The words of the apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians…
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13-14
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 from the top of the Space Needle in downtown Seattle, Washington)
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
Exodus 20:12
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
(This photo was taken in March of 2013 at the Botanical Gardens in the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada)
“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 in Custer State Park in South Dakota)
Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians…
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe…”
Ephesians 1:18-19
(This photo was taken in June of 2016 on a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
1 John 4:9-10
(This photo was taken in February of 2013 in a neighborhood near Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians…
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9
(This photo was taken in October of 2014 while driving on the north shore of Maui)
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:6-7
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)
Children are a gift from God. They come in several different sizes and styles. They come from a genetic make-up, but that does not determine everything about their lives. Having been a child ourselves does not give us everything we need to become a dependable mother or father. We don’t have all the answers…our own experiences can help in many situations but not all the time. As I continue to strive to live a balanced, Christ centered life here are some of things I have learned that may be helpful to other parents or at least good reminders…
Actions are more important than words
Listen as much or more than you speak
Work less sometimes to be with them
Attention should be equally distributed to all
You can be a friend, a guide, a coach or a counselor at times
Show them God working in the world and in their lives
This is by no means an all-encompassing list, however, it does cover many years of their lives. You may have noticed the first letter of each statement when put together spell…ALWAYS.
ALWAYS pray for them
ALWAYS love them
ALWAYS forgive them
ALWAYS be there for them
ALWAYS trust in God for their well being
Lastly, be open to try new things and to have new experiences…often times that is the only way you both can see God.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
2 Corinthians 5:17
Peace to you and yours.
Take Your Faith With You 