An elephant never forgets.  When they are too small to escape, we train elephants in captivity by shackling their ankles and staking them down. They try and try to tug away from their bonds; but they eventually learn they can't get loose. That’s when their “elephant memory” takes over.  For the rest of their lives they remember that they can't get away.  In the same way, when someone makes a careless or...

Author Andy Stanley says when it comes to making decisions you shouldn’t ask “What’s the right thing for me to do?” but “What’s the wise thing for me to do?”  There are three filters you need to consider as you ask this question: Is this wise in light of your past experiences, your present circumstances, and your future hopes and dreams? Good decision-making is more than simply choosing between right and wrong, or...

In the movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, Will Smith plays a single father facing some tough stuff, along with his son.  Yet, Smith’s character maintains his self-confidence. He is determined to create a better life for himself and his son.  As a parent, it’s so important to have a strategy to build confidence in our kids in a world that constantly tells them they can’t. First, start by listening to your child. ...

You might be the youngest child… or the oldest… or maybe you’re right in the middle. And, what about your children? Your oldest child may be a natural-born leader.  Your middle child might be a good negotiator.  And, yes, your “baby” is likely the entertainer of the family.  You may even have a very mature “only” child at home.  And, even though you can’t change the birth order of your kids, it’s still good to...

Losing a job. . . marriage problems . . . health issues.  Experiencing hardship in your life is like driving on a dark, winding mountain road.  You can’t see what’s around the next curve.  You’re scared and confused.  But, when the darkness finally turns to light, and the winding road becomes straight, you may look back and see some good in the journey. So, the next time you experience hardship, try to focus on...

If your teen is romantically involved, you should be involved in the process. Don’t ignore the situation and hope it will just run its course. Educate your teen about the importance of postponing intimacy until marriage, the dangers of date rape and sexually transmitted diseases, and the benefits of making wise decisions, even if those decisions aren’t always the popular choice. The best way to teach your teen...

Yesterday, we talked about the dangers of following your heart.  Today I’ll tell you 4 ways to lead it. First, check your heart.  What do you value most?  Where do you invest your time a nd money?  Second, guard your heart.  When something unhealthy threatens your heart, guard it against temptation.  Third, set your heart.  Set your thoughts on the important things in life—faith, family and friends.  Fourth,...