Category Archives: Parenting

The Power of a Word of Praise

Posted on September 30, 2011 by russellmckinney

Benjamin West was a famous British artist in the 1700s. He also served as the President of the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts. He was especially known for his paintings of historical scenes. West first become aware of his artistic … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Communication, Encouragement, Fatherhood, Influence, Motherhood, Parenting, Personal, Sports, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

1,500 Sheep

Posted on September 19, 2011 by russellmckinney

A few years ago the Associated Press ran a story that came out of Gavas, a town in eastern Turkey. According to the story, one sheep from a very large flock walked to the edge of a cliff and jumped … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Choices, Courage, Decisions, Desires, Discernment, Discipline, Dress and Appearance, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Influence, Motherhood, Parenting, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tonya’s Birthday

Posted on September 14, 2011 by russellmckinney

Today is my wife Tonya’s birthday, and so I’d like to devote this post to her. I thought it would be fun to describe a typical day in her life, and since my day-to-day memory only lasts for about one … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Doing Good, Husbands, Marriage, Parenting, Personal, Service, Sports, Wives, Work | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Carowinds

Posted on July 6, 2011 by russellmckinney

I’m 56 years old now, and it’s been more than ten years since I was forced to come to grips with the reality of aging. On that day so long ago, Tonya and I took our two boys (Ryan and … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Change, Contentment, Elderly, Human Life, Parenting, Personal, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

At What Age Should a Person Marry?

Posted on June 7, 2011 by russellmckinney

I’m officiating a wedding this afternoon. The bride and groom are both in their mid-twenties, which seems to be pretty much the average age for first-time marriages these days. But here’s a good question: At what age should a person … Continue reading →

Posted in Adultery, Bible Study, Children, Family, Fatherhood, God's Will, Husbands, Marriage, Motherhood, Parenting, Personal, Scripture, Sex, The Bible, Wives, Youth | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Summer Vacation

Posted on May 30, 2011 by russellmckinney

It’s Memorial Day and I want to wish each of you a great holiday. Let me also encourage you to spend some time thinking about the reason for this holiday. The freedoms we enjoy in this country have never come … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Choices, Contentment, God's Will, Parenting, Personal, Sports, Trusting In God, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Learning to Really Appreciate the Moment

Posted on May 18, 2011 by russellmckinney

To everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, N.L.T.) The following quote is attributed to “Anonymous”: First I was dying to finish high school and start college. And then I was dying to … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Children, Complaining, Contentment, Desires, Family, Fatherhood, God's Timing, God's Will, Human Life, Joy, Parenting, Personal, Problems, Service, Sports, Thankfulness, Waiting, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Great Lesson For Your Kids

Posted on May 11, 2011 by russellmckinney

Toward the end of General Robert E. Lee’s life, he attended the christening of a friend’s son. The mother asked the aged leader to offer some words that would help guide the child into true manhood. But Lee’s answer probably … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Children, Contentment, Desires, Doing Good, Giving, Humility, Leadership, Parenting, Sacrifice, Seeking Advice, Youth | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy Birthday, Mom

Posted on May 4, 2011 by russellmckinney

Today is my mother’s birthday, and I’d like to use this post to recall just one of the many fond memories that I have of her. Please understand that I could also speak of innumerable meals prepared, loads of laundry … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Doing Good, Dress and Appearance, Motherhood, Parenting, Personal, Thankfulness, Youth | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Wilted Roses

Posted on April 25, 2011 by russellmckinney

Somewhere along the way, I picked up a little story about a Sunday School teacher’s efforts to win one of her young students to Christ. I doubt that the story actually happened, but maybe it did. Even if it didn’t, … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Parenting, Salvation, Sunday School, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment