Author Archives: admin

Parents: The Goal of Our Instruction is Love

When we have done our best to give instruction in the lives of our kids or in our workplace and it is time to let them go and make independent choices, I love the simple assurance of Paul to his disciple Timothy as he goes out into a world of false teaching and confusion. Paul’s instruction to Timothy simply says that the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Continue reading

Posted in Family Leadership | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Parents: The Goal of Our Instruction is Love

Community Service: Learn New Skills, Help Neighbors, Build Character

We invested 4 hours at Johnson Chapel in Northeast Houston and gained a memory for a lifetime. We created memories of service to the community, a memory of learning about construction and repairs, and a memory of working together. To be honest none of us were looking forward to getting up early Saturday morning for a service project. My two sons have little to no construction experience and were anxious about their lack of ability to contribute. Continue reading

Posted in Family Adventures, Family Leadership, Meet the Applegates | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Community Service: Learn New Skills, Help Neighbors, Build Character

Are You Crazy? Francis Chan Challenges Us to Eternal Thinking

I enjoy reading books that make you think deeply and question what you really believe. I am currently reading Francis Chan’s Crazy Love. I thought I would simple restate some of his words that have challenged me in my busy little world. Continue reading

Posted in Family Vision, Mission, Core Values | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Are You Crazy? Francis Chan Challenges Us to Eternal Thinking

Christians Celebrate the of Feast of Tabernacles

So, as Christians, we celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles to look back to when God dwelled in the wilderness camp, to when His shekinah glory filled theTemple, and to when He lived in the flesh among us in Jesus.
Continue reading

Posted in Family Vision, Mission, Core Values, Meet the Applegates | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Christians Celebrate the of Feast of Tabernacles

Intentionally Preparing Your Children and Those You Lead for Difficult Times

In our home life raising our kids or in our business life leading and managing our companies, being intentional and spotting teachable moments to coach your family and co-workers requires discipline. It requires discipline to prepare your mind to think higher thoughts, see through others eyes, hear through others ears, and have the spirit to speak the right words and wise counsel that the moment requires. As a mom, dad or manager you must prepare yourself for these moments. I am writing to suggest a few things to do to put yourself in a position to recognize and take advantage of these teachable moments. Continue reading

Posted in Family Leadership, Rites of Passage | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Intentionally Preparing Your Children and Those You Lead for Difficult Times

Saying Grace in Public Places: Leading Your Family by Doing the Right Thing and Sharing a Powerful Testimony of Faith

It is often said that leadership is doing the right thing. As Christian parents and role models we have a great privilege to lead our family in doing the right thing. I challenge you regardless of the company you are with to never share a meal with your family without taking a moment to bow your head and express true gratitude for the provision, mercy and saving grace that God has given you. Continue reading

Posted in Family Leadership | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Saying Grace in Public Places: Leading Your Family by Doing the Right Thing and Sharing a Powerful Testimony of Faith

Knowing Truth is the Foundation for Teaching Your Family to Make Good Decisions

Knowing truth is the foundation upon making good decisions. However in the world of educated relativity that we live in truth has become accepted as truth interpreted by the wisdom of man. I believe that God has ordered the world and has made His truth to be universally known. Continue reading

Posted in Family Leadership, Family Vision, Mission, Core Values | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Knowing Truth is the Foundation for Teaching Your Family to Make Good Decisions

Room Improvements Make Great Dad and Daughter Memories

Dads and sons have many natural opportunities through sports, outdoors, and hobbies to find opportunities to spend time together.  It is often more difficult to find opportunities for Dads to spend time sharing an activity with their daughters.  Let me … Continue reading

Posted in Family Vision, Mission, Core Values | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Room Improvements Make Great Dad and Daughter Memories

Learning to Finish What You Start Even When The Project Doesn’t Work Out

My son was over his head and really would have preferred to back out of the project. My neighbor and I discussed the situation and recognizing this was as much about teaching a life lesson to my son as it was about fixing the problem thought it would be good to push through the problem and work toward a satisfactory solution. Continue reading

Posted in Family Adventures, Family Leadership, Rites of Passage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Learning to Finish What You Start Even When The Project Doesn’t Work Out

How Can A Young Man Keep His Way Pure?

As fathers, mothers, and leaders of our family it is our responsibility to train our children to make good choices and know truth. At Baylor University I pledged a fraternity where each member Continue reading

Posted in Family Leadership, Rites of Passage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on How Can A Young Man Keep His Way Pure?