My eldest turns 20 today. 20! So if you happen to see him down there at Southern Seminary, give him a quick and introvert-appropriate “happy birthday.” (And yes, it’s just about killing me that he’s 600 miles away from me today!)
Today’s Kindle deals include a few “odds and ends.”
Westminster Books has a deal on the new Big Theology for Little Hearts series of books for young children.
(Yesterday on the blog: Living as Christians in the Age of AI)
Why David’s Census was Wrong
Obviously we know that David’s census was wrong since God made that perfectly clear. But what’s less clear is exactly the nature of the offense. Barry York offers his take here.
How Expedia Solved a $100 Million Customer Service Nightmare
Not only did travel company Expedia realize they were dealing with a massive customer service problem, but they also realized it was totally avoidable. There are lessons to learn from it.
How Can Couples Heal After Adultery?
John Piper deals compassionately with the trauma of adultery and the hope of healing. “Two things about this question make me especially thankful, and it’s not the pain of the adultery being addressed. First, it’s that this couple has enough courage and compassion to lean into other people’s sorrow, rather than leaning away — which is the easy thing to do. And second, they’re not assuming that divorce is the right counsel. We live in a day where people are trying, it seems to me, to see divorce as more legitimate, rather than less legitimate. And I am thankful that’s not the way this couple is leaning.”
Pandemics, Market Crashes, and Retirement Stewardship
Whenever there is volatility in the markets, people are prone to worry, and especially those who are nearing (or past) the end of their years of earning. Chris Cagle offers some helpful thoughts here that will serve you now, if you’ve seen your portfolio take a hit because of the coronavirus volatility, or in the future.
Indefinite or Limited Terms for Elders
Should elders who are chosen by their churches be expected to serve for life or serve out a term? That’s a tricky question with no clear, biblical answer. Stephen Kneale provides his take here. (I’m currently kind of wavering between the two positions.)
An Open Letter to the Younger Women of the Church
Susan Hunt has penned an open letter to the younger women of the church, calling them toward a particular kind of ministry.
Spiritual Abuse Definition Debated by UK Christians
CT reports on debates in the UK about defining “spiritual abuse.” While I don’t think there are many people who would deny that abuse happens by spiritual leaders, it is proving surprisingly difficult to define the term in a really helpful way. “At issue is how to define the controversial phrase, how to determine its limits and scope, and how to appropriately prevent and address it.”
Flashback: 10 Lessons on Parenting Big(ger) Kids
When my youngest turned 10 and graduated from the little kid stage, I wrote 10 Lessons on Parenting Little Ones. Now, with my oldest turning 18, I thought it would be fun to compile some thoughts on parenting bigger ones.
We are indeed very sparing of ourselves in trouble, and do soon begin to think that we are low and tried enough, and therefore would be delivered; but our wise Lord seeth that we need more.
—George Hutcheson
