Where's the Skateboard?

Sliding still worked just as well!

Luther dies but Calvin lives on.....

Recently Luther died, much to the chagrin of daddy and the disappointment of two little boys. So we decided to try our hand again at gecko parenting. Funny thing is we haven't killed a baby in four years but we certainly killed a gecko in four weeks. Pray for us!

Musings on Luther....And Other Oddities

If you are now reading this post in the hopes of gleaning some deep theological insights regarding one of the legendary figures of church history you will be disappointed if you read further. Though he bears the name of one of the great stalwarts of the doctrine of justification by faith alone, Luther the Lizard shares nothing else in common with Luther the Reformer. Despite the fact that I love posting on biblical/theological issues facing the family and the church, I could not help but take a moment and speak about Luther.

The apartment that Larissa, the boys, and I live in is essentially a pet free zone. No dogs and no cats. I am and always will be fine with the prohibition of cats, however, saying no to boys who really want a dog is pretty hard. The big man, in particular, can't get enough of any dog that comes within a hundred feet. For awhile this has been difficult for me. Though my boys have not made a big deal about it, I have known for a while that they would love to have a pet. Of course, what kind of pet could meet the approval of housing and momma.

I had all but given up on getting a pet while here at midwestern due primarily to the fact that I can't stand hamsters or goldfish. Then I had a run-in with a Leopard Gecko . I knew right away that this was an animal I could live with. They are relatively easy to take care of and feed. No walking, no paper training, no drool. You just watch him and feed him, which by the way is particularly cool since he loves crickets and makes a pretty good show out of catching them (translation: daddies and little boys love it).

No doubt the greatest plus about Luther, however, is that he has already brought many a smile to two small faces and one big face. Larissa shared with me the other day that the big man told her "I have a pet too, momma." In the grand scheme of eternity Luther will not matter much, but the opportunity to love on my boys and bond with them (even in a small way) is irreplacable. Needless to say, if you are looking for pet but limited by space or restrictions, I would most certainly recommend a Leopard Gecko. And be sure to name him after a great figure in church history so that 10 years from now you can answer your child's question that might go something like this "Where did you get a name like Luther?"

A Small Gift To Fathers

For the fathers who may visit this blog I want to wish you all a most happy Father's Day. To my dad, Milton, and my father-in-law, Joe, I want to say in particular that I am more thankful for the two of you than I could ever express. Larissa and I were and are enormously fortunate to have you as dads. We hope you two, in particular, have a most blessed Father's Day.

As one father to many other fathers, I want to offer up a small gift to all of you. Included in this post is a list of books that will be helpful to you as you labor to fulfill your role as a husband and father. I have made comments on some of the following recommendations and some I have not. I did this primarily because I am more familiar with some of the books than I am with the others. However, all of the books are highly recommended. If a book happens to interest you simply click on the book info and you will be directed to a link where the book can be purchased. As you read and hopefully enjoy these books remember that the truths they espouse were not conjured up by their authors. Instead they were gleaned from God's precious and perfect word. Feast on and savor the Bible, first and foremost. It is here where you will find the best guidance for your marriage and your family. Then take up and read the books listed here. You will not be disappointed.

Each For The Other by Bryan Chapell

Strengthening Your Marriage by Wayne Mack
This is an excellent book written by a seasoned husband, father, author, and biblical counselor. Mack is a very good writer -- throughly biblical and practical. Read this book with your wife and most definitely do not neglect his book recommendations or the helpful study guides at the end of each chapter.

The Exemplary Husband by Stuart Scott

Thoughts for Young Men by J. C. Ryle
Though written specifically for teenage boys, you would be foolish to think this book would not be helpful for you. Whether young or old, these thoughts will challenge you to be a man worthy to be so called.

Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
This book is a classic! Much like Mack's work listed above, you should read this with your wife. Every page is full of sound wisdom for fathers (and mothers for that matter). Outside of scripture, I know of no book better able to guide parents in the most difficult but most important ministry they will ever have.

Don't Make Me Count To Three by Ginger Plowman
My wife loved this book. Though definitely written more for a mom than a dad, fathers do not overlook this book. Plowman has been heavily influenced by Tedd Tripp and Lou Priolo (two very wise and godly men). Read Tripp first but make Plowman a close second.

Age of Opportunity by Paul Tripp
Paul Tripp is one of my favorite authors. If you have teenagers in your home get this book and read it right away! If you have young children soon to be teenagers put this book on your reading list and do not neglect to read it.

Peacemaking for Families by Ken Sande

Disciplines of a Godly Family by R. Kent Hughes and Barbara Hughes

Thoughts on Family Worship by J.W. Alexander
An excellent book by a 19th century pastor and seminary professor. Though it is an old book, it deals with subject matter that will never cease to be timely or important. I have no doubt that this book will spur you on to better more biblical leadership in your home.