Motivational

Have you noticed that children will occasionally disobey their parents for the express purpose of testing just how much they can get away with? This game, called "Challenge the Chief," can be played with surprising skill, even by very young children.

In marriage as in courtship, there's a simple rule of thumb for intimacy: take your time. Some interesting research has been done recently on the emotional bonding between husbands and wives. According to Dr. Donald Joy, a couple bonds most closely when they move slowly and systematically through the various stages of intimacy during their courtship and early marriage.

The idea of authority in dealing with children has fallen into disrepute in recent years. And it's no wonder. The moment you even use the word authority, there are people who mistakenly think you are referring to harshness and anger. They picture a father who rules with an iron fist, and when he speaks, everybody jumps because they're afraid not to.

In the typical family today, is Dad thought of as a hero or a bum? Believe it or not, the answer may depend on what Mom thinks. This maternal influence was beautifully described in a book called, FATHERS AND SONS, by Lewis Yablonsky. He told about growing up in a Yiddish home, and sitting around the dinner table listening to his mother say things like,...

The process of caring for aging parents can be a time that draws families closer together. Unfortunately, it usually becomes a time that tears them apart. Typically, the sister who lives near by feels she is sacrificing her life to care for her aging parents. Her siblings who live far away critique how she handles the finances. The parents feel cared for, but not cared about; and jealous rivalries arise, due directly to poor communication.

We need not look far to see what happens when the family is compromised, threatened and challenged. What God designed as the foundation of our nation - the classroom for life and a safe haven of love and care - is under constant attack. Broken homes, broken marriages, and broken hearts abound. Families are hurting and desperately need practical help and encouragement. Friends, do not despair. The war against the culture in defense of the family is not lost.

PRAISE BAND WORSHIPING TO THE LIGHTHOUSE JULY 21.2013

The Daily Pulse (Monday, July 22, 2013): I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 (NIV)

A wonderful, bouncy, delightful song by LouAnn Lee. She is a pastor/singer/songwriter/musician/woman of God from Celebration Community Fellowship in Auburn, CA. She asked me to create a slideshow for this song, and of course I did. Of course, the main verse that comes to mind is Ephesians 2:10, but also Psalm 139:14 (and when you go to look that up, since I am not going to let you be lazy and quote it for you here, read all of Psalm 139).

The Daily Pulse (Sunday, July 21, 2013): while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ... Titus 2:13 (NIV)

The Daily Pulse (Saturday, July 20, 2013): Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Jesus commanded us, “Love your neighbor.” But how many Christians recognize that most of our neighbors today live in cities? Urban pastor, Justin Buzzard, casts a compelling vision to participate in God’s kingdom-building work in our world’s cities. (“Why Cities Matter” by Stephen Um & Justin Buzzard, Crossway Books 2013, @JustinBuzzard www.justinbuzzard.net)

This is the title song from LouAnn Lee's album "Run To You". LouAnn is a pastor/singer/songwriter in Auburn, CA, about 10 miles from where I live. She and her husband Cedric minister at Celebration Community Fellowship. This is a beautiful song that LouAnn wrote and sings.

https://louannlee.com

1-Minute Morning Starter

Please make sure to watch the video until the end, and then please be the voice for these animals, and share the video on Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and emails.
We also ask this time that you'll write something for Penny in the comments below.
To make a small donation to Hope For Paws, please visit: https://www.HopeForPaws.org
To fill an adoption application, please visit Wags and Walks: https://www.WagsAndWalks.org

Thanks,

Eldad

The Daily Pulse (Friday, July 19, 2013): ...mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15b

The Daily Pulse (Friday, July 19, 2013): ...mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15b (NIV)

Scenes from the research trip to The Outer Banks during the making of The Prayer Box.

What people are saying about THE PRAYER BOX:

"An enchanting, memorable pilgrimage." -- Publisher's Weekly

"The Prayer Box is a masterpiece of storytelling and skill." -- New York Times #1 bestseller Debbie Macomber

"Transcends simple hope and healing." -- NYT bestseller Karen White

"Beauty and so much hope." -- NYT bestseller Sarah Jio

Scenes from the research trip to The Outer Banks during the making of The Prayer Box.

What people are saying about THE PRAYER BOX:

"An enchanting, memorable pilgrimage." -- Publisher's Weekly

"The Prayer Box is a masterpiece of storytelling and skill." -- New York Times #1 bestseller Debbie Macomber

"Transcends simple hope and healing." -- NYT bestseller Karen White

"Beauty and so much hope." -- NYT bestseller Sarah Jio

Scenes from the research trip to The Outer Banks during the making of The Prayer Box.

What people are saying about THE PRAYER BOX:

"An enchanting, memorable pilgrimage." -- Publisher's Weekly

"The Prayer Box is a masterpiece of storytelling and skill." -- New York Times #1 bestseller Debbie Macomber

"Transcends simple hope and healing." -- NYT bestseller Karen White

"Beauty and so much hope." -- NYT bestseller Sarah Jio