Andrew Peterson Counting Stars, Playing Guitar, LIVE

A few weeks ago, I'd never heard of Andrew Peterson.

Then Steve mentioned that AP's new CD was full of songs about doing family.

Then, like someone who's never seen a white Toyota Sienna until after they buy one — and then that's the only car they seem to notice everywhere — I started seeing tweets about Andrew and his upcoming release of Counting Stars.

The next thing I know, Steve's scheduling dinner with Andrew and Steve Ford of Centricity Music, and time in the studio to record an interview for the Boundless Show.

And what an amazing time it was! This guy's album is a soundtrack for the life of a couple in the trenches of making a good marriage and raising kids for God's glory.

And his books have captured our kids' imaginations.

I hope you'll take a minute to listen to him play his guitar and talk about why family is at the center, right next to his passionate faith in God.

Recent Roundup

Tuesday Candice joined radio host Debbie Chavez to talk about being single, hoping for marriage, living like you're planning to marry, and more in an interview about Get Married.

The interview was live but she's posted a link to the archive here.

Also Tuesday, Boundless ran Candice's article How to Pray for a Husband.

If you've read "Pray Boldly," this will read like a part 2. If you haven't, it's a primer on the way we approach God in our desire for marriage. Here's an excerpt:

Things may not turn out how you want. In C.S. Lewis' The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Susan asked Mr. Beaver about Aslan saying, "Is he — quite safe?" Mr. Beaver replied, "Safe? Who said anything about safe? Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you." You can know that wherever your journey with Him leads, it will be good.

Believe God is able. Trust Him. But know that believing and trusting aren't the same as setting yourself up for bitter disappointment if He doesn't answer you the way you hope He will. God is calling us to faith, like Shadrach, Mesach and Abednego. (keep reading)

Suzanne Gosselin blogged about the article on theBoundless Line blog, talking about how she prayed for marriage when she was single, and how her husband prayed for her.

Monday's Q&A was in response to a question from a woman who dated a non-believer, conceived his child, had a miscarriage, and is now wondering if she needs to tell her family. That and how to move forward in a new relationship that has the potential to go to marriage. You can read the whole exchange in "Hope for a Broken Life."

Big Monday

Today is big. Not only is the sun back out, melting the ice from our still-vibrant autumn trees, but also Focus on the Family is airing the first of three days of broadcasts just for single women. Last spring Carolyn McCulley, John Fuller, Dr. Dobson and I met in the studio to talk about hope for marriage and practical ways women can help the process. And to try to explain Twitter to Dr. Dobson. True.

Today, the recordings are on air and online. (Though being on the show is still short of my life goal to have Dr. Dobson over for dinner. Maybe this is better.)

Encouraging the Blessing of Children

Listen to Russell Moore interview Steve on the Albert Mohler show about the challenges and opposition to having babies. It's not an ideal time or culture for starting a family. But then it never has been. Listen  here. 

Do Christians view children and families as a blessing from the Lord? Or have we, like the culture around us, bought into the idea that children are just another ‘lifestyle option’ for married couples? On today’s program, guest host Russell Moore welcomes Steve Watters to the program. Steve and Candice Watters are the authors of Start Your Family: Inspiration for Having Babies.