My prize possession as a boy was a Sting-Ray bicycle. Not only was my bike a source of pleasure and fun, but it was necessary equipment to my job as a paper carrier.

I was careful to maintain my bike, and I paid special attention to keeping the chain tight. With a taut chain, I could touch the pedal and immediately set the bicycle in motion. I knew right away when I needed to adjust the chain because it would slip while I was pedaling. I’d have to stop and remove a link to restore my bicycle’s responsiveness.

Effective communication is similar to a tight bicycle chain. It has tremendous ability to propel forward motion. Tight communication can ensure progress, while sloppy communication can bring incredible frustration—like spinning your pedals while the bike stands still. Communication can build a marriage, church, ministry, business, or friendship. And a lack of it can render otherwise skilled teams ineffective or at odds. (more…)

The last few weeks have been memorable and enjoyable as our family was able to take a few weeks vacation together. Most of our trip was centered around visiting with family and extended family in Colorado. The chief attraction of this vacation for me was my grandson Camden! (Click here to see a few more vacation photos.)

Having Camden with us reminded me of how quickly time flies. It seems just yesterday that our own children were his age. It was a joy these past couple of weeks to have all four of our children and their spouses with us. I can wholeheartedly echo the words of Proverbs 23:24: “The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.”

Terrie and I thank the Lord for each of our children, and we rejoice in their hearts for the Lord. Our three oldest children who are married are serving the Lord in the ministry. Our youngest son Matthew is preparing to be married this August. He and Katie look forward to serving in ministry together.

I don’t regret any time I’ve invested in my children, and I cherish every moment I’ve been able to spend with my wife. My family is a great treasure from the Lord, and I’m so thankful for every moment I’ve shared with each of them.

The home, specifically marriage, is under attack like at no other time in history. A good marriage requires continuous attention, and constant personal growth. We husbands must constantly work to be the best husband we can possibly be. Here are five quick ways to be a better husband:

1. Express appreciation and affirmation regularly.

Establish a personal habit of filling her heart with positive and encouraging communications.

2. Encourage her individual interests.

Applaud her giftedness, and find ways for her to develop and use her gifts for God.

3. Encourage her potential for God.

The enemy condemns constantly. Find ways to remind your wife that she has great potential for ministry and for making a difference.

4. Don’t ignore mood changes.

Often these are the warning signs of a deeper physical problem or spiritual attack. Go to these needs and lead her through them.

5. Take time outs.

Regularly schedule time away together. As a pastor, I’ve found that quality time must often be claimed “out of town.” Take your wife away several times a year for a get-away, a family vacation, or just a long evening out.

Terrie and I have enjoyed over twenty-eight years of marriage, and every day I’m more thankful for a wife who so joyfully and fully supports me and serves with me in the church. I want to be a better husband to her every day!

In Genesis 2, we read of God’s institution of marriage. From this passage it is very clear to see that God intended for marriage to be between one man and one women. Sadly, our country has taken substantial steps away from this God-ordained institution.

This past week the California Superior Court overturned the majority vote of the people of California made in 2000. These judges ruled that Proposition 22, which stated that marriage was only legal between a man and a woman, was unconstitutional and ruled that marriage between same-sex couples would be allowed in California.

Proposition 22 was authored by our friend the late Senator Pete Knight. Mrs. Knight, Senator Knight’s widow, was in our services this past week along with her son Steve, the vice-mayor of Palmdale, to honor our city’s public servants. All of us, as Christians are saddened by the decision of these liberal judges.

In 1754 John Adams, our second President, wrote, “It is the duty of the clergy to accommodate their discourses to the times, to preach against such sins as are most prevalent and to recommend such virtues as are most wanted.” While many churches preach tolerance, we believe America’s need is repentance and revival. Rather than basing our principles and preaching on what a court says is acceptable, we have founded ourselves on the Word of God. Pray for us as we labor for God and for right.

“This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy.” –Author Unknown

One week from today, Terrie and I will watch our son, Larry, join in holy matrimony with his new wife, Ashley.

It seems like only yesterday when Larry was born in Santa Clara, California. I had the joy of leading Larry to the Lord at our kitchen table shortly after moving to Lancaster, and it has been a great joy to see him develop his faith for the Lord since that time.

Larry worked at a local law firm while attending West Coast Baptist College and for the last several months, has been serving as an intern in the ministry here at Lancaster Baptist Church.

Ashley came to West Coast Baptist College from Washington, and we are thrilled with her servant’s heart and her desire to serve the Lord with Larry for the rest of her life.

Tomorrow, we will have our last Saturday night dinner as a family, before getting ready for the big event next week. I know I will cherish every moment of that time together, as it will mark the closing of a chapter in the upbringing of a young man for God.

I am thankful we will have the opportunity to continue serving with Larry and Ashley and I want to remind every reader who still has children at home to hug your kids, talk to them about the Lord, their futures, and the joy of serving God. May God bless you and your family, and please continue to uphold ours in prayer!