Tag: Bill Ronning
The Art of the Apology
Parenting experts will tell you one of the most important things you can do for your child is admit when you’re wrong and apologize. What does a proper apology look like? Researchers at Ohio State say they’ve boiled it down to six basic elements. Expressing regret, explaining what went wrong, taking responsibility, repenting, offering to repair, and then asking forgiveness. If you have time to squeeze in all six, your chances of being forgiven go way up. However, if there’s just time for two, their study says acknowledging it was your fault and taking action to fix it are key. We also suggest reading through Matthew 18.
Hear how Family Life Radio member Kathy apologized and how her apology was received.
Parenting Your Adult Kids
After reading about the following story in the news, I’ve realized how important Dr. Randy’s message is about overtime parenting.
A 30 year old man has to leave his parents’ home. It came down to a court decision. His parents were encouraging Michael Rotondo to get a job and get out of the house. They served him several eviction notices. In one, they even offered some financial help but he wouldn’t leave and now he has to.
“Overtime” Parenting: Your Kid’s Adult Years – Dr. Randy
After you guide your children through the challenges of life from birth to adulthood, you will find that your coaching is not quite finished, and there will be some “overtime” to play.
- Know your role. It is no longer your responsibility to be a sole provider. Provide emotional support and encouragement. Be a friend and, when appropriate, share advice you have gleaned from your experiences.
- Hold them accountable. As adults, your children need to forge their own way. Early on, they may have a tendency to rely on you as a backstop for bad financial or relationship decisions. Don’t relieve them of the consequences of their choices.
- Let reality be the teacher. Ultimately, this means releasing your children. It will likely be the toughest thing you do as a parent, but it is the only way for them to reach their God-given potential.
You’re an Overcomer!
What has God given you the strength to overcome? Family Life Radio Member Gail has been given the strength to overcome anxiety, depression, an alcoholic father. She didn’t want to marry because she didn’t have a good experience with men based on her experience with her dad. She was an alcoholic. God saved her from herself. She is an overcomer because of God.
God is good. He got her through it. He’s still there. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
God Loves You!
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ” 1 Peter 3:15
Family Life Radio listener Ashley wants other to know that God wants us as we are. He loves you. You’re not too lost. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done. He can work with you where you are. He wants you to come to Him to seek Him out. That’s crazy love!
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19
Walk with Confidence
Dustin from Sanctus Real reminds us when we recognize where our strength comes from, we can walk in confidence. That’s the message behind their song: Confidence. He encourages us to use that confidence to be used by God for His Kingdom. We may struggle with feelings of inadequacy. Our God is bigger than that. Because of Him, we are good enough to be used by our Creator. No matter the size of the problem, we don’t have to worry because with God all things are possible! Use this song as a prayer. Remember those who’ve gone before us in confidence, like Daniel in the Lion’s Den.
Booming Business
Family Life Radio listener Pat grew up on an Orange Grove in Anaheim California. He took advantage of the opportunities that provided. As a kid, he would sell fruit from a stand made out of boxes. He sold peaches, avocados, oranges, apricots and plums. He sold them very cheap. $.25 for a box of fruit. He sold them as a nine year old. He used to live where they were building what is now Disneyland. The road used to be a rural street. It is now a six land highway.
I know what he’s talking about since I grew up in Compton. We used to sell avocados!
We both got a start on what God’s word says about working: The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15
God is With You
No matter what is going on in your life, God is with you. Family Life Radio listener Yolanda speaks from her experience. She has been going through a divorce. That’s why she enjoys the song Even If by MercyMe because it reminds her that God is good. He is in control. Follow the Lord. Seek Him every day. Even though life may go a different way than you thought, God has a plan. He never waivers. God does not leave you. He is there with you every step of the way. Worship God. Praise Him. Seek each day to be more Christlike. God loves us. He forgives us. Ask God to use you each day.
Heirloom of Faith
My most meaningful family heirloom is something I keep in my office. It is a bookmark my mom made. Not only did my mom make it, but it symbolizes the most important gift she passed down to me. She left a legacy of faith.
“‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.’ ” Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Get Away With God
Family Life Radio member Tammy’s favorite place to get away and meet with God is anywhere she can hold her granddaughter. She has gone through a couple little heart procedures. Each day is a gift. No matter where Tammy is, when she is with her granddaughter, she recognizes it is a God-given moment.
Life is fleeting.
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14
Treasure the moments you have with loved ones.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Jesus is the Way
Pat Barrett‘s song The Way is based on John 14:6.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life… John 14:6
Some of the truths from scripture are simple, yet profound. Knowing that Jesus is the way can comfort us in those times that are difficult to navigate. If you’ve lost a job. If you’re moving to a new city. There’s a part of us calling us to trust God in and through the situation. We may have had opportunities to trust Him before but this time it might be a new reason, requiring more trust.
Focus on Jesus – The Way, the Truth and the Life.