Tom Lane | Influence of a FatherTom Lane | Influence of a Father
The blog of Pastor Tom Lane
Staying in Touch
Sat, 01 Nov 2008
Communication is critical in all aspects of life. We are fortunate to live in a day when many options are available for staying in touch. We have letters, cards, phone calls and messages, text messages, emails, facebook, my space, and twitter just to name a few. For those of us in the “Boomer” generation we [...]
A System of Rewards
Wed, 20 Feb 2008
As parents our role is to model God to our children. Our own concept of God and His nature has been fashioned by our parents this is indisputable. Through our parenting we, as well, will become the single greatest influence that shapes our children’s concept of God. In my opinion this is the greatest responsibility of parenting because it [...]
Christmas
Tue, 25 Dec 2007
Is Christmas a celebration of Christ’s birth or is it a pagan celebration of materialism? Does it confuse our children if we mix Santa with the true meaning of Christmas as a celebration of Christ’s birth? Should we decorate or even exchange gifts? Although Jan and I did not struggle with most of these questions when our [...]
Empowerment
Fri, 14 Dec 2007
Our family enjoys boating. It has been a family activity that has provided enjoyment and a variety of experiences. When you boat but don’t live on a lake the process of getting to the lake can be challenging; getting kids, coolers, towels, friends, food and last but least the boat to the lake has given [...]
Attitude of Gratitude
Sat, 24 Nov 2007
An attitude of gratitude is one of the greatest things we can impart to our children. Psalm 100 tells us to come into God’s presence with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise. Gratitude in it’s simplest form is a heart of thankfulness that open doors with God. It will also open doors with people. It [...]
Leopards Don’t Change Their Spots
Sat, 27 Oct 2007
When I was in my late twenties an older mentor and friend was encouraging me to make a job change. Although I saw it as a great risk he boldly guaranteed my success. I asked him to explain to me why he was so confident and he responded with this phrase, “Because leopards don’t change their spots [...]
Keep Your Eye on the Prize
Sat, 27 Oct 2007
Psalm 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their [...]
Words of Encouragement
Wed, 17 Oct 2007
I have a healthy self confidence. One of the major reasons I do is to my parents credit. I received encouragement and positive input on a daily basis from my parents. One of the most frequet things I remember my dad saying to me was that he was proud of me. He often told me that he [...]
Godliness
Wed, 10 Oct 2007
It is tempting to think that if we take our children to Sunday School; if we have family devotions; or if we make them participate in a host of other religous activities that they will become godly. There is nothing wrong with religous activities and disciplines. In fact, we did them with our children and I encourage parents to do God centered activities with [...]
Influence
Thu, 04 Oct 2007
I have a mantra for my life and it is this; “You are an influence or you are being influenced.” I measure things in my life from this perspective and I have done the same for my children. Ask any one of my children and they will tell you that this is the grid from [...]
