Insight for Living Canada - LifeTrac Podcast

Leviticus 18:4-5Sometimes we seem inundated by laws and rules, but whether or not we like them they're usually there for a reason. The same goes for God's Word. He gives us laws for our protection and well-being. When we go against God's laws we find ourselves living with regret, disappointment, and heartache.

Ephesians 5:33Do you know what the basic needs of your spouse are? When needs aren't met it's easy for a relationship to find itself in a state of disrepair. Here are the five major needs of husbands and wives.

1 Peter 4:8-10Sometimes when things don't go our way we get upset. Changing our perspective on the situation may be all we need to calm down.

Proverbs 22:6You nurture when you cultivate your children and help them know who they are. It's a bit like cultivating bamboo. You put a lot of work in and don't see many results at first but perseverance pays off!

Hebrews 5:14There are few things cuter than the cluelessness of children. However, there are few things more tragic than an adult living a clueless life.

1 Corinthians 15:34Old habits are hard to break. Sometimes we do what is wrong inadvertently, but sometimes we know we've done wrong but because we've done it so long we don't stop—even though we hurt ourselves and sometimes others.

Ephesians 4:11-13We all have special gifts and abilities from God. While it's good to venture out of our comfort zones, here's a humorous illustration of why we shouldn't force people to go too far outside the area of their gifting.

Hebrews 5:13-14In the process of being nurtured, children learn the quality of their parents' love (security), the limits of their own liberty (maturity), and the characteristics of a healthy independence (purity).

1 Samuel 16:7Clothing may polish the image, but it doesn't polish the character. You've heard the statement “You never have a second chance to make a first impression,” but does how you dress have anything to do with the inside? How do you polish that?

Romans 13:13Ever heard of the cookie jar syndrome? It's when there is a set of beliefs very carefully in place but there isn't the behaviour to give it authenticity. Belief and behaviour always go hand-in-hand. And they go in that order.

Ephesians 6:4Your child needs you to help know who he is. Parents, spend more time affirming and encouraging your child for what he does right than for disciplining and correcting for what he does wrong. Children get security from their parents to know who they are, to like who they are, and to be who they are.

Titus 2:3-5Raising kids is neither an easy task nor for the faint-hearted. Here are a few humorous tests to determine if you're ready for kids. New parent? You're going to love this LifeTrac!

Romans 13:7There is more than one kind of stealing. Sometimes we have to confront one another but be careful of how you do this because you may be guilty of the same thing! Pay people what you owe them. If you don't, you are stealing—that's how it works!

1 Thessalonians 5:11When self-esteem is missing from our lives we erect defences, wear masks, or become clowns. But when we have self-esteem we are able to love, give of ourselves, and pull the best out of others.

Job 32:6-8Aging is inevitable. Before we know it, we're halfway through life. If you're going through a mid-life crisis, now is a good time to make some positive changes. Start by putting joy and laughter back into your life.

Matthew 19:4-6In your family you will discover clues revealing maturity happening in your children. Tell them so. Let them go. Here is Chuck Swindoll's story about his first car and how he learned a lesson in maturity and responsibility.

Genesis 2:23-24How old is your child going to have to be until you think you can let them go out into the world? Here are some rules for letting your children go.

Hebrews 12:5What do you do when you lose heart? We've all been there. You're so discouraged you just want to give up. One of the best cures for discouragement is a good laugh.

1 Timothy 3:4Want a confident family? Focus on building into each other a sense of worth and value. Chuck Swindoll shares one way his family builds into each other when words just aren't enough.

1 Thessalonians 3:8-13Adolescence is both an amazing and challenging time…for kids and parents! Here is some practical and realistic advice for getting through the years of change.

Romans 14:22Through this story of the rescue of two trapped whales, Chuck points out how eager we are to help in these situations, but how slow we are to set one another free from our own lists, inhibitions, restrictions, and expectations.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7Ever have a conflict of the wills between you and your child? Let's face it: it's easy to give kids mixed messages. We want to be consistent, but we aren't. We say we're going to do what we've planned to do, and then we don't. To learn to be consistent, listen to these four essentials to training up your children.

Hebrews 4:16These 12 important words from Chuck Swindoll are helpful for those who are in a transition time. These words, put into practice, will leave you more secure, self-confident, and not afraid to fly free.

Psalms 139:13Have you ever been told you're a marvel? Do you feel genuinely unique, and capable of whatever you dream of? You will never know how empowering your children with confidence and security will help them know and accept and be who they are.

Proverbs 28:26There's nothing like a hot blast of reality to blow us off the end of a limb of theory. We think we have it all put together and then we discover how much we still have to learn.

Proverbs 2:12One of the benefits of having a married partner in life is you have someone who will rescue you. Not to enable one another, but a genuine and wise rescue, where if you didn't have your partner to take you in another direction, you would deeply regret your actions.

Ephesians 6:4No one's upbringing was perfect, least of all Chuck Swindoll's. His childhood reminiscing has some good lessons for parents.

Titus 2:6-8Do your words and actions meet up? Your kids may not hear what you're saying but they definitely notice what you do. Kids benefit from authenticity. If you're not consistent, they will turn you off.

Hebrews 13:7As an adult you impact others' lives. Don't forget that. Your life is on display whether you like it or not, and most of us don't like it.

Psalms 126:5Children need the tenderness and compassion only a mother can give. The warmth and security of a mother's love keeps kids balanced, healthy, and confident.

Colossians 3:12Each day you can make a difference in someone's life. The people you come into contact with give you opportunities to extending kindness, courtesy, and compassion.

1 Timothy 5:13When is the last time someone should have looked you in the eye and said, “Mind your own business?” If you spend your time worrying about how others live, you're idle. You have too much time on your hands.

Psalms 30:5Tears have a language all their own. In some mysterious way, our bodies know their verbal limitations and then the tears come. One of the most significant contributions the legacy of a woman leaves upon the world is an unguarded tenderness. This softens our spirits and our souls. Don't stop. The world is hard—don't pick up on that. Stay tender.

Proverbs 17:6There are teachable moments in life where we suddenly realize we're adults (or, we're quickly on our way). One of the heaviest things you will carry is the difficult task of letting your children go. Have you released yours? Will you release them?

Colossians 2:6Think of all the ways you act in faith every day: you trust pharmacists to fill your prescription correctly, you trust pilots to get you safely to your destination, and you trust contractors to build properly. The funny thing is, when it comes to having faith in the Creator, people are often amazed at the thought of believing in a God we can't see.

Psalms 34:11Abraham Lincoln's childhood is legendary. Born into poverty with a travelling father and a simple mother who taught him to read and died when Lincoln was 10. Take a moment to ponder the question: where would Lincoln be without his mother? We have an incredible opportunity to shape our children no matter our situation.

1 Corinthians 12:20-26We live in a society of isolation and indifference. But the truth is, we need each other. When you're separate, you're weak. And if you think you can make it through life on your own, you're headed for a fall.

Psalms 113:9With every pleasure are hidden responsibilities. And sometimes with great pleasures, like being a mother, the responsibilities are also greater.

Philippians 4:11We have always been fascinated with stories—especially the ones beginning with those same four words “Once upon a time…” and ending with “And they all lived happily ever after.” Oh, that it were true! Living happily ever after only happens in fairy tales. Wish instead for a full life, one that's satisfied, godly, balanced…and reasonably sweet.

Psalms 107:28-30Calm evenings can turn quickly into stormy nights. What starts calmly as the beginning of a new school year can lead into storms of struggling to continue. What begins as a calm evening of marriage can lead into stormy nights through the passing years. No one is immune to these life surprises so make sure you're anchored to the One who can come the storm.

Romans 12:9Others may see you as someone you're not but God is never fooled. He notices everything and knows if you're a fake. When you stop trying to be someone else, you free yourself up to be who you are.

Philippians 3:12-14Unrealistic expectations are nothing more than the temptation to be perfect and to expect it from others. Rather than looking at what isn't done perfectly, focus instead on what has been accomplished.

2 Chronicles 7:14A repentant spirit is rarely found in our litigious society. How seldom we say or hear the words, “I'm wrong. I am sorry.”

Proverbs 3:11-14When attitudes need to be put in check, tough love is required. Parenting is challenging, but it's also the most rewarding and gratifying job you'll ever have.

Psalms 28:4Parents, you're only human. Everyone makes mistakes. But stay at it. Your family needs you!

Hebrews 13:4Infidelity destroys everything in its path—marriages, families, and the future. One of the greatest gifts you can give to your spouse and your family is your fidelity.

Ephesians 4:11-14The road to maturity is often long and difficult, but the rewards are well worth the journey, as you become a person who has a heart for both God and mankind.

1 Peter 5:8-10Bravery is not just limited to war—daily life can be a battlefield. If you're facing a tough situation requiring great courage don't compromise on what you believe. The world needs people who are committed to standing alone for the truth.

Mark 10:42-44We meet the same people every day but we often don't even know their names. Today, take time to greet the grocery store cashier or bank teller by name. A few words of kindness go a long way.

Joshua 1:9Resolutions are what we determine will happen, based on convictions, personal disciplines, strong purpose, clear vision, or a sense of mission. Predictions are things we anticipate might happen. These are based on assumptions, opinions, trends, or feelings. When you think about it, predictions and worry have a lot in common...they both forecast the future based on assumptions or feelings. They waste your energy and rob you of the joy of living today.

Galatians 6:9Think for a moment about the people you've known that have made a positive difference in your life. Leaving a legacy of helping others and making a difference is something we can all do.