It was 14 years ago I started driving Shelby to school. It started with preschool then we moved elementary. Later we added Gracie to the carpool. This week Shelby started driving herself and I must say I am having a hard time dealing with it. As my girls get older, I find myself thinking of the day they go off to college or get married. Have I done all I could to prepare them ? What bumps in the road will they face ? How can I be there for them ?
God I pray that I have done a good job as a dad !!!!!!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Reach Out To Him
Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage?
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each lad must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each lad must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Prayer Request
Several of you have called me lately with things going on in your lives. It is hard as a Sunday School teacher to see my friends burdened with problems. From time to time we each have bridges we must cross and God always holds our hand. Let us hold each other up in prayer as we struggle down life's path. My door is always open. I love each of you !!!!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Close To The Edge
We all have our weak moments. We all are tempted by sin. Our hope is that we are stronger than the temptation.
This week we are going to see that Joseph refused the strong temptation of sex. " His master's wife took notice of Joseph and said, 'Come to bed with me!' but he refused " Wow, what a temptation for a young single man. His refusal of sex even landed him in prison. His choice to do right got into a mess with his boss. How many times do we have choices in our lives ? Do we get too close to the edge ?
How did Joseph handle this injustice in his life ?
What gave Joseph the power to remain determined in his walk with God ?
How could God let this happen ?
Sex is a wonderful blessing giving by God. It is also a powerful tool used by satan to tempt us into sinning. Let's don't get too close to the edge.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Love From Jackson
I got to visit with Matt, David and Candy Monday afternoon. Matt walked 150 feet and is looking forward to coming home soon. David and Candy send their love for us in the class and asked for continued prayers. I miss them and it was good to hug and shed a tear with them.
Pray for their family.
Pray for their family.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
I Hate You !!!
I Hate You !!! Have you ever heard those words ? They are strong and hurt. Someone not too long ago told me that they hated me. Those words hurt me. Just to hear that you are hated by someone can effect your christian walk around that person.
This week we are going to look at the hate that Joseph's brothers had for him. That hate would lead to Joseph being harmed at the hands of his brothers. It would be hard to understand what Joseph had to deal with knowing that his brothers disliked him so strongly.
What decisions have you had to make that seemed to result in adversity no matter what you decided ?
How do you handle those times when doing what is right means others might hate you ?
What helps you focus on carrying out your duty in midst of people who dislike you ?
Let's pray for each other.