Toddler growing up
Every day filling with joy—
Unlocking each “first”
Little assistant
Shopping cart’s navigator—
Trying to keep up
Time’s precious moments
Parenthood’s daily treasures—
Fill another heart
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When God is at the center of family, parents seem to overcome challenges much better.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated February 28)
Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.
To be in your children’s memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was an American philosopher and writer.
Barbara Johnson (1927-2007) was a best-selling author as well as a Christian writer of numerous faith devotionals.
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It is mid-morning on a nearly empty street corner in a remote, medium-sized town when Milt runs into one of his best friends, Fred. Little do these two men know, but their improbable rendezvous will bring both of them inner strength and hope.
Both men are in their eighties, but each is blessed with good health. Being retired, they don’t always have a chance to catch up on news.
Milt is a widower, who lost his beloved Sharon several years back. Fred’s lovely wife, Judy, struggles with many chronic health concerns.
The two friends continue to visit on the deserted street corner. Milt tells Fred, “I am really concerned about this virus news.” As he speaks, both men realize they need to stand a bit farther apart due to reminders in the news about social distancing.
Milt replies back, “Me, too. I guess we have lots of company.” Both men have been overly cautious about being safe with their exposure to the disease.
Fred shares news from home about his bride of 61 years. He continues talking to Milt, “I am really worried about Sharon. Her health is very fragile, and I hope she can weather the storm ahead with this virus out there.”
Milt looks across at his friend, and he sees the deep worries of concern and anxiety in Fred’s face. Milt asks, “May I pray for you?” Milt nods in agreement.
In closing the prayer, Milt shares a special prayer with his long-time friend: “God, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
Before the men depart and continue with their day’s journey, Fred shares a verse from one of his favorite Psalms (27:1): “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
The Serenity Prayer was originally written by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. The most common version of the prayer was published in 1951, but Niebuhr used variations of the prayer in sermons as early as 1934. In the story, Milt adapted the prayer to fit the situation.
Originally published March, 2020.
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Christ promises to help us carry life’s burdens, and His blessings truly make a difference.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated February 27)
When affliction strips away every crutch, one has only the Lord to depend upon. Though some people are destroyed by that kind of situation, others are built into undaunted believers.
From Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
From Colossians 1:12-14: “Giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Life’s challenging journey
Filled with traps of despair
Father always with us
Pulling each from evil’s snare
Life’s tormenting voices
Dragged into darkest seas
Father always with us
Catching mercy’s faithful breeze
Life’s foolish decisions
Swayed by misplaced actions
Father always with us
Forgiving sin’s transactions
Life’s pride overflowing
Drowned amongst false idols
Father always with us
Responding to His bridle
Life’s unforgiving walk
Misguided force’s fraud
Father always with us
Walking with transforming God
From 1 John 1:8: “ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
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Every day, God’s way unfolds ahead of each step we take.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
(Updated February 26)
God has a course mapped out for your life, and all the inadequacies in the world will not change His mind. He will be with you every step of the way. And though it may take time, He has a celebration planned for when you cross over the “Red Seas” of your life.
From Philippians 4:4-7: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When he turned 60 years of age, Pete received his Golden Buckeye card in the mail. Being officially granted “senior” status wasn’t all that he expected.
He really hadn’t put his card to use. Quite frankly, he had forgotten about the card. It was still hiding in his wallet, not much worse off than when it arrived in the mail.
One day, Pete wondered, “I don’t look and feel too bad.” After all, he still walked outdoors and bicycled indoors. He was in fairly good shape, so he thought.
Then his 80th birthday showed up, quite unannounced and definitely without any fanfare.
He guessed that everyone must be waiting to give him a rocking chair in a few years when his horsepower finally runs out.
The next morning, Pete looked into the mirror and told himself, “I’m not ready yet!”
Big Sky Buckeye 