Children across America are filing into hallways and classrooms this week as another school year begins. Summer has faded, vacations are over, lunches are packed, supplies are stocked, and buses are running. Old friendships reunite while new students try to find their way. Teachers are anxious to begin their lessons while children dread the assigned homework that awaits. It is always an anxious, excitable, refreshing time of year. Before long, things settle down, and normalcy settles in. Such is the cycle of education.

As teachers, students, and parents prepare themselves for another quarter, be certain, there are other forces that …

A family altar will alter your family.  One of the most important things you can do to secure the spiritual atmosphere in your home is establish a place of corporate prayer. For many families this is a difficult thing to accomplish.  Homework, ball practice, business trips, and extracurricular activities monopolize our time.  Unfortunately, some homes go weeks and months without praying together.  When constructing a family altar remember these five important suggestions:

1. Consistency

Inconsistency stumps our efforts and limits our growth.  Place this time together with your family as a top priority and stick to it.  Do it until …

Studies show that most men purchase gifts for their wives either the day before or the day of Valentines.  If you are in the south, this is an issue.  This is an issue because for the past three days most of us have been confined to our homes.  If you have bravely weathered the treacherous roadways, it has probably been to the grocery store for bread and milk, not jewelry and roses.  Honestly, how many men do you think bought Valentine gifts last month?  I hate to even remind you, but Valentine’s Day is tomorrow.

If you have preplanned, good …

Every parent I know wants their children to have the advantage in whatever it is they are doing.  We give our kids the best equipment so they can have an advantage in sports.  We give them the best education so they can have an advantage in the marketplace.  We give them the best resources so they can have an advantage in development.  Most of the things that seem advantageous however, are really temporal, inconsequential items.  Skinny jeans, iPods, baseball bats, and earphones may bring a smile to their face instantaneously, but they, in themselves, will never give an advantage over …

According to Neil MacQueen, national researcher of church attendance, “Going to church regularly has a dramatic impact on life.” Compiling data from Duke University, Indiana University, The University of Michigan, The Center for Disease Control, Barna Research Group, Gallup, Pew, and the National Institute for Healthcare Research, MacQueen found some interesting facts about the children of regular church attendees.  Going to church will:

• Increase the average life expectancy of your children by 8 years
• Significantly reduce your child’s use and risk from Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs
• Dramatically lower their risk of suicide
• Help children rebound from depression 70% faster
• Dramatically