Nov 20
What ingredients went into making David a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14)? We must put these same ingredients into our own lives and use them as parents to raise our children. In the opening chapter of David’s life, when he is anointed by Samuel to be the future king, we see six …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/the-making-of-david/
Mar 07
She is a good sheep. She minds her business well and plays well with the herd. She had no family goals or desires to have a lamb of her own. She delayed it as long as she could, but eventually she succumbed to the temptation and ended up pregnant. It was a cold night in …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/a-lamb-parable-and-unwanted-babies/
Jan 16
I am a parent of four between 14 and 6. I know what it is to have kids arguing with each other and constantly playing in the house. I have three boys, so I am always playing referee to their indoor ballgame, wrestling match, or Nerf war. The longest part, and most uphill climb of …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/delighting-in-your-child/
Oct 30
Many families focus on having a well-manicured yard. Some dads spend hours fertilizing and mowing the lawn. Many mothers love to work in the flower beds. A well-manicured yard is the expectation for many nice sub-divisions. Last year, I was at an elite country club surrounded by a private housing community. The yards looked incredible. …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/why-you-should-want-a-well-worn-yard/
Aug 06
School is has started all across our region. We pray God’s blessings and safety upon our teachers and students. There is so much that goes on in-and-around school these days, that we can forget the true purpose of school. The purpose of school is to learn! Children go to school to grow in their knowledge …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/how-you-can-help-promote-education/
Jun 25
The story of the prodigal son is one of the most famous parables of Jesus (Luke 15:11-32). It beautifully and simply portrays the love God has for his wayward children. The father, who represents God in the story, takes center stage displaying love, forgiveness, and parental wisdom. In studying this story, I noticed six lessons …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/being-a-great-dad-like-the-prodigals-father/
Jun 20
Parenting has always been tough. Great Biblical heroes struggled to be good parents. David was a great king and psalmist but failed in numerous ways as a parent. Samuel and Eli both had rebellious sons who brought shame to their legacy. Jesus even pictures God the Father as having a rebellious son in the parable …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/new-issues-for-todays-parents/
Mar 20
Do you ever leave a great class feeling worse about yourself than when it began? The speaker didn’t want to communicate this message, but they presented such material that it overwhelms you! Being a preacher, I can feel like this sometimes when I go to a lectureship or conference. The speakers do a good job and …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/dealing-with-information-overload/
Mar 11
Why do some believe and others do not? That sounds like an academic question to be debated in a philosophy of religion class until it is your child who does not believe. You raised them to believe. You taught them the truth and made sure they were a part of the church. But they don’t …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/the-choice-of-faith/
Feb 10
Helping to build a healthy self-image within your children is a big concern for many parents today. While it can be difficult to find the balance between building a healthy self-esteem and simply spoiling your child by focusing on their happiness here are some suggestions. I would welcome others you may have in the comments. …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/some-simple-ways-to-create-a-healthy-self-image-in-your-kids/
