Today I made a list of my present circumstances. If you are brave, go ahead and write yours out. Most of us do not find ourselves short on “circumstances” these days. The part we find ourselves short on is “strength” to match those circumstances. Words from a devotional I use and scripture I turned to, give me perspective. My simple plea to myself and others who are under, with me, is “Don’t let circumstances intimidate you…overwhelm you, rob you, make you bitter, hurt you, or even define you!” I am sure there are many more verbs you could fill in the blank with. But why do I allow circumstances such an overpowering place in my life, when I have a God who knows me, loves me, walks with me, and has been faithful to me?

I waiver in my ability to “do” circumstances. I focus on my list and have doubts about how I am going to handle “my” list, even for the day! The reality is, God does not give me the same amount of strength each day – you know, same God, same strength, same-o, same-o, people say. I don’t treat the people I love in my life the same way every day – I see the needs and try to meet the needs of that day for that person. He sees the degree of difficulty of my circumstances, then He empowers me according to the need of my day. Just like those wilderness wanderers who only got manna for one day at a time, so we need to get that picture. Strength for the day’s circumstances. How well that works for me…depends upon how willing I am to depend on Him for what I need today.

There is a great passage in Deut. 33 where Moses is blessing the tribes of Israel and when he gets to the end of the chapter, He says something that makes so much sense when you know God. He says that His strength will equal my day. I like math so in an equation format it looks like this: my circumstances + my circumstances + my circumstances = His strength. One version says, “As your day, so shall your strength be.” That’s it! God’s strength – it is equal to my circumstances, my needs!

In Ephesians 1, Paul is praying that the eyes of those saints he was writing to will be open so that they can see some things. We live in a day when our sight seems to be so impaired. We cannot see God well! Verses 18-20 detail what Paul feels the believers need to see, recognize, and know experientially. I count myself in that group that needs my vision sharpened. So clean your glasses and see….see what? See the HOPE that we have been called to, the RICHES we have inherited from Him, the INCOMPARABLY GREAT POWER that He has – his strength at work in us. What does that power look like? He tells us in that passage – it is the same power that jettisoned Christ from the dead, out of the tomb. It is the same power that took Him to Heaven! I would say that it would be enough power and strength for my day; what about yours? Know the HOPE, RICHES, POWER – allowing these realities to sustain your day. Our circumstances are real, but God is real and He longs for us to tap into His reality!

Psalm 105:4 tells us what to do in spite of our circumstances. I like that. I like when someone just tells me what to do. He says, GIVE THANKS to the Lord;  MAKE KNOWN his deeds; SING to the Lord; TELL about His acts; GLORY in his name; LOOK! Look at what? LOOK TO THE LORD AND HIS STRENGTH. There it is again – His strength – it’s for me. In fact, this passage and many others say that we are to do that “always.”  Then finally it says, “REMEMBER.” Remember how God has worked in the past – with those circumstances of other days. How quickly we all forget how He has been there for us before, just as He has for all the saints who have gone before us.

I have friends today who suddenly lost a family member last week – friends without jobs – friends with broken relationships and hearts – friends with terminally ill children – my own three year old grandson fights a disease that has no cure – circumstances!! I have my own set of discouraging circumstances. So if I give them to God….does that mean we get what we want? Will there be a cure, a job, a house?? Do things get easier? Do my bad circumstances go away? I used to think so, or at least hope so. It is what my brothers called my “Pollyanna” mentality. They been trying to help me with it throughout the years. But the reality is that in our fallen world, I will have circumstances and even if they never change, He will give STRENGTH – He will give that “incomparably great power” spoken of by Paul, who also shared God’s answer to Him when he was struggling with circumstances…”My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” II Cor. 12

That is what I need – His strength for my needs – it is mine and yours, if we are willing to give our list to Him and ask Him to be equal to our list, just today! Go ahead, give Him your list – He is up for the task of making you strong today.

Bob – 31 years – 8 cities – 8 churches – 8 children -

many pregnancies, many strollers, many diapers -

many cars, many houses, many meals -

many boys, many pancakes, many birthdays –

many songs, many sports, many miles –

many school days, many books, many field trips –

many people, many challenges, many hopes –

many hurts, many tears, many sorrows –

many trials, many hurdles, many questions –

even now,

but many hair bows, many blessings –

many knicknames –

many smiles – many laughs – many thanks –

many years with the person I chose to grow old with –

to cry with – to laugh with – to learn with –

to grow with – to parent with – to just do life with.

I am glad I chose you. I celebrate who are you – who you have been to me – who you are to our children – who God is in you – I love you and am so grateful to be able to walk another day with you by my side -  There are many views about relationships today, many misunderstandings, many expectations, many broken hearts – but I have learned so much from you in marriage, as I consider this verse: “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”  You are that kind of man – one who lays down his life daily for me, for our children, for anyone. I like how The Message says, “This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line….” That is you – unselfish, so kind, and so full of God’s unconditional love. It may not sound romantic, but how could anyone want more in the person she loves and marries?

Thank you. Happy 31^st Anniversary. I love you, Joy
est. October 14, 1978

Who would have known? I heard my first homeschool radio broadcast in 1982 through Focus on the Family. I read my first homeschooling book shortly after. I met my first homeschooling student (age 9 who could not read until that year, then took off reading everything in sight) in our first year of seminary. Now, homeschooling on purpose since 1985 – 8 children later – 6 high school graduates – 5 college degrees so far – 2 more children in high school – missions minded – servants’ hearts – worshippers – giving their lives away – that is how I would describe the children whom I have had the privilege of homeschooling in my own house! Did I use the perfect curriculum? No, often just what was handed down to me or was the most affordable. I must have had the perfect schedule – no, I am not sure we did the same thing any two days in a row for the last 25 years.  How will your seven boys play sports? Don’t worry, they have played just about every one. What about socialization? I am not sure I could take it if my kids were any more social than they are! What about music lessons – how will you afford them on one salary? I have more kids playing more instruments and singing than I could have ever imagined, and without lessons!

“How did you do it,” they ask? I have to confess, there is no “perfect” way to home school; there is no “right” curriculum; there is no “ultimate” schedule; there is no magic formula. There is not an ideal mother/child relationship for schooling at home. All I know is that it works. What works? Loving your kids and seeking to give them the best that you can in terms of character and a biblical worldview that can change their world…living life in front of them in an imperfect world, as an imperfect parent, who has a perfect Savior!

As I sat through two recent graduations of two sons, I was more convinced than ever of the possibilities and benefits of home schooling your children, if at all possible. They did it! We did it! God did it through us! Every time I drove by a middle school this year and watched the  inappropriate boy/girl interaction, I would look at my fourteen year old daughter and be so thankful that she did not have to endure all of that. When I watch the peer dependency of young people, then see my guys choose each other to throw the frisbee with, go to the beach or movies with, or just sit and play music with…I am again awed at what God has done. Reading Pilgrim’s Progress and The Screwtape Letters, followed by incredible indepth discussions about the books – how could it get better? Easy? No, never, not one day, but do-able.

How can you respond to your children who are so grateful to you for the sacrifices you have made? How do you react when they tell you they are so glad that they have not grown up in churches where they had every need met by others and where trendiness was the modus operandi for ministry! They want to give their lives away and find God’s will for themselves. When your tenth grader is discussing with businessmen in an airport about absolute truth and they ask him what college he goes to…when a son tells you how God is teaching Him to pray – when you ask your husband for a good verse on brokenness, and your daughter offers the ones she has been reading lately… when your sons who have never led worship, step out and lead for the very first time…when your young adults are talking to you about their future marriage relationships, and want your input (even though you are working hard at letting them determine their convictions and set their boundaries)…these and more are all byproducts of God’s “amazing grace” in homeschooling.  Again, we are not perfect and our children have and do make mistakes. But to be able to be there and guide them through to the other side, is also a gift in homeschooling.

(mom, dad, and five of the eight at UCF, spring ‘09)

God initiated this direction – He went before us down this path – God kept our feet steady along the way – God has produced the fruit in the hearts and lives of our children. No shortcuts, no furmulas (although I have longed for them) – just hard work – prayers, tears, hugs, flexibility, and more hard work. If I could tell you it was a certain curriculum, schedule, or secret homeschool weapon, then I would not be able to boast in the Lord like I am. It is His mercy that has been new every morning – His faithfulness that has proven true, especially on those many days when I never even got to the academics for the day!

Take hope in the path that God has called you to, whatever that path is, and seek Him. Stay on it – don’t give up! Fellow homeschool moms and dads, do not decide ahead of time what it must look like, exactly what every child should be and do,  and wonder how you are going to control it all. Focus on those internals, not just the externals. Ask God to allow you to follow Him in raising up children who love Him, love each other, and love the world…children who get it – who want to give their lives away for His sake! Wow!

I encourage you to keep on going! Enlarge your vision of God, to stay on this task. He uses every experience to teach us all. He is a BIG God and the object of our hope!!

Our family has just returned from Texas where we spent time with my parents, 86 and 87, who are amazingly plugging away at life and ministry.  We also saw my three brothers and family – did the cousin thing and enjoyed it all.  I will tell you more about my parents in a later space.

Meanwhile, I help lead a large homeschool co-op locally and also have the opportunity to teach a downtown women’s lunch/bible study.  I am working hard on both and am pouring over what topics to cover in the luncheon-study.  Businesswomen from all over the downtown Orlando area come into a classy, decorated atmosphere, are served by numerous ladies from the sponsoring church, enjoy a great lunch made by an amazingly creative cook, then listen in to a teaching time.  The response has been amazing this past year so I will get to do it again this fall.  The question I am asking is, “What would working women want to hear about in the middle of their busy day, over lunch?  My goal is not too heavy, not too light, not too serious, not too silly, but practical, with humor, and uplifting, whatever the topic is.  I want them to go out smiling and encouraged, with a little better glimpse of our God.  I am considering a study on  women of the Bible, but then thought that it would be hard to invite a co-worker to come to lunch and learn about “Deborah” – Deborah who????  You would really have to know about these people to want to come.  Then I thought about an in-depth look at the Lord’s Prayer and what each line represents in a prayer life.  Hmmmm.  Another thought I had, was to tackle the “giants in our lives”…like fear, discouragement, hurt, pain, failure, etc.  Maybe I could take one giant per week and talk about it and what God has to say in His Word about how to take on that giant – that would be something you could invite anyone to.  I think I would like to attend that one.  Anyway…

my seventh child just got his learner’s permit – teaching a seventh child to drive – only one more after him to go – wow!  Talk about “prayer life” – teaching teen boys to drive is one way to increase your praying, quickly.  But we are making it!  This is my very fun 6′3″ 15 year old who has had the ongoing struggle with how to “focus” on things in life (like school).  When he asked if I could picture him driving me around, I said, “NOOOOO!!!” but I was only kidding.  It may teach him to focus!  Wouldn’t you trust this guy?? 

He really is a great guy and so much fun…tenderhearted, serious about the Lord.  God is teaching him a lot this summer – through ministries like teenpact and through his own Bible study and involvement with other young people.  He and Zachary are also learning how to play instruments and lead in worship – very fun to see them grow!

I did watch a youtube this morning that touched my heart.  I long, as many of you do, for the “church” to be all it can be in our generation – to be real and powerful and full of God’s creative work – and this is a little glimpse into that.  How secure these people were and once again, as my husband says, “It is a reminder that the church should be the safest place on earth.”  If you have not seen it, watch “cardboard testimonies” and respond – it is very powerful!

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Life is full of twists and turns for everyone. As one book I read several years ago said, “Life is chaotic” (Finding God, by Larry Crabb). And it doesn’t seem to be changing except for the worse. An amazing aspect of life though, is that in the midst of all of the mystery and chaos, there are people who ride the waves of life with great courage, strength, and grace. That is my sister-in-love. This year she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, which took the life of her older sister just a few years ago. Now she faces the same disease, but is doing so in a most gracious, faith-building way. She, her daughters, husband, and church family got together recently to form a club when she cut her hair before chemo started. Not just anyone could be in this new club; it was the “Dana’s Hair Club for Men”, involving men and boys who wanted to join Dana in cutting off their hair. Each man or boy got their own certificate and business cards to take them through the time frame of the chemotherapy.

With incredible courage, Dana cut the hair of those attending and hers was also cut that night. Her smiles have taken her through that night, as well as the most recent rounds of chemotherapy. Dana, you have been and are one classy lady, a dear friend, and I am so thankful that you are my sister-in-love. I could not love you more if you were my own sister. Thank you for your gift of courage and strength that blesses all who know you. We are on your team and pray that God sees you through to a great victory of LIFE!

Before the scissors began clicking…

This

This is Dana cutting my brother’s hair; he is the pastor of the church and Dana’s husband.

Dana has been a barber by trade so it was everyone’s turn to get her back for all the hair cuts of the past! This is my brother cutting her hair. Now that would be scary!

The club with Dana and my brother, Gary, in the middle!

Now this is real church life – touching people where they really are. What an amazing group who would shave their heads to love Dana.

Dana, my brother, and their two daughters. They have definitely learned the fine art of scarf tying. At chemotherapy sessions, Dana teaches other women how to tie their scarves. This is the stuff great people and families are made of – making it together through the chaos of life – hanging on to the One True Person and Promise we have – Christ! You are all amazing!
    Dana, May the God of peace himself make you entirely pure and devoted to God; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept strong and blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes back again. God, who called you to become his child, will do all this for you, just as he promised.                                    1 Thes. 5:23-24 (Living) 

Yesterday, we celebrated the birth of a great man in history; he is a man whom few know much about. That is usually the case, that the truly great men are little known. They do not seem to mind. But if there were more of this type of man in our world, what a difference it would make. In fact, it would change the world. This particular man is a man with great vision, a man of humility, a leader, a calm, patient and kind man, one who’s convictions run deep, but his love runs deeper. He is not a reactionary man; he thinks before he speaks. And when he speaks, what he says is important. He is optimistic when things around him are discouraging. He smiles at the future, even when it is uncertain, because of his unrelenting faith in a God Who keeps His promises. He loves his wife and children and is committed to them in ways that few could ever understand. I wish every man could spend time with this man – to learn his ways and follow his heart. Yes, his heart – it is the greatest part about this man. It is full of wisdom and understanding that come through in every day life situations. He does not push himself on anyone and does not ever feel he must be the center of attention. He does not give up; he assumes the best about people; he looks out for the interests of others more than his own. He is truly an amazing person. He is my husband of almost 30 years and the father of all eight of my incredible children. He never pushes them to be what he wants them to be, but he is always there for whatever they are doing.  We may only have one daughter, but he dances with her as well. 

He is now not only dad, but G-daddy, a very significant player in the life of three little grandsons and all of those grandchildren to come. I pray that his children and grandchildren grow up to imitate the heart of “this great man.” (He always had a little song he would hum to get them to go to sleep – he still sings it)

One son wrote….

“Hey Dad…I want to tell you that I love you and that I consider it a joy to have grown up under your fathering. I still remember when you would sing and pray with us before we went to bed. Those types  of things laid a foundation of love and care that has made me who I am. You have always demonstrated what it means to be a man of integrity, servant, father, hard worker, thinker, and teacher. Those things are what is central to biblical masculinity. Happy birthday! Know that I love you and am looking forward to growing even closer to you as I enter these next stages of my life.”

Happy Birthday Bob and dad – at the end of the day I told him that I was so grateful that on this day in history, God chose to make such a great man…one about whom a book may never be written, but one who has changed our world. Your smile is a blessing to us – we love you – Joy, kids, and grandchildren!

Okay I have been tagged by a blog savvy friend to be a part of a meme about weird worship. What in the world is a meme? I had to contact the blogger who tagged me to get an idea of what it meant to be tagged (haven’t played that game in a while) and how I respond to it. So here I am…the original request was, “Please give us five examples of Weird Worship and tag five more people to do the same.” The person who tagged me did not follow the original rules, and did her own thing in her quite hilarious response! Now I am a rules person for sure, but this particular concept of “weirdness in worship” immediately brought things to mind that I wanted to say…so I will. It will be a combination of serious and humorous thoughts. If you have been going to church as long and often as I have (since the womb) and you have watched the worship wars develop over the last couple of decades, you just have to laugh when you consider all that is out there. One challenge was issued to my husband and me in the first church we served in, 30 years ago. After the time of worship through music in the service, the pastor would rise and remind the congregation that Christians lie the most when they sing…”every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before”…must not see the Christians I see in church…”wherever He leads, I’ll go”…WHAT? No way I’m going there!..what about “I Surrender All”…whoa, I don’t think so, not my ______!

Once this was pointed out to us, years ago, we were reminded of the importance of considering the words we were singing in church services. I have tried to made it a point to drop out when the words were not true of me, or I would make the words a prayer as I sang, asking the Lord to make the words true in my own heart…Nothing like a little accountability.

Another area of worship that seems a little weird at times is when people sing songs that don’t make sense – people often write a song where they strain to connect their words to “God thoughts”…recently someone sang a song comparing God to “sweet butter.” We still have not gotten over that one! He’s been compared to motorcycles, rain, a cool breeze, a warm blanket…and now, sweet, creamy butter. I guess it just makes the point that it is impossible to describe God – there are no words that capture Who He is! Worship songs are just our feeble attempt on earth to talk about and talk to an awesome God, with music.

I do get frustrated when we sing those “I can’t sing this one” worship songs – A lot of the newer stuff is very difficult to follow and sing along – none of this verse and chorus stuff – it just goes on and on and switches melodies every few words or so. Of course, traditional hymns in the keys that they were written in, are some of the most difficult songs to sing of all. Only if you grew up hearing them, do you really appreciate them. But more contemporary, hip leaders (the ones with their shirttails out and ripped up jeans and flip flops) often forget that we are out there trying to sing along with them and they go off on their own vocal gymnastics and there we are.

Okay I’ll quit with this one – one of my least favorite things is trying to focus on words and sing to the Lord or about the Lord, all while the cameras are focusing on the singers/musicians on the stage, with close up shots of them on the screen. I am sure this is my problem, as the cameraman zooms in on what they are wearing, and all the details of a closeup view. I feel distracted when there is a lot going on instead of just being able to focus on the Lord.

Well worship is weird – how do you sing to the Lord, about the Lord – why do we do it – is it to only praise Him or is it to edify those who are singing with us. What if we cannot stand the music, the loudness, the instruments, the guy on the guitar or drums, or is it the guy in the suit waving his arms. We have seen so many changes in worship mode, but I am not sure if we are making progress. Wonder what God thinks of it all! 

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”  Elizabeth StoneWhile I am not sure who Elizabeth Stone is, I like the visual she presents in this quote. And I happen to have 8 children, so I have a lot of my heart walking around out there. Some days I feel it more than others!

I know that many are unable to bear children, and know that is a pain so difficult to bear. I do not take that fact lightly. And I am also aware that in this self-absorbed culture, that many choose to not have children…I have to assume that they are unaware of the gifts that children are and the blessings that they bring to your life (along with other things)! But It is at this time of year, Mother’s Day, that I usually pause to remember my precious mom, who is alive and 87 today. Many have not had a mom to emulate and follow after, but I have a selfless mom who has set the pace before me. She still emails (yes she emails) to remind me of things only a mom would think of. Then, I write each of my children and remind them of my love for them and why I feel the way I do about them. It is just a different twist on the day -Happy “I’m so glad to be your mom” Day!

Now don’t get me wrong – I am not one of those who will sugar-coat any experience – I happen to believe that it is absolutely one of the hardest and busiest careers anyone could ever have, especially single moms. I lose sleep over my children; I cry over my children; I work hard for and with my children; I am learning to pray more for my children; and I even get mad at my children! But I love them, enjoy them, laugh with them, sing with them, play with them, serve them, and I just plain like them!

What a privilege – what an idea – to carry, for almost a year, a growing life – a most precious treasure (hard work), then birth that treasure into this world (more hard work) -then have the opportunity to nurture and teach that treasure and especially to bring this treasure up in the Lord and to fight for and protect this treasure, until he or she can choose wisdom for himself (did I say hard work??) – then have the challenge of releasing, one at a time, each treasure, whom you have poured your very heart and life into since the day of conception (more heart work) – releasing that treasure to now make his or her mark on this dark world, for the Kingdom of God that you have sought to place in each of their hearts – motherhood! Wow! I get tired just thinking about it. Yet, it is nearly impossible for anyone, other than mom, to understand its depth, its challenges, its heartaches, its longings, and its joys – it is truly a “heart” investment – it never ends, but its role changes with time.

I find myself regularly in the releasing mode in these days, and for you moms of little ones, it really does come, I promise, and it is sooner than you ever imagined! It is a challenging hard time for me since I have some slight control issues – yet it is right and good! Now it is their turn to go and to touch the world. I have touched mine.

Happy Moms’ Day to all moms – the contented ones, the longing ones, the heart-broken ones – you are amazing and precious! Keep going and never give up! The love of the Heavenly Father is great toward you and all of your treasures! To my treasures – I deeply love each of you and could not be more proud and thankful to be “mom” – your mom! Happy “I’m so glad to be your mom,” day!

I have just finished reading a couple of books that interested me. One was Jim and Casper Go to Church, a book about a Christian, who for the sake of research and writing the book, takes an atheist, Casper, all over America to visit church services. With their laptops on hand, they would sit through services, then dialogue about the results, recording their insights for the future writing. Casper’s comments were more than intriguing and even comical at times. They went from small to large churches, liturgical to free-spirit, from coliseum to small store-front, wealthy to barely making it, well-known to unknown, flashy pastors to no pastor – so they covered all types of gatherings.  Being a pastor’s daughter, with brothers in ministry, and married to a pastor, things about the church are always on my radar screen. Whenever we think we have seen it all in church life, we see one more thing and are amazed!  The nagging question that Casper, the friendly atheist poses throughout the book is, “Is this what Jesus told you guys to do?”  He saw it all and wondered if what we (Christians) say about Jesus is true, is this what he meant for us to be doing – church as he saw it across the nation? Is this it? It is like the old Peggy Lee (who’s she?) song, “Is That All There Is? I answer in my own simple way, “I don’t think so.” 

Today, new churches are springing up everywhere and in all flavors. We have heard so much about different types of churches: purpose-driven church,  liturgical church, reformed church, emergent church, age-integrated church, missional church, post-modern church, family church, and recently even the “simple church.” But even trying to be one of those seems complicated. So I have declared in my state of the church address to myself, that we are in the day of “the confused church.”

“Light shows, fog machines, worship bands, offering plates – is this what Jesus intended?” Great question and yet I don’t think we have to take Casper’s interpretation of church life as the “gospel”, but I am so ready for my generation to ask the questions Casper was asking. You may just have to read the book. What do you think? I am searching and inviting you to ask God maybe for the first time, “What did you have in mind when you said ‘church’ in the New Testament?” What is our mission? What kind of church will we be a part of? Will our children see and know the reality of God through our church? How will we in this generation lead people to be followers of Christ, and not the church, especially the confused church? I have hope there is an answer!

How do you celebrate a special girl’s 13th birthday in such an upside-down world – where girls that age no longer go get an ice cream cone with mom and dad, but are getting their social needs met by boyfriends on the internet, cell phone calls, and instant messaging. Pictures of pouty faced girls are everywhere in the media – a look of temptation and provocativeness – cell phone images are being passed around – girls looking for a moment of fame – their heroes are young girls themselves who have already sold themselves to the media.

I knew that I wanted my daughter to get a different message from us on her birthday…that turning 13 was a milestone and something to be celebrated in her spiritual journey – that we celebrate her value and worth as a gift from God, but it was not a license to pursue the culturally popular track so common today!  Now I know that daughters can make that choice even with parents who are really trying, so I am not judging anyone. In fact a friend of ours from the past has written a book and has a website just for this topic: Pastor Charles Stone and his daughter, Heather tell the story of their relationship through her tumultuous teenage years.

Back to the “13th” birthday – I decided to use an “enchanted” theme and utilize the best I had at home – “the men in our lives” – daddy (the king) and “the brothers”  joined me in making one enchanted day for our princess – the only daughter with 7 brothers (knights in shining armor).

With the invitation arriving early in the morning of the enchanted day and a tiara to make this princess feel special, our daughter launched out into the kingdom (she was such a great sport to wear the tiara proudly all day!) 

Following riddle clues, she met each of her brothers throughout the day for surprise activities – “breakfast with Brandon” where he told her she could have as much chocolate milk as she wanted – now it doesn’t get better than that!

  “photo shoot with Kirk” at the lakefront – he is our amateur photographer -

“lunch with Zachary and Clayton” (her favorite – burritos and sparkling cider)

- movie and shopping (for royal wardrobe) with  mom and a close friend -

at the end of the day -

          outdoor dinner for two with dad, by lantern light -

picked up after dinner for coffee with Ryan and Wesley – at Starbucks -

Each event was accompanied by a clue written in Old English on parchment type paper, speaking words of blessing over the enchanted princess. Each brother was to tell her the story of where they were and how they responded (if old enough) to the addition of a daughter to a houseful of boys, 13 years ago. Then they were to share with her a special tribute. The smile on our daughter’s face at the end of the day was a treasure.

What a challenge to raise up our children in this culture that is so hardened to right and so accepting of wrong. Sometimes I get tired of the fight for their purity and safety, until they can choose it themselves, but about that time I read an article like, “The Cellular Generation” and I am off and running again. Our children are gifts and treasures of great worth. We must do what it takes to bring them up in a way that directs them toward God and His goodness – no matter what the cost!

My words for you sweet Mary,

       “Many daughters have done nobly,   But you excel  them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Proverbs 31:29-30 (NASB)    I love you – mom