Hero-dads grow in competence to influence

Dads who come out of their caves learn to care about their communities. They are like the dad connected to the virtuous woman in Prov. 31: “Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land” (23, ESV). To sit by the city gates was to sit among the civic leaders: listening, discussing problems, … Read More

Thinking About Fire

“All candles are lighted by his torch.” Thomas Manton “We didn’t start the fire It was always burning, since the world’s been turning We didn’t start the fire No, we didn’t light it, but we tried to fight it” Billy Joel “Each of us is born with a box of matches inside us but we can’t strike them all by … Read More

What I Learned from John Stott, Part 3 of 3

As a carpenter, I appreciate Stott’s human side whether as seen above in his enjoyment of dogs as he hangs out with Billy Graham or below with his willingness to roll up his sleeves and work hard. As a theologian, it’s his authenticity, fidelity, and clarity that continue to inspire me. Even though he came from a wealthy home and … Read More

How a Closer Look at a Christmas Prophecy Could Transform Your New Year

When Ahaz, son of Jotham and grandson of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Syriaa and Pekah son of Remaliah, the king of Israel, set out to attack Jerusalem…. The news had come to the royal court of Judah: “Syria is allied with Israel against us!” So the hearts of the king and his people trembled with fear, … Read More

Reading, Snuggles, and the Future of Christianity

Note: This post is a re-purposed and expanded version of “For the Love of Books,” and commemorates my son, Timothy, and daughter, Emily’s, graduations this week: Tim from Villanova where he got two Masters, one in English Literature and one in Theology, and Emily who became a registered nurse, receiving her RN from Rowan College. Very proud of them! In … Read More

The Double Helix of Faith and Family, Part 2 of 4: Illustrated

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. -2 Tim. 1:5, NLT; words in bold, mine There was a spiritual strength and stability that my grandparents on my mom’s side brought to our family just by their proximity. My … Read More

The Best Christian Books I’ve Ever Read

These lists in no way represent the “best” Christian reading there is. Nor are they meant to be comprehensive. There are tons of great books—even classics like Augustine’s Confessions—that I haven’t, should, and hope to read. What follows represents only those distinctively Christian books I have found to be the most helpful to date. It’s my hope that one or … Read More

How to Help Your Kids Read and Enjoy the Bible

My friend, Jake, is a young father I have tremendous respect for. Recently he asked me how to help his daughter, Meg, learn to read and enjoy the Bible. It’s a great question and related to a core value all Christian parents share: We believe a firm hold on Scripture is necessary to keep faith strong and alive. The question is … Read More

Why Reading is So Important

***This is the last in a four-part series and has been updated with recommendations for teens.[1] It was originally written in September 2009 for my children. Dear Emily, Matt, and Tim, I know I harp on you more often than you would like about not reading enough, watching too much TV, or spending hours playing video games.   I also know you … Read More

Reading the Classics to Your Kids (& Grandkids!)

***This piece, the third in a four-part series, has been updated, but was originally written in October 2004. It is dedicated to my sister, Victoria Austen-Moon (pictured below) who has a Master’s in Creative Writing and was a voracious reader before her accident in 2012. Unfortunately, this is the only piece we ever collaborated on. Part of raising children who … Read More