Revitalize Your Church

  Here are a dozen ways to have a happier home life:  1. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire, or someone is hard of hearing.  2. Use the 7:1 ratio -- It takes seven positives to counteract the force of one negative -- It could even be more like 10:1. Make sure you speak at least seven affirmations and encouragements for every criticism.  3. Make up your mind not to allow petty annoyances to become barriers.  Always ask, "Is it worth it" before you react.  4. Accept those in your home for who they are, and not what you assume they should be.  5. Determine to brighten up your home whenever you walk in the door.  Some people bring joy wherever they go -- and others bring joy when they go!  6. Express your appreciation and love often. "Please" and "Thank you" are more precious than gold.  7. Hug a lot. Meaningful touch provides a sense of security and belonging (If course, if someone does...

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”   -- Proverbs 14:1    Of course, this doesn’t apply to just to women. Every family member is responsible for the upbuilding, and is capable of tearing it apart.   Wisdom builds the house. Foolishness tears it down.   When we fail to think before we speak and act, we’re likely to tear the house down. We’ve been given two ears and one mouth, and they should be used in that proportion.   Sometimes, in a passion to say right things, we say things wrong and hurt people. We’re wrong in our rightness, and unwilling to budge an inch in spirit. I think this is at the heart of the polarization in our state and nation. People are eager to share their opinions, but few are humble and patent enough to take the time to listen and understand others.   Too many homes are marked by unhealthy conflict and misunderstanding. Sometimes, it’s just a slow si...

Question: Who is happier? A man with 11 million dollars or a man with 11 children? Answer: A man with 11 children -- because he doesn't want more!

You are a great example of what it means to be a godly person who lives a life of love.

Merry Christmas from the Wilson's!   We wish you and your family a very special holiday season. As 2010 draws to a close, we pause to thank God for his loving guidance and keeping grace. Here are a few significant events from our household in recent months: Our home sustained some storm damage from tornado-like winds this summer, and we lost many beautiful trees from our lawn.  All of old pines in front of the church were also destroyed.   Driver's License! Luke and Wes , along with their friend, Trevor, formed a band called Found Broken.  They were privileged to be the opening act for the Break the Grey Concert with Bill Ballenger.  It was an awesome event!  Luke plays guitar and leads worship often.  Wes plays bass, and provides lead vocals for the band.  They both have been composing original songs.  This year, Wes obtained his driver's license, and Luke landed a job at Pizza Hut.  Hannah has become a ba...

Happy 14th Birthday to my daughter, Hannah.

My sons, Luke (guitar), Wes (bass) and their friend, Trevor (drums) will be the opening act for the Break the Grey concert on Thursday night (7 p.m. at Hayward High School) They did our call to worship at church yesterday morning -- and woke everybody up!!

Happy Birthday to my mother, Elsie Wilson, who turned 88 today! She's still going strong! I share Abraham Lincoln's sentiment, "Everything I am and hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."

In searching for God, many people tend to look for the miraculous and supernatural. Instead, we should be attending to the ordinary, -- Philip Yancy My note: This is true in marriage and family life as well. It's the day to day interactions of thoughtfulness that count

"The best gift I can give to the people in my life is to find a way to live with deep contentment, confidence, and joy in my daily experience of life with God." John Ortberg

28 years ago, Cathy and I were joined in holy matrimony. As I stood, shaking at the altar before my lovely bride, I thought I could never possibly love her more than I did at that moment. Well, I was wrong. I love her far more now than I did back then. Our love is far deeper, richer, fuller, and stronger than it was on our wedding day. She is also more beautiful now than the day she first captured my heart. When you process it right, a lot of livin' brings a lot of lovin'. We're celebrating by going to a little hideaway cabin nestled in the woods. I am such a lucky guy.

Kids + Parents = Faith Involvement

"Mom, remember that beautiful vase that has been passed down through our family from one generation to another?" Larry wondered. "Yes, darling, it's very precious to me.", his mother replied, "Why do you ask?" "Because this generation dropped it!" As I look at what's happening across our land, I can't help but conclude that this generation of parents has "dropped the vase." We have dropped the vase of moral values. "What feels right" has replaced "What IS right". We have dropped the vase of authentic spirituality. We substitute busy religious activity for a vibrant and genuine relationship with Christ. Then, we wonder why our children don't seem enthused about spiritual matters. We have dropped the vase of responsibility. When things go wrong, the first reaction is to hide from and/or blame others. It must be someone else's fault. We have dropped the vase of industry -- hard work. Today's emph...

Last week, my son, Wes turned 16. What a milestone! Another driver will soon be unleashed on northern Wisconsin’s highways. The last time, as we returned from practice driving, Wes said, “Dad, you’re doing much better. You didn’t scream once!” My son’s 16th has put me in the pondering mood. No job in the entire world is more important that the molding of young lives. Years fly swiftly. They are little for such a short while, then they grow up and fly from the nest. I have a special word of encouragement for the younger moms and dads reading this column: please take the time to treasure your children. The following appeared in a church bulletin many years ago. The author is unknown. If I Had My Child to Raise Again If I had my child to raise all over again, I'd finger paint more, And point the finger less. I would do less correcting, And more connecting. I'd take my eye off the watch, And watch with my eyes. I would care to know less and Know to care more. I'd take more hike...

Family Movie Night is back on NBC tomorrow (8:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. central.) It's good to see family friendly broadcasting for a change.

Of course, I'm sure everyone knows that this is International "Wes Wilson is Awesome Day!" Wes is one of the coolest people on earth -- and I'm glad to be his dad. Happy 16th Birthday, Wes!

Congratulations Gramps!

My sons, Luke and Wes, and their friends, Trevor and Cord, are in a band called Storm of Grace. Tonight, they made their debut with the opening performance at the Park Theater's Night of Christian Music. They sang a couple of original compositions, "King of the Nations" and "Shipwreck World" as well as the rockin' Newsboys song, "I am Free." They did an awesome job, rocking out the place. There was a wide variety of music, from Bach to Rock, and I must say, they started the whole thing out with a bang! Here's a fuzzy picture from my cell phone.

Happy Birthday to my beautiful bride, Cathy!