Category Archives: Leadership

A Mentor with a Heart

Posted on August 7, 2021 by familyencouragement

I’ve always been quiet.   My natural temperament is one of introversion.  Social settings have not always comfortable for me, especially large ones.   As a young teenager a lay leader in our church profoundly impacted my life and he never knew … Continue reading →

Posted in Caring, Compassion, Equipping, Influence, Kindness, Leadership, Legacy, Love, mentor, mentoring, Mentors | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“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

Four Key Decisions

Posted on January 14, 2016 by familyencouragement

As a pastor I counsel hundreds of people every year.   Sometimes it is to help someone out of a mess and other times it is to give guidance.    All decisions do not carry equal weight; some have greater consequences than … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Change, Children, counsel, Decisions, familiy issues, family, Happiness, Leadership, Marriage, Parenting, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Depressed Leaders

Posted on July 3, 2015 by familyencouragement

About fifteen years ago I was riding with a well-known Christian leader.    It was a long trip and we had an opportunity to talk about a lot of subjects.   My friend was fifteen years older than me and had more … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, advice, Affirmation, burnout, Children, counsel, depression, Discouragement, Encouragement, Family Issues, friendship, Leadership, music, self pity | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Complaining Leaders

Posted on April 23, 2015 by familyencouragement

I was picking up a friend visiting our area at his hotel to take him to lunch.   Just before leaving his room he had to make a quick phone call to a mutual friend of ours. He made the call … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, attitude, burnout, character growth, Children, Complaining, counsel, cynicism, Discouragement, Encouragement, faith, family, Family Issues, God's grace, griping, Leadership, mentor, mentoring, perspective, problems, self pity | 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

How to Overcome a Bitter Spirit

Posted on February 8, 2014 by familyencouragement

How does a person know they are bitter?    Most people do not think they are because they call it other names – disappointed, hurt, unmet expectations.   An operational definition I use for bitterness is “harbored hurt”.   If not dealt with … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Compassion, Criticism, Family Issues, Father, Forgiveness, Friends, Happiness, Humility, Joy, Leadership, Love, Marriage, Men, Mercy, Parenting, Pride, Revival | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Man and His Influence

Posted on December 12, 2013 by familyencouragement

One of the most important responsibilities I have as a pastor is pre-marital counseling.   It is time-consuming, but a task I take seriously.    Someone wisely said, “Most couples spend more time on the wedding than they do their marriage”.    When … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Family Issues, Influence, Leadership, Legacy, Men, Parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Love isn’t Happy When Others Have Problems

Posted on August 27, 2013 by familyencouragement

When I was a Youth Pastor many years ago I had a family in our youth ministry that didn’t like Paula or myself.   The father and mother opposed most of what we were trying to accomplish with the young people.   … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Compassion, Criticism, Family Issues, Forgiveness, Friends, Leadership, Love, Mercy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment