Although we have a vague idea of what unlocked potential might mean, it is very clear what locked potential looks like – An intelligent teen who struggles with emotional instability; a gifted athlete who lacks motivation to try; a talented musician short on courage to perform; a disabled child who needs special attention. These types of examples create frustration for us observers who can envision what a joyous life they could have if they weren’t so [...]
With Valentine’s Day coming up, we want to offer you some practical ideas regarding love for your family. Love can be expressed in a multitude of ways and it’s the greatest gift we can offer our spouse and children. Here are three thoughts we continue to focus on in our marriage and family. Being intentional with these things has changed who we are as a couple and who we’ve become as a family. Our Marriage and [...]
For the Howards, this is our favorite time of year. It’s a great time to reflect upon our blessings, enjoy many family traditions, and refocus our perspective on our life’s priorities. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! However, in all that wonderfulness, it can also be the most stressful time of the year… Especially this year! Many of us are missing loved ones and friends this Christmas Season as we practice [...]
As we have both grown and matured since getting married right out of college, there is one skill we have learned to develop that has been significant in all of our relationships. Whether it is with our marriage, our children, our family and friends, or everyday relationships at work or in our community, learning the skill of discernment has become a game changer in our lives. Discernment is the ability to gain understanding in order [...]
Today’s Letter is from Dave to the Dads I put my hand on Dano’s forehead and started shaking it back and forth in a way I knew would make him laugh. “Ok, I see it. Here it comes¦. Wow! It’s a rocket ship and you’re blasting off into outer space. Dano, this is going to be a great dream. Ok, you’re pressed back into your chair as the rocket leaves the earth’s orbit” as I [...]
Perfection is an impossible standard. Yet, in our results driven society, its amazing how the pursuit of perfection continues to be coveted in almost every aspect of life even though it derails us in our pursuits. The pursuit of perfection often leads to disappointment, shame, frustration, and feelings of failure. However, the pursuit of excellence leads to accomplishment, confidence, contentment, and feelings of fulfillment. This distinction was not only something we passed along in parenting [...]
It's graduation season... albeit celebrated much differently this year! Yet, in spite of current circumstances, there are preschoolers graduating to Kindergarten, Kindergartners to Elementary School, Elementary to Middle School, Middle Schoolers to High School and so on. All graduations, to varying degrees, have commencement addresses. These speeches are designed to impart wisdom and encourage students as they move to the next chapter in life. There is one commencement address that has really resonated with our [...]
Our mission with OneFamily is to equip, encourage and sustain couples in their marriage and parenting journey. During this unprecedented season when families are required to stay home and maintain social distancing, we want to be an encouraging and sustaining resource that will equip you with practical insights and tools to help you take hold of the opportunities for a productive and fruitful family time. ____________________ This week we want to share some great ideas [...]
A friend was approached by his son-in-law who asked, “With this Coronavirus, how do you stay so calm?” My friend appreciated the question. Here his son-in-law had a young growing family who knew there was some small personal risk, but more than anything, there was this energy of emergency. Everyone was talking about and concerned about a single topic – the world pandemic! It’s this heightened sense of “We’re all in this together” and “What [...]
Last week Rich and Shelly talked about Success in Marriage Excellent points in there! Each marriage has an era where things are going well or where issues need attention - where a little idea can mean a lot. That little idea can compound over time into something fantastic. That was the case with us. At a time when our marriage was at a fork in the road, we discovered 2 important things that helped our relationship [...]