Parenthood

When life on earth begins we are completely dependent on loving parents to care for us, feed us, hold us and watch over us.  As time goes by and the phases of life change a child begins to learn about interacting with others in the world, all the while the father and or mother each offer their unique perspective based mostly upon their own experience with their parents.  The generations go on…unfortunately the family structure has been under attack by darkness and evil for a long time now and in today’s society the vast majority of people are ruled by selfishness and they show little respect for family or parents mainly because of how people who are given the gift of children have not honored their role of parenthood.  When we become parents, we should be prepared to sacrifice things in order to help a child become a contributing adult in community.  One of the greatest joys of parenthood is watching your child succeed and do well because you were willing to have patience and willing to be persistent in doing what God has asked you to do with the gift of a child.  We are all God’s children and He is patient and persistent in loving us.  We would do well to pass it on.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“Train a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Badlands National Park in South Dakota)

Strength

When life is difficult and frustrating, where do we get the ability to move forward?  What could possibly renew us?  What makes some people so resilient?  It has been my experience that there is only one thing powerful enough to lift us up out of any tragedy or trial…it is the Presence of the Lord.  A relationship with Jesus Christ in the way to strength in the battle and rest when we are weary.  To experience His presence we must do our part and be willing to spend time in devotions and prayer.  God made a promise, He will never leave you nor forsake you and He always keeps His promises.  Invite Jesus into your heart and into your life daily and you will be renewed each day.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)

Good Things

If can be hard to see the good sometimes.  The world so full of evil and darkness, deceitfulness and envy.  Often when living in the moment, I tend to question, what difference does it make?  It matters, it always matters, especially when at least one other person will be impacted.  We are not in a position to know what God has intended for us.  In the book of Genesis, Joseph, son of Jacob, was thrown in a pit and left to die, he was sold into slavery, he resisted the advances of a married woman and was put in jail.  Joseph continued to be a good person and saved another man’s life and that man quickly forgot about him when he left prison.  Eventually, he became a ruler in Egypt and saved many lives during a famine.  He never stopped trying, he never stopped doing good to others and all along the way he suffered and must have been frustrated…in the end he never stopped trusting in God and he saved many lives.  Reflect on the road you have been on and look to see the good things.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“No, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Romans 8:37

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while driving through North Dakota)