• Why Is It Important To Teach Children Gratitude

  My wife Rita created a good tradition early on with our four daughters. At Christmas or birthdays, after one of the girls opened a present they were instructed to walk over and thank the gift giver. Rita knew a child's (even an adult's) tendency is to jump into enjoying the gift without expressing gratitude to the giver.

  

• Finish Well

  To finish well is to plan well; to plan well is to understand the cost of commitment. The commitment to follow Christ is not an added luxury but standard equipment for the Christian. To plan to finish well is to plan to follow Christ daily in humility and sacrifice. To finish well tomorrow means you finish well today.

  

• Pray Hard

  Prayer is not a passive undertaking, but an aggressive engagement with God. It is a labor of love. It is a toil of trust. It is a work of the Holy Spirit through holy intercessors. Indeed, prayer without spiritual perspiration lacks the intensity the Spirit requires.

• Rich Living

  Those who invite the message of Christ to dwell in their lives, learn to live life to its fullest. Like a guest who brings a generous house warming gift, so God is generous in handing out His wise instruction to humble hearts.

  

• Christ and Country

  God blesses a country that honors Him, but He brings down a country that dishonors Him. It honors Him for His people to pray in earnest for righteousness to reign in religion, the work place, seats of government and the home. It dishonors the Lord when we behave like His commands are suggestions and we marginalize His mandates. Countries founded on Christ are blessed if they continue with Christ.