“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Colossians 3:12-14
(This photo was taken in February of 2013 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
We all need to take time to sit and listen to the Lord.
(This photo was taken in September of 2016 at a lake in central Minnesota)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)
“I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:13-14
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota)
“If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
Romans 14:8
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 near Dillon, Colorado)
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)
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 