Let Us Live To Make Men Free

Expansive Vista from the Mogollon Rim in Northern AZ represents freedom

Image Updated 7/15/2020

As I sat down to continue developing this site, a precursory prayer led me to quietly (and self-consciously) mutter-sing Battle Hymn of the Republic.  Since God seemed to bring it up, I figured He had something to teach me about it.

“As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free.” Those words resonated with me after the malicious destruction of anguished American cities this past week because of the death of George Floyd.

Mr. Floyd’s truly disturbing death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer was the catalyst for our country’s current paroxysm. It is no Continue reading →

Consecrate Some Screen Time to God

Thoughtful Young Man in Nature Using Screen Time Wisely

Could you encourage your children to consecrate some screen time to God soon?

What if it mainly depends on your direct question to them today?  Then a brief reminder again next week? And revisiting the idea again soon after that?

I’m not talking about anything heavy and theological here.

But if you plant the seed, your children can learn over time to devote a portion of their online screen time to Godly undertakings.  They can pursue their own online activities with good, productive things—God things—in mind.

Your starting point is building awareness of their own productive or creative power. Then combine it with the power of your prayer. Continue reading →

Setting the Stage for Parent-Teen Communication

Setting the Stage for Parent-Teen Communication by Limiting Diversions

Parent-teen communication begins with setting the stage for real listening.  But the stage needs the props removed–computer screen, mobile phone, headphones–so you can start the dialogue in a way that encourages real listening. And as a result, you will teach your teen conversational skills that respect you and others.

This is just one example of a Biblical lesson that Christian parenting can teach through online experiences (see https://www.christiantechkids.com/2016/02/11/using-your-teens-online-experience-as-a-bible-teacher/).  Consider these scenarios:

(Teen, still looking at keyboard)  But I shouldn’t have to mow the lawn…   OR

(Continues typing) But I shouldn’t have to watch that documentary with everyone… OR

(With headphones on) But WHY do I have to do that, Mom? (Leaning back, vaguely watching his screen.)

Two commonalities exist in the above scenarios: They occur while your teen is engaged with technology, and they result in the beginning of Continue reading →