growth, perspective, Time, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Complaining Affects Your Family

Posted on March 11, 2015 by familyencouragement

I was visiting at a close friend’s house and decided to treat the family to supper.   It was a small town and so the options were limited.   After talking about possibilities we decided on some ribs.   The father of my … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, close family, closeness, Complaining, Criticism, disagreements, Encouragement, example, expectation, Family Issues, Gratitude, griping, Influence, praise | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

How to Change Your Complaining to Gratitude

Posted on February 26, 2015 by familyencouragement

In the late 1970’s as a junior in college I was privileged to serve in a wonderful church in Madison, Alabama.     Each weekend I traveled from Chattanooga to minister in a variety of ways.   They were very special years in … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, Complaining, Faithfulness, Gratitude, Influence, Joy, suffering, surrender | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Complaining – a Serious Matter

Posted on January 23, 2015 by familyencouragement

Almost twenty years ago we had a well-known preacher to speak in our church.    He was not only an effective preacher, but also a gifted and prolific author.   In the foyer a table was set up displaying many of his … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Complaining, Criticism, Discouragement, Family Issues, Gratitude | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Success Requires Knowing What is Most Important

Posted on August 15, 2014 by familyencouragement

I love pictures.   My wife sometimes tells the kids, “Your Dad loves pictures more than anyone I know”.   I enjoy beautiful pictures of sunsets and things God made, they remind me of His wisdom and power.   If you looked at … Continue reading →

Posted in Affirmation, Children, Encouragement, Family Issues, Father, Friends, Generosity, Giving, Gratitude, Happiness, Kindness, Leadership, Legacy, Love, Marriage, Mother, Parenting, Speech, Time | Leave a comment

Parenting that Leaves a Positive Influence

Posted on May 6, 2014 by familyencouragement

When I was a Youth Pastor in Virginia in the early 80’s I had two sharp young men in our ministry.   They were respectful, attentive, interested in spiritual matters, and were balanced in both academics and sports.   I was intrigued … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Family Issues, Father, Gratitude, Leadership, Legacy, Men, Mother, Obedience, Parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment