I remember growing up and thinking that my dad had no problems, worries or concerns. Now that I'm grown, I realize that we all have issues, but it's how we choose to handle them. Do we turn to others for guidance, a substance (alcohol or drugs), unhealthy relationships or retail therapy? Hopefully we turn to our Bible and have an active prayer life.
I know that as an adult, when I call my parents when I'm upset or stressed about a situation my dad will ask me if I've prayed about it. He always has a calming effect on me. It's great knowing that I can ask my parents to pray for me or with me about a situation or concern.
I treasure the fact that I was raised in a Christian home with boundaries and restrictions (can't say I loved it while some of my friends were doing what they pleased), but it paid off for both my earthly and spiritual life.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Proverbs 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver.

Permalink

"I say to you, respect the LORD and serve him with your whole heart. Do not worship idols that the other religions do. Serve the LORD and no other. But if you don't want to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer to serve the gods of other religions? Not me and my family; we will serve the LORD!" (Joshua 24:14-15)

I was blessed with parents who served and loved the Lord. I truly believe they used God's guidance to direct their lives. Dad was the provider of our home and mom the manager. Together their love for God and each other proved them to be a successful and organized team. They had difficult times as many normal families do and they studied and dealt with their challenges, giving us a secure and structured home. Our home didn't have all the newest gadgets and we didn't keep up with the Jones'; however, we lived comfortably and we never went without. My parents worked hard for our family, they always had time for us, and they showed us love and empathy no matter how their day went. Dad passed away some years ago and I have come to know through meeting people who knew him that he also served God's love to others. Even though he is no longer with us, like Jesus heis lovingly alive in our hearts and minds. Today Mom lives comfortably because of my dad and she continues to uphold love to the Lord, and she too serves this love others as well as to our family. My parents have shown me how a follower in Christ as well as a family in Christ can be wise, healthy and happy.

Permalink

Since this Sunday (June 17th) was Fathers Day. I've selected the verse Psalm 103:13 that kind of follows the theme: "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;" What this verse is saying, in my perspective, is that if we realize that God created everything and that his path is truly the best path for us to take, He will have compassion on us when we slip up. This is very similar to the compassion of a father towards his children. Kids make mistakes, but when they recognize that what they did was wrong and confront their father with the truth, the father has compassion on his child. Also, like many fathers, God already knows what it is that we've done, but unless we come back to God, ask for forgiveness, and realize again that his path is the one we need to walk, God has no compassion.

A father's actions, in many ways, are similar to the actions of God, just as a mothers are also. A father loves a child, even when the child doesn't love him back. A father has patients when his child chooses the wrong path. A father leads his children, supplies for their needs, always takes them back, and knows what's best. A father has compassion on his children when they admit their failures and promise to try and do better. I thank God for all of our fathers and their sacrifices and commitments that they've made for us. And for the future fathers, I pray that God will bless your lives, and through you, God will be glorified.

Permalink

He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.--Proverbs 14:26
I didn't start to appreciate the wisdom of my parents until I became a parent. As I face certain situations with my children, I think back on how my parents handled the same situation with me and I realize that they did, in fact, know what they were doing. Although as a teenager I was endowed with the gift of knowing everything, I now reluctantly admit that just maybe my parents did know a little more about life than I did. Since this Sunday is Father's Day, I have thought about the wisdoms imparted to me by my father. My father has passed on the gifts of sarcasm and humor, which I, in turn, have passed on to my children. He has given me the ability to find humor in times of crisis. One memory that specifically stands out for me is the time he experienced a traumatic fall and suffered a serious injury. Instead of giving into the pain and despair of the moment, he was joking with the doctor that he would not be able to go out dancing for a while (note the sarcasm as well since he doesn't actually dance), and although the doctor didn't get the joke, we did. We were able to breathe a sigh of relief because we knew that if the man could still crack jokes, he must be O.K.
My father has also passed on the gifts of realism and practicality, although some may confuse this with pessimism. An example of this would be the fact that I graduated from Augusta College instead the college of my choice; I can't remember the name of it but it was in Florida and it was within walking distance of the beach.
I am also grateful to my father and mother for giving me a normal childhood. They weren't alcoholics, abusive, or self-centered; they put us first. They gave us what we needed: food, clothing, a roof over our heads, encouragement, praise, discipline, an education, and, the freedom to make our own mistakes. My parents also passed on to me the importance of church. I can remember Sundays as a child staring at the stained glass windows, squirming uncomfortably in my church clothes and, sitting on the hard, wooden pews next to my father holding his hand.
I am most grateful for my parents passing on the importance of family. By simply being there to lean on in times of crisis or to share my joy in times of celebration, they have given me the greatest gift any parent can give--love.

Permalink