The Heart of the Matter

Sooner or later parents learn that they need help outside of themselves. We are embarked on a very difficult journey; to keep our marriage vows and raise up our children in a fallen world. There is no perfect Mom, Dad, or child. There is no perfect marriage. There is no perfect family. This is because real people are involved. We all fail in various ways. It is my hope that the parenting and marriage advice on this site provide answers, encouragement, and real help to issues you may be facing. And while help from other people can be so vital, it can only take you so far. You need help from God.

Marriage and family is a creation of God. The idea of a man and woman joining together in marriage is God’s. The concept that children would be produced from this union is God’s. And the exhortation to train up our children in His ways also comes from God. But in fact, we can not teach our children anything we don’t know nor lead them anywhere we haven’t gone. Further, when life gets difficult and you need more than merely tips and techniques in marriage and family but spiritual strength, hope, and wisdom, it is our Creator that we must turn to in prayer.

The Bible teaches that God loves us all so much that He sent His only Son Jesus to intervene in the plight of this world. The Scriptures also teach that through His death and resurrection, we can put our lives and faith (and marriages and children) into His capable hands and He “saves us” (rescues us) from the eternal consequences of corruption and gives us “life”. His Spirit living in us, His wisdom available to us, His guidance to direct us, His forgiveness where we stumble, His intervention where things are out of our control, His promises that we can rely on. Jesus said “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest”. Are you tired of trying everything else and still finding emptiness in life, marriage, and parenting? It starts with a prayer. God will hear you. He loves you. To me, this is “the heart of the matter”.

As a married man of almost eighteen years, I know the challenges marriages face today. As a father of four children, I understand a parent’s need for wisdom. As a Christian I know where to go for help. As a pastor, I feel it is a big part of my calling to “Help Families”. If you would like to know more about Jesus, my family, the church that I pastor or some other really great ministries, go to www.calvarychapel.org/ojai .
Thanks and may God bless your home.

Sincerely, Dan Nelson,
founder/owner HelpingFamily.com