Episodes

  • The Session: Phobias, part 2

    The Session: Phobias, part 2
    Jul 18 2024
    Don't be afraid, we'll wrap up our conversation on phobias in this episode!The Session: Phobias No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. I Corinthians 10:13 The National Institute of Mental Health suggests that phobias affect approximately 10% of U.S. adults each year. 328 million people in 2019 6 million adults have phobias Types Fear of Open SpacesAgoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn't be available if things go wrong.Typical agoraphobia symptoms and other symptoms include fear of: spiders, snakes heights and public speakingLeaving home alone.Crowds or waiting in line.Enclosed spaces, such as movie theaters, elevators or small stores.Open spaces, such as parking lots, bridges or malls.Using public transportation, such as a bus, plane or train.Other common phobias include:Arachnophobia, an intense fear of spiders (ur ak nuh fow bee uh)Ophidiophobia: an intense fear of snakes (Sounds like: ow fuh dai ow fow be uh)· Acrophobia: an intense fear of heights· Aerophobia: an intense fear of flying· Cynophobia: an intense fear of dogs· Astraphobia: an intense fear of thunder and lightning· Claustrophobia: Fear of Enclosed Spaces ... Fear of enclosed spaces. Feeling claustrophobic, or fearing a tight, enclosed, or confined space, includes symptoms Treatments/Therapies· Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) A cognitive behavioral therapist will teach you how to manage and alter negative thoughts that arise from situations that trigger your claustrophobia. ...· Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) ...· Relaxation and visualization. ...· Exposure therapy - In this form of therapy, psychologists create a safe environment in which to “expose” individuals to the things they fear and avoid. The exposure to the feared objects, activities or situations in a safe environment helps reduce fear and decrease avoidance.4. Medication. (How do these meds help with phobias?)· Zoloft· Prozac· Celexa· Lexapro5. Benzodiazepines. · Xanax· Klonopin· Valuim· Lorazepam/AdavanHelpful Tips: 1. Be realistic. Your fear habit is ingrained in the way you think, feel, and act. It takes time to change this habit. Be persistent. If you hit a snag, no worries. Just do the next thing. Dispute the thoughts! 2. Do the basics. Get enough sleep (about 8 or 9 hours daily), eat nutritious foods, drink ample water, avoid caffeine and alcohol, (WHY?) and exercise regularly. A medical checkup is wise too. 3. Renew your mind, part 1. Get rid of all negative, trashy, ungodly inputs from music, television (including news programs), the internet, video games, and reading materials, including most popular magazines and novels, and replace them with God-honoring alternatives, especially the Bible. 4 Pray. Philippians 4 is the apostle Paul’s answer to freedom from anxiety. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” 4:6–7, ESV. When you react to your problem with thankful prayer, peace replaces anxiety, even fear of panic attacks. As prayer becomes your habit, you’ll experience peace time after time. When thankfulness becomes a habit, doubt dissipates. Remember this: God promises not to allow anything to happen to you that is too much for you to bear. 5.Renew your mind, How you feel and act is a product of your thinking. When you think godly thoughts, godly emotions and behavior follow. “As (a person) thinks within himself, so he is” (Proverbs 23:7, NASB). Replace the lies you believe with the truth of God. I’ve developed a Thought-Emotion-Behavior download to help you do this. I encourage you to make copies and learn to replace ungodly thoughts with godly thoughts every day. The goal is a renewed mind according to Romans 12:1–2 and Ephesians 4:23, among other Scripture. Some unusual phobias Scott found. Not all are mentioned on the podcast:Vestiphobia: Fear of ClothingPeople with the condition may fear a specific garment, or they may be scared of tight-fitting clothing that causes one to feel constrained. In extreme cases, the patient may withdraw from society completely in order to avoid being clothed. Bananaphobia: Fear of bananasOne such case was reported in the Daily Mail(opens in new tab). According to this report, a female patient had been scared of bananas all her life, so much so that she could not stand being in the same room as them without feeling nauseated. Psychotherapy, the woman claimed, was able to help her overcome the bananaphobia.Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia: Fear of Long Words!often brought on by early experiences of shame and embarrassment when pronouncing long words. This phobia may particularly affect patients ...
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    25 mins
  • The Session: Phobias, part 1

    The Session: Phobias, part 1
    Jul 11 2024
    Hopefully, this episode of the session won't be too scary...Tom said he has a fear of scary! Please enjoy this episode from the 2023 archive!The Session: Phobias No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. I Corinthians 10:13 The National Institute of Mental Health suggests that phobias affect approximately 10% of U.S. adults each year. 328 million people in 2019 6 million adults have phobias Types Fear of Open SpacesAgoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn't be available if things go wrong.Typical agoraphobia symptoms and other symptoms include fear of: spiders, snakes heights and public speakingLeaving home alone.Crowds or waiting in line.Enclosed spaces, such as movie theaters, elevators or small stores.Open spaces, such as parking lots, bridges or malls.Using public transportation, such as a bus, plane or train.Other common phobias include:Arachnophobia, an intense fear of spiders (ur ak nuh fow bee uh)Ophidiophobia: an intense fear of snakes (Sounds like: ow fuh dai ow fow be uh)· Acrophobia: an intense fear of heights· Aerophobia: an intense fear of flying· Cynophobia: an intense fear of dogs· Astraphobia: an intense fear of thunder and lightning· Claustrophobia: Fear of Enclosed Spaces ... Fear of enclosed spaces. Feeling claustrophobic, or fearing a tight, enclosed, or confined space, includes symptoms Treatments/Therapies· Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) A cognitive behavioral therapist will teach you how to manage and alter negative thoughts that arise from situations that trigger your claustrophobia. ...· Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) ...· Relaxation and visualization. ...· Exposure therapy - In this form of therapy, psychologists create a safe environment in which to “expose” individuals to the things they fear and avoid. The exposure to the feared objects, activities or situations in a safe environment helps reduce fear and decrease avoidance.4. Medication. (How do these meds help with phobias?)· Zoloft· Prozac· Celexa· Lexapro5. Benzodiazepines. · Xanax· Klonopin· Valuim· Lorazepam/AdavanHelpful Tips: 1. Be realistic. Your fear habit is ingrained in the way you think, feel, and act. It takes time to change this habit. Be persistent. If you hit a snag, no worries. Just do the next thing. Dispute the thoughts! 2. Do the basics. Get enough sleep (about 8 or 9 hours daily), eat nutritious foods, drink ample water, avoid caffeine and alcohol, (WHY?) and exercise regularly. A medical checkup is wise too. 3. Renew your mind, part 1. Get rid of all negative, trashy, ungodly inputs from music, television (including news programs), the internet, video games, and reading materials, including most popular magazines and novels, and replace them with God-honoring alternatives, especially the Bible. 4 Pray. Philippians 4 is the apostle Paul’s answer to freedom from anxiety. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” 4:6–7, ESV. When you react to your problem with thankful prayer, peace replaces anxiety, even fear of panic attacks. As prayer becomes your habit, you’ll experience peace time after time. When thankfulness becomes a habit, doubt dissipates. Remember this: God promises not to allow anything to happen to you that is too much for you to bear. 5.Renew your mind, How you feel and act is a product of your thinking. When you think godly thoughts, godly emotions and behavior follow. “As (a person) thinks within himself, so he is” (Proverbs 23:7, NASB). Replace the lies you believe with the truth of God. I’ve developed a Thought-Emotion-Behavior download to help you do this. I encourage you to make copies and learn to replace ungodly thoughts with godly thoughts every day. The goal is a renewed mind according to Romans 12:1–2 and Ephesians 4:23, among other Scripture. Some unusual phobias Scott found. Not all are mentioned on the podcast:Vestiphobia: Fear of ClothingPeople with the condition may fear a specific garment, or they may be scared of tight-fitting clothing that causes one to feel constrained. In extreme cases, the patient may withdraw from society completely in order to avoid being clothed. Bananaphobia: Fear of bananasOne such case was reported in the Daily Mail(opens in new tab). According to this report, a female patient had been scared of bananas all her life, so much so that she could not stand being in the same room as them without feeling nauseated. Psychotherapy, the woman claimed, was able to help her overcome the bananaphobia.Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia: Fear of Long Words!often brought on by early experiences of shame and embarrassment when ...
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    25 mins
  • The Session: 4 Pillars of Nurturing Your Children

    The Session: 4 Pillars of Nurturing Your Children
    Jul 9 2024
    Defining the Four Pillars of Nurturing Children https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/defining-the-four-pillars-of-nurturing-children/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dunham_2022&utm_content=postA nurturing mom provides thorough care that goes deeper than just meeting a child’s physical needs. Defining nurturing in all of its aspects can help parents provide nurturing care that will help their child’s growth and development.Michelle Beaulaurier, one of nine children, wrote the following to her mother: “I would not be where I am today had you not been where you were! You were my support system, my encourager, my peace, and my challenger to go for it and to use my talents. You were always there to point out my special, God-given talents so that I could reflect upon them and put them into use.”Michelle’s comments show that her mother provided multifaceted nurturing care for her. This mom undoubtedly went “below the surface” of her daughter’s most apparent needs, meeting her psychological and spiritual needs as well. Unfortunately, many intelligent moms act only on what they see with their eyes and focus only on life’s externals.A nurturing mom, however, provides the right kind of thorough care that goes deeper. I’m not saying this is easy. Far from it! Daily life requires us to pay close attention to myriad issues. Every day we must decide where our strongest focus should be. We could use more eyes, ears, and intuitiveness — as well as more hours in a day — to address the many details demanding our attention.Defining the 4 Pillars of Nurturing ChildrenThe right type of nurturing is multifaceted and involves four realms:The physical realmThe mental/intellectual realmThe emotional/psychological realmThe spiritual realmDefining nurturing in these realms can help us to care for our children more deeply. We need to care for our children in all of these dimensions, but we must realize that the needs are unseen in three of the four realms.1. The Physical Realm of NurturingDefining nurturing in the physical realm is somewhat easy because the needs are visible. Providing shelter, food to eat, and clothes to wear are obvious necessities. Being physically around to drive our children to their activities and attend to their health care are just a few of the needs that present themselves in a straightforward manner.Yet even in the physical sphere, we can go the extra mile with how we nurture our children. It takes work to prepare the right kinds of food and present them nicely. Have you noticed that in Scripture, so much of what is essential takes place around the table? Let’s not underestimate the value that comes from preparing and sharing food. At our house, we have a large table that can serve 14 to 18 people. We’ve served many dinners and enjoyed meals together with others, which teaches children to go and do likewise in their adult life.Generally speaking, caring for your child in the physical realm should be done in balance. Too little physical care reflects abuse or selfishness when we consistently ignore our family’s needs in favor of our own. Overindulgence, on the other hand, is just as destructive and leads to us spoiling our kids. Giving our children too many things decreases their appreciation for the benefits of work and reduces their incentive to provide a few things for themselves. Pushing a child to reach for physical perfection by demanding the best in appearance or the top spot at beauty pageants and athletic competitions counteracts healthy nurturing, no matter how well-intentioned the parent may be.2. The Mental and Intellectual Realm of Nurturing When we delve beneath the surface of our children’s physical needs, we find the mental realm of nurturing. How do we define nurture when it comes to our kids’ minds?Studies indicate that parents can affect their child’s IQ, interests, and abilities simply by reading aloud to them. According to early education expert and author Betty Bardige, “Reading aloud to young children is not only one of the best activities to stimulate language and cognitive skills; it also builds motivation, curiosity, and memory.” 1Research shows that when you read aloud to your children, you expose them to more words, which improves vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and general knowledge. Vocabulary is closely related to academic success, and it’s a key area on IQ tests. One study shows that as early as age two, children who are read to regularly display greater language comprehension, larger vocabularies, and higher cognitive skills than their peers. 2Researchers have also noted a connection between a child’s IQ score and how well that child is attached (or bonded) to his or her mother. One study of 36 middle-class mothers and their three-year-olds discovered that securely attached children scored 12 points higher on the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale than insecurely attached children.3So you see, ...
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    25 mins
  • The Session: Ways that we make singles feel invisible in the church

    The Session: Ways that we make singles feel invisible in the church
    Jun 27 2024
    10 Ways We Unintentionally Make Singles Feel Invisible in the ChurchBy Brenda Rogers, ibelieve.comI dreaded Sunday; it was my least favorite day of the week. I went to church, but not Bible study because there wasn't a class for me. I sat on the pew alone watching married couples in front of me holding hands. Then I quietly slipped out. After all, I was single.I was most aware of my singleness when I went to church on Sunday mornings. It was like a sign hung from my neck, tagging me as someone to treat with kid-gloves or to not engage at all.That was about 10 years ago, and since then, there has been more conversation about singleness in the church. This is good. However, we need to keep this topic in the front of our minds or else we'll miss an entire group of people who need discipling and shepherding just as much as anyone else.Here are 10 ways we unintentionally make singles feel invisible in the church:1. Believe They Have Ulterior MotivesAfter a training session on serving in the children's ministry, I went up to the male speaker to ask a question about what he was teaching us. He was fidgety and short with his answers – obviously uncomfortable. After that awkward interaction, I thought more about it, wondering why he acted that way. Then it hit me – I was a single woman talking to a married man. The room was filled with people, and my question was about the training he presented, but he may have seen me as someone with ulterior motives.There's no doubt that Christian men and women, single and married, need to be vigilant of snares from the enemy. He is prowling around like a lion waiting to kill, steal, and destroy our families, ministries, and callings. It is prudent and wise to treat interactions with the opposite sex, married or single, differently so that Satan does not get a foothold. However, we cannot operate under the fear that single people always have an ulterior motive when talking to someone of the opposite sex. Single people are not out to find a spouse or steal a spouse no matter the cost. We shouldn't treat them as if they are.2. Don't Include Them in Sermon ExamplesI've sat in church listening to sermons and thought, "What about the people who are single?" I used to be one of those people, and it was disheartening to hear a sermon where the emphasis of all life's struggles centered around being a spouse and parent. When we ignore an entire group of people in our congregations, it shows that we do not see them or understand them.Pastors and other church leaders, along with the congregation, should make understanding the needs of singles a priority so that they can address their needs in sermons and in other places within the church. This is how we love them. The opportunity is before us to disciple people before they are married so that, by God's grace, they make wise and healthy decisions and build strong marriages and families in the future. To ignore this group of people is a missed opportunity.Plus, single people can teach married people so much about modern culture that they may not realize in the context of marriage and family. I have found for myself that family life creates a sort of bubble where I become sheltered from issues in the world. Singles can help pop that bubble.3. Don't Talk to Them Like AdultsOnce at a social event, I was the only single woman. As I stood with a group of the women, one of them declared, "We really shouldn't be talking about this with Brenda here." Humiliation covered my face. She put me in a different category and made me feel like a child. The best way to understand singles is to befriend them not out of pity or even mentorship, but out of genuine desire for their friendship. Just treat them like you would any other adult and treat their friendship like any other friendship.4. Convey the Message that Singleness is a SinThe message that singleness is a sin is subtle, but it's there. I believe culture has a lot to do with this. The truth is people are waiting longer to get married for self-focused reasons - to travel, get advanced degrees, move up in a career, accumulate wealth, and enjoy the freedom of singleness. However, rushing into marriage or marrying an unequally yoked person can be an act of disobedience just as much as staying single for selfish reasons. Remember, the Bible tells us that people should not be unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14).The decision to marry or stay single is a matter of the heart. I don't mean the romantic heart, but your heart relationship with Jesus. It's an act of obedience. An act of worship. An act of service. A person's decision to marry is uniquely personal. It will look different as God leads people differently.The state of singleness itself is not sinful. It does not inherently mean that a person is selfish or wants to date around or sow their oats. After all, Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 7:38 that a person who stays single does even better than a person who marries. 5. Believe They are Doing ...
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    25 mins
  • The Session: Ask Me Anything!

    The Session: Ask Me Anything!
    Jun 20 2024

    "Ask me anything". You ever say it, and instantly say to yourself, "What WAS I thinking"? But you all provided a great mix of serious and fun question for this episode! So many, in fact, that we had to do an additional segment which did NOT make it to air on Rise FM! We can't guarantee that we answered in the order below, but we think we got to all them...

    The Session: Ask Me Anything!

    We chose to leave the name out due to the topic: So middle age and single..how would you advise people to meet other singles? That walk the Christian walk. I’ve already tried my home Church there are none and it’s a good size church .

    Same thing as the question above: To Tom: what would you tell the family of a man who's being abandoned by them when he has invited them over many times?

    David: How can I help my sons take more ownership in their school work?

    For Tom: How long have you been a counselor/life coach?

    For both of you: Where did you go to school?

    For both of you: Did either of you play sports in high school or college?

    For both of you: At what age did each of you become a Christian?

    For both of you: Have you ever experienced any miracles in your life?


    Theresa: Scott, how did you end up doing radio in Mansfield when you are from Columbus?

    Theresa: How did you decide how many children you would have?

    Theresa: Have you ever thought about divorce?

    Angie: What is your earliest memory that sticks with you and how does it shape you today?

    Laura:What are the weaknesses you have that your spouse has so graciously overlooked. When they offer grace to pay no mind to it, how does it help you?

    Laura: What's a secret bucket list item that you have that you haven't really told anyone.

    Laura: What is a fear that you wish you could overcome, but it still has you paralyzed?

    Laura: What is one of the goofiest things you have done in life, maybe in a talent show, skit, embarrassing moment?

    Heather:

    1. What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you? Or that you did?

    2. How did your parents/upbringing influence your spiritual growth?

    3. What did your parents teach you about parenting that you definitely use(d) yourself? And what did they teach you that you definitely DON'T/Didn't use?

    4. What was your favorite job you ever had before what you are doing now? and why?

    I won't say which of our spouses submitted this…who’s your favorite wife?

    For TOM: Where did the term “bedroom Olympics” come from?
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    43 mins
  • The Session: Imaginary Friends

    The Session: Imaginary Friends
    Jun 13 2024

    I promise....Tom and I are not just voices in your head OR imaginary friends! We are real people! And in this episode, we share some important information that parents need to hear about the imaginary friends your kids may have. We get real in this episode too. They have popped up in both of our families.

    The Session: Imaginary Friends

    Research suggests that imaginary friends are normal for children and can have many benefits.

    II Timothy 2:7: Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

    · A best friend is someone who is supportive and reliable.

    · Benefits of an imaginary friend

    You receive: attention, affirmation, approval, acceptance

    · Cognitive development -imaginary friends can help children develop skills like perspective-taking, problem-solving, and social communication.

    · Emotional well-being-Imaginary friends can help children learn how to deal with difficult emotions and may be a coping mechanism for stress, trauma, or loneliness.

    · Social skills -Imaginary friends can help children practice interacting with others and their environment.

    · Creativity -Children with imaginary friends tend to be more creative and confident.

    · Insight into a child's mind -Watching a child interact with an imaginary friend can help parents learn more about their child's thoughts, feelings, likes, and dislikes. Research Educational and Child Psychology , 34 (3)

    5 purposes for having an imaginary friend

    In 2017, researchers described these five purposes for having an imaginary friend:

    1. problem-solving and emotion management

    2. exploring ideals

    3. having a companion for fantasy play

    4. having someone to overcome loneliness

    5. allowing children to explore behaviors and roles in relationships



    Focus On The Family

    Imaginary friends are normal. The imaginary friend will usually disappear as your child matures and builds friendships with real-life peers.

    When will imaginary friends usually appear?

    Is there an age where a parent should be concerned if the imaginary friend is still present and very involved with their child?
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    25 mins
  • The Session: Father's Day, part 2

    The Session: Father's Day, part 2
    Jun 6 2024
    NOTE: If you would like to send us a question for our “Ask me Anything” episode, please email scott@risefmohio.com or tom.hccm@gmail.com We would love to hear from you! Serious or silly, it doesn’t matter! Father’s Day, Part 1 (We didn’t intend for a 2-parter, but it’s us, so….)Luke 15:20So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Father’s Day is:· A day to be thankful for the men who take on the responsibility and obligations of guiding us through life.· Jesus gave thanks to the Father as an example to us. Father’s Day is the time we designate to thank our earthly fathers and our Heavenly Father, just as our Savior did. Stephen Scott & Focus on the Family.· Scripture clearly shows the importance of the relationship between Jesus and God, the Father· John 20:17 is a good example; Jesus said, 'Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'How do fathers want to be celebrated on Father’s Day?· They are more into a family activity. That may mean a hike or a family kickball game. They may enjoy a family bike ride.· If you're wanting to surprise the father of your children this Father's Day, plan a romantic night or weekend getaway. Yes!!God, our Heavenly Father, is the ultimate example of a righteous father. Even amid our shortcomings, His love is complete and endless. He invites us to talk with Him in prayer. He wants us to be happy. Through Jesus Christ, we can know God as our heavenly Father. In a sense, the Creator is the Father of all humanity. However, it's only through trusting in Jesus that a person becomes a child of God (Galatians 3:26).—Jesus calls God “Father” over 165 times! See how important this is to God? And I wish I could say Jesus settled the matter. But, no—to this day God longs to be called "Father." He will forever want His children, seeking those who walk away. But in the New Testament, although God remains holy and majestic in our eyes, Jesus adds a strikingly clear emphasis on God as Father—both his Father and our Father (John 20:17). It is Jesus who calls God “Abba, Father” (Mark 14:36). It is Jesus who teaches us to pray to God as our Father (Matt. 6:9). Ray Ortlund said, “That God the Father has made himself God our Father means that he is personally, emotionally, and even sacrificially involved with us.” Step Dads Let’s celebrate all the dads who, like our Heavenly Father, selflessly infuse their own spirit into the lives of others. Is there someone in your life that fills that father role – thank him today. A special note from a stepdaughter to a stepdad, from LuAnn Prater-“I was thinking about it, and there is a difference between Dad and Step-dad. A Dad just is. It’s Dad. But the word Step is one of those polite substitutes for what it truly is: a LEAP; a PLUNGE; a FREEFALL on to the side of an unknown mountain, knowing no matter where you land on it – you MUST climb and fair the weather along the way if you want to reach the top. A different view for step childrenThe Step – “much like the jagged blender blades which create the blended family – is what it takes to bridge the chasm from your heart to mine. And you took that Step, that Leap, that Plunge. I cannot thank you enough. You stand by me. You listen – really listen. And perhaps what most impresses me is that you opened your arms to me – from the first day we met. You were willing to love me, and hold me. For once I could be held by a man and trust, to feel SAFE. I cannot thank you enough…for being a father to me…my incredible Step-dad. I love you, Tiffany.” What causes a stepchild to resist the relationship with a step parent?· Comparing a parent to your biological parent· Fear of losing a bio parent because there is a step parent in the picture· Lack of trust and not having control in their lives that cost them their bio parentLet’s look at Father’s Day and a familiar Bible story from a different perspective. Let’s look at the story of the Prodigal Son from the Father’s perspective. What can we learn from him, and from God, about a father? An additional resource for another “dad” story and perspective: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/pro-life/what-fathers-day-means-to-me/
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    25 mins
  • The Session: Father's Day, part 1

    The Session: Father's Day, part 1
    May 30 2024
    NOTE: If you would like to send us a question for our “Ask me Anything” episode, please email scott@risefmohio.com or tom.hccm@gmail.com We would love to hear from you! Serious or silly, it doesn’t matter! Father’s Day, Part 1 (We didn’t intend for a 2-parter, but it’s us, so….Luke 15:20So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Father’s Day is:· A day to be thankful for the men who take on the responsibility and obligations of guiding us through life.· Jesus gave thanks to the Father as an example to us. Father’s Day is the time we designate to thank our earthly fathers and our Heavenly Father, just as our Savior did. Stephen Scott & Focus on the Family.· Scripture clearly shows the importance of the relationship between Jesus and God, the Father· John 20:17 is a good example; Jesus said, 'Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'How do fathers want to be celebrated on Father’s Day?· They are more into a family activity. That may mean a hike or a family kickball game. They may enjoy a family bike ride.· If you're wanting to surprise the father of your children this Father's Day, plan a romantic night or weekend getaway. Yes!!God, our Heavenly Father, is the ultimate example of a righteous father. Even amid our shortcomings, His love is complete and endless. He invites us to talk with Him in prayer. He wants us to be happy. Through Jesus Christ, we can know God as our heavenly Father. In a sense, the Creator is the Father of all humanity. However, it's only through trusting in Jesus that a person becomes a child of God (Galatians 3:26).—Jesus calls God “Father” over 165 times! See how important this is to God? And I wish I could say Jesus settled the matter. But, no—to this day God longs to be called "Father." He will forever want His children, seeking those who walk away. But in the New Testament, although God remains holy and majestic in our eyes, Jesus adds a strikingly clear emphasis on God as Father—both his Father and our Father (John 20:17). It is Jesus who calls God “Abba, Father” (Mark 14:36). It is Jesus who teaches us to pray to God as our Father (Matt. 6:9). Ray Ortlund said, “That God the Father has made himself God our Father means that he is personally, emotionally, and even sacrificially involved with us.” Step Dads Let’s celebrate all the dads who, like our Heavenly Father, selflessly infuse their own spirit into the lives of others. Is there someone in your life that fills that father role – thank him today. A special note from a stepdaughter to a stepdad, from LuAnn Prater-“I was thinking about it, and there is a difference between Dad and Step-dad. A Dad just is. It’s Dad. But the word Step is one of those polite substitutes for what it truly is: a LEAP; a PLUNGE; a FREEFALL on to the side of an unknown mountain, knowing no matter where you land on it – you MUST climb and fair the weather along the way if you want to reach the top. A different view for step childrenThe Step – “much like the jagged blender blades which create the blended family – is what it takes to bridge the chasm from your heart to mine. And you took that Step, that Leap, that Plunge. I cannot thank you enough. You stand by me. You listen – really listen. And perhaps what most impresses me is that you opened your arms to me – from the first day we met. You were willing to love me, and hold me. For once I could be held by a man and trust, to feel SAFE. I cannot thank you enough…for being a father to me…my incredible Step-dad. I love you, Tiffany.” What causes a stepchild to resist the relationship with a step parent?· Comparing a parent to your biological parent· Fear of losing a bio parent because there is a step parent in the picture· Lack of trust and not having control in their lives that cost them their bio parentLet’s look at Father’s Day and a familiar Bible story from a different perspective. Let’s look at the story of the Prodigal Son from the Father’s perspective. What can we learn from him, and from God, about a father? An additional resource for another “dad” story and perspective: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/pro-life/what-fathers-day-means-to-me/
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    25 mins