“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” - 2 Peter 3:18
Grant is playing ball again this year, and he has really seemed to enjoy and to learn a lot this time around. I took him to a batting practice a couple of weeks ago, and I noticed that he had significantly improved from the beginning of this year. He hit around half of the pitches that came from the machine that night, which was so much more than what he hit the first practice. His stance has improved dramatically… and his follow-through is much better as well. Consequently, he is hitting more… and he is hitting them a little farther.
It is neat to watch all the kids on the team improve as the year goes on. They are learning by listening to their coaches and putting into practice what they are being taught.
The same is true for believers in Christ. In order to grow in our faith, we must listen to our ‘coach’ (the Holy Spirit) as He imparts wisdom from God’s Word to us… and we must adjust our lives to the teachings we receive and make the necessary corrections in order to line ourselves up with what is being taught. As we do, we will see that a change is being made in us – one that will have lasting impact not only on us, but on those around us as well. As we come together with other believers (our ‘team’) we gain strength from the group and we grow that much more.
Daniel
Monday, April 25, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
#337.4 – “Put That in Your Funny World!”
“When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad.” - Psalms 126:1-3
The night that I was told one of the stories of Joshua being in the road, we were at the supper table (by the way, there is nothing better to liven up mealtime conversation than a good Joshua story; if you need any, I can loan you some!); Sarah was telling the tale, and we were all listening (including Joshua). When she had finished, she suggested that I put that story in one of my devotions. Joshua chimed in right behind her and said to me: “Yeah, put that in your funny world!”
After a few moments of chaotic laughing from all who were present, Joshua went on to explain that that is what he does: whenever something funny happens to him or because of him (and there are plenty of both), he puts it away in his head; then later, when he wants to laugh, he just pulls it out and thinks about it and laughs!
Pretty good, huh?
We all need ‘a funny world’. We all need a place where we can laugh and get tickled about things. God made laughter, just like He made the trees and the birds and the rainbow. And just like those things, laughter is one of the best evidences of God.
Laughter reminds us both of the character of our Creator and how we are specially made in His image. Our ability to laugh is a sign of how we are unique amongst creation. And that uniqueness pertains not only to laughing (good thing, too… for how far would laughter get us in remedying our sinful state?), but also to the special standing we have in God’s eyes, in that we alone have been offered the precious relationship with Him that comes through the redemption made possible to us by the death of Jesus.
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of laughter. And thank You for how it also reminds us of the most precious gift of salvation. May we truly treasure both today.
Daniel
The night that I was told one of the stories of Joshua being in the road, we were at the supper table (by the way, there is nothing better to liven up mealtime conversation than a good Joshua story; if you need any, I can loan you some!); Sarah was telling the tale, and we were all listening (including Joshua). When she had finished, she suggested that I put that story in one of my devotions. Joshua chimed in right behind her and said to me: “Yeah, put that in your funny world!”
After a few moments of chaotic laughing from all who were present, Joshua went on to explain that that is what he does: whenever something funny happens to him or because of him (and there are plenty of both), he puts it away in his head; then later, when he wants to laugh, he just pulls it out and thinks about it and laughs!
Pretty good, huh?
We all need ‘a funny world’. We all need a place where we can laugh and get tickled about things. God made laughter, just like He made the trees and the birds and the rainbow. And just like those things, laughter is one of the best evidences of God.
Laughter reminds us both of the character of our Creator and how we are specially made in His image. Our ability to laugh is a sign of how we are unique amongst creation. And that uniqueness pertains not only to laughing (good thing, too… for how far would laughter get us in remedying our sinful state?), but also to the special standing we have in God’s eyes, in that we alone have been offered the precious relationship with Him that comes through the redemption made possible to us by the death of Jesus.
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of laughter. And thank You for how it also reminds us of the most precious gift of salvation. May we truly treasure both today.
Daniel
Thursday, April 21, 2011
#337.3 – “Joshua in the Road… the Second Time”
“And Esau said to Jacob, Give me a full meal of that red soup, for I am overcome with need for food: for this reason he was named Edom. And Jacob said, First of all give me your birthright. And Esau said, Truly, I am at the point of death: what profit is the birthright to me? And Jacob said, First of all give me your oath; and he gave him his oath, handing over his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave him bread and soup; and he took food and drink and went away, caring little for his birthright.” - Genesis 25:30-34
The very next day after Joshua did his best impersonation of ‘The Streak’, he was out in the middle of the road again… only this time for a totally different reason. This time, he was lying down in the middle of street. Sarah saw him there as she came out of the house behind him. When she first saw him, she thought that he had fallen off his scooter, which was there on the road beside him. She ran towards him in a bit of a panic, only to have him pop right up once she got to him. When she asked him if he was okay, he told her he was fine; he had just gotten cold, so he stretched out on the nice warm pavement to warm his body up (he strips down to his shorts when he’s hot; he lies down in the road when he’s cold… what are we going to do with this boy?)!
Like I said yesterday, with Joshua – the only that matters is what matters to him right then! And right then, he was cold and wanted to get warm! Never mind the fact that his tanning bed could cost him his life; just as long as it got him warm at that moment.
I can be just like that, too. There are times when I all am focused on is my immediate wishes and wants and gratification. I can disregard what spiritually is really most important and be consumed instead with whatever physically is drawing me at the time. There is still much I need to learn about stepping outside of myself and seeing the big picture… still much of God’s perspective to gain.
Lord, help me to weigh the decisions I will make today in light of eternity, and grant me the wisdom to make good choices that will prove to be a blessing, to You and to me and to those around me.
Daniel
The very next day after Joshua did his best impersonation of ‘The Streak’, he was out in the middle of the road again… only this time for a totally different reason. This time, he was lying down in the middle of street. Sarah saw him there as she came out of the house behind him. When she first saw him, she thought that he had fallen off his scooter, which was there on the road beside him. She ran towards him in a bit of a panic, only to have him pop right up once she got to him. When she asked him if he was okay, he told her he was fine; he had just gotten cold, so he stretched out on the nice warm pavement to warm his body up (he strips down to his shorts when he’s hot; he lies down in the road when he’s cold… what are we going to do with this boy?)!
Like I said yesterday, with Joshua – the only that matters is what matters to him right then! And right then, he was cold and wanted to get warm! Never mind the fact that his tanning bed could cost him his life; just as long as it got him warm at that moment.
I can be just like that, too. There are times when I all am focused on is my immediate wishes and wants and gratification. I can disregard what spiritually is really most important and be consumed instead with whatever physically is drawing me at the time. There is still much I need to learn about stepping outside of myself and seeing the big picture… still much of God’s perspective to gain.
Lord, help me to weigh the decisions I will make today in light of eternity, and grant me the wisdom to make good choices that will prove to be a blessing, to You and to me and to those around me.
Daniel
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
#337.2 – “Joshua in the Road… the First Time”
I came home last week to hear two very interesting stories of Joshua being out in the middle of the road in our neighborhood. Here is the first such tale…
“Little is needed, or even one thing only: for Mary has taken that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:42
Sarah said that Joshua had been playing outside in our neighborhood and got hot... so he came in to cool off. ‘Cooling off’ for Joshua includes taking off clothes. After stripping down to his underwear, he began playing inside the house. At some point, he stubbed his toe (which he had already injured earlier) and caused it to bleed. His first response to such an occurrence is always to run to momma. After running through the house and not finding her (I think she said she had stepped out and gone down the street to go call one of the other kids home), he proceeded to run out the door and down the street to her… in nothing but his underwear. When she saw him coming towards her, she said something like: ‘Joshua, you are running down the street naked!’ to which he replied: ‘I don’t care! Look at my toe!’ She said she picked him up in her arms – both to comfort him and to somewhat cover his bare body (of course, there were several neighbors out at that moment watching the whole thing) – and repeated her exclamation: ‘Joshua, you don’t have any clothes on!’ And again came the reply: ‘I DON”T CARE if I don’t have any clothes on… look at my toe!’
There are moments in life when nothing else matters… when the things that have seemed important before really don’t matter at all… when everything fades away and there is only one priority. I know for me that one such time was when I was in the hospital with my appendix... I didn’t have any concerns about appointments and meetings and schedules… all I cared about was getting well. For Joshua, this was one of those moments, where all he cared about was his bleeding toe.
Oh, that we would have such a clarity regarding what truly is important in life all of the time. If we could learn to prioritize our lives and place supreme importance on our relationship with God and each other…
Lord, help me see that life is all about loving You and loving others.
Daniel
“Little is needed, or even one thing only: for Mary has taken that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:42
Sarah said that Joshua had been playing outside in our neighborhood and got hot... so he came in to cool off. ‘Cooling off’ for Joshua includes taking off clothes. After stripping down to his underwear, he began playing inside the house. At some point, he stubbed his toe (which he had already injured earlier) and caused it to bleed. His first response to such an occurrence is always to run to momma. After running through the house and not finding her (I think she said she had stepped out and gone down the street to go call one of the other kids home), he proceeded to run out the door and down the street to her… in nothing but his underwear. When she saw him coming towards her, she said something like: ‘Joshua, you are running down the street naked!’ to which he replied: ‘I don’t care! Look at my toe!’ She said she picked him up in her arms – both to comfort him and to somewhat cover his bare body (of course, there were several neighbors out at that moment watching the whole thing) – and repeated her exclamation: ‘Joshua, you don’t have any clothes on!’ And again came the reply: ‘I DON”T CARE if I don’t have any clothes on… look at my toe!’
There are moments in life when nothing else matters… when the things that have seemed important before really don’t matter at all… when everything fades away and there is only one priority. I know for me that one such time was when I was in the hospital with my appendix... I didn’t have any concerns about appointments and meetings and schedules… all I cared about was getting well. For Joshua, this was one of those moments, where all he cared about was his bleeding toe.
Oh, that we would have such a clarity regarding what truly is important in life all of the time. If we could learn to prioritize our lives and place supreme importance on our relationship with God and each other…
Lord, help me see that life is all about loving You and loving others.
Daniel
Monday, April 18, 2011
#337.1 – “Teenage Years”
“For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” - Psalms 48:14
One afternoon last week - when the kids were on spring break - Anna surprised us by falling asleep in our bed. Sarah said she just came in our room and crashed on our bed and was asleep in minutes. She must have been pretty tired, because I had to wake her up that evening when I came home from work, so that she wouldn’t be up all night! She had been asleep for a few hours at that point. She never does anything like that. That’s when it hit me and Sarah as to what was happening: we realized that we are about to be entering ‘the teenage years’ (Anna turns 13 this November). We have never been there, but we have heard stories... stories of beings who eat you out of house and home… stories of these quasi-adults who sleep at unusual hours of the day and don’t sleep at night… stories of hormones and heartaches.
So I guess we’re embarking on new territory. Who knows what the future will hold? I know that we don’t, which means that we are going to have to rely heavily upon God to guide us.
Lord, I know that You are sovereign over the universe, and that You hold all things in Your hands. Thank You for each of our children, and for the knowledge that You have created each of them with special purpose. Help us as parents to treasure that truth and to trust You, as You lead us through every stage of life.
Daniel
One afternoon last week - when the kids were on spring break - Anna surprised us by falling asleep in our bed. Sarah said she just came in our room and crashed on our bed and was asleep in minutes. She must have been pretty tired, because I had to wake her up that evening when I came home from work, so that she wouldn’t be up all night! She had been asleep for a few hours at that point. She never does anything like that. That’s when it hit me and Sarah as to what was happening: we realized that we are about to be entering ‘the teenage years’ (Anna turns 13 this November). We have never been there, but we have heard stories... stories of beings who eat you out of house and home… stories of these quasi-adults who sleep at unusual hours of the day and don’t sleep at night… stories of hormones and heartaches.
So I guess we’re embarking on new territory. Who knows what the future will hold? I know that we don’t, which means that we are going to have to rely heavily upon God to guide us.
Lord, I know that You are sovereign over the universe, and that You hold all things in Your hands. Thank You for each of our children, and for the knowledge that You have created each of them with special purpose. Help us as parents to treasure that truth and to trust You, as You lead us through every stage of life.
Daniel
Friday, April 15, 2011
#336.4 – “The Lunch-maker and the Way-maker”
“For already, while we were still helpless, Christ at the right moment died for the ungodly.” - Romans 5:6
It is customary in our home for me to pack the kids’ lunches for school. There are a few times, however, when I am doing all I can just to get me ready in the mornings! On those days, lunches get purchased instead of being made. But recently, I have had an eager beaver who has gotten herself ready early enough to come in the kitchen and help me pack lunches. Ruthie was consistently one of the first kids ready to go to school last week… and she was right there beside me, helping me bag up chips and sandwiches and whatever else needed doing. This unexpected help often came at just the right time… because I would be running around wondering what I was going to do to get us all out the door on time.
I needed help right at the moment it was given… and that made that help especially precious to me. In the same way, we as sinners before a holy God needed help in order to be forgiven of our sins and brought into the Presence of God clean and right… and Jesus provided that help (in fact, it is more accurate to say that He Himself IS that help… that Way to God. Without His dying for our sins, we would have no way to have a relationship with God. But because He did, we can! And that sacrifice should be to us a most precious gift – more precious than anything.
Lord, help me to be reminded of how thankful I should be in light of what You did on my behalf.
Daniel
It is customary in our home for me to pack the kids’ lunches for school. There are a few times, however, when I am doing all I can just to get me ready in the mornings! On those days, lunches get purchased instead of being made. But recently, I have had an eager beaver who has gotten herself ready early enough to come in the kitchen and help me pack lunches. Ruthie was consistently one of the first kids ready to go to school last week… and she was right there beside me, helping me bag up chips and sandwiches and whatever else needed doing. This unexpected help often came at just the right time… because I would be running around wondering what I was going to do to get us all out the door on time.
I needed help right at the moment it was given… and that made that help especially precious to me. In the same way, we as sinners before a holy God needed help in order to be forgiven of our sins and brought into the Presence of God clean and right… and Jesus provided that help (in fact, it is more accurate to say that He Himself IS that help… that Way to God. Without His dying for our sins, we would have no way to have a relationship with God. But because He did, we can! And that sacrifice should be to us a most precious gift – more precious than anything.
Lord, help me to be reminded of how thankful I should be in light of what You did on my behalf.
Daniel
Thursday, April 14, 2011
#336.3 – “The DS Droid”
“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word” - Acts 6:4
Joshua loves to play his video games. He has a handheld game called a DS that he carries with him most places. We have learned to not have him play while we are all walking somewhere, because he doesn’t actually look where he’s going (if you point his head in the right direction, he will just go… he won’t look, but he’ll go!). He also cannot carry on a conversation while playing, because he is too absorbed in his game. If we would let him, I’m sure he would choose to lose sleep in order to play it. I’m surprised that he hasn’t grown robotic arms as much as he has that thing in his hands!
In the same way, there are many things that would distract me from my relationship with God… and not all of them are ‘bad’ things (just like playing a game is not a bad thing in itself). But when those things prevent me from spending time with God, they are a distraction from the most important part of my day and who I am. And if I am not careful, they sort of begin to add up and cling to me and overwhelm me to the point that I am not moving with God.
Lord, help me keep my life in check to see if things are becoming more important than You. Forgive me when I become enthralled with the world and do not look deeply into You. When I wander, lead me back into the direction I need to go.
Daniel
Joshua loves to play his video games. He has a handheld game called a DS that he carries with him most places. We have learned to not have him play while we are all walking somewhere, because he doesn’t actually look where he’s going (if you point his head in the right direction, he will just go… he won’t look, but he’ll go!). He also cannot carry on a conversation while playing, because he is too absorbed in his game. If we would let him, I’m sure he would choose to lose sleep in order to play it. I’m surprised that he hasn’t grown robotic arms as much as he has that thing in his hands!
In the same way, there are many things that would distract me from my relationship with God… and not all of them are ‘bad’ things (just like playing a game is not a bad thing in itself). But when those things prevent me from spending time with God, they are a distraction from the most important part of my day and who I am. And if I am not careful, they sort of begin to add up and cling to me and overwhelm me to the point that I am not moving with God.
Lord, help me keep my life in check to see if things are becoming more important than You. Forgive me when I become enthralled with the world and do not look deeply into You. When I wander, lead me back into the direction I need to go.
Daniel
Monday, April 11, 2011
#336.2 – “Spinnin' Away, but with No Heat”
“Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD.” - Jeremiah 9:23-24
One day last week, the kids were all getting ready for school, when I noticed that Ruthie did not have on any pants (a brilliant observer, I am). When I inquired as to what had kept her from getting fully dressed, she informed me that she was waiting on a pair of blue jeans to come out of the dryer. Content with that answer, I kept on getting everybody’s lunches ready. After several minutes, I asked her if she had checked them recently. She said she did, but that they were not dry. I gave them a few more minutes and then checked them myself.
Our dryer has a setting where, as the load gets closer to the end of a certain cycle, it reduces the heat applied to that load… sort of a ‘cool dry’ mode (I guess to protect the clothes from shrinkage). Ruthie’s jeans were at that particular point in the cycle and were not getting anywhere close to dry, because the dryer was not heating at all! I cranked the dial back a few notches and turned the dryer back on. The heat kicked on and, in just a few minutes, Ruthie’s jeans were dry and we were on our way!
Sometimes in my spiritual walk, I have been guilty of working myself crazy and not getting much effect… and that is most often due to the fact that I am working in my own power (which, let me tell you, ain’t much!) and not relying upon God’s power to accomplish His vision. When I recognize this flaw and ask for His strength and help, He is always faithful to provide the power needed to bring about the result He desires.
Lord, forgive me for the times when I am spinnin’ away, but with no heat! Help me to turn back my spiritual dial and learn to rely upon Your power more consistently.
Daniel
One day last week, the kids were all getting ready for school, when I noticed that Ruthie did not have on any pants (a brilliant observer, I am). When I inquired as to what had kept her from getting fully dressed, she informed me that she was waiting on a pair of blue jeans to come out of the dryer. Content with that answer, I kept on getting everybody’s lunches ready. After several minutes, I asked her if she had checked them recently. She said she did, but that they were not dry. I gave them a few more minutes and then checked them myself.
Our dryer has a setting where, as the load gets closer to the end of a certain cycle, it reduces the heat applied to that load… sort of a ‘cool dry’ mode (I guess to protect the clothes from shrinkage). Ruthie’s jeans were at that particular point in the cycle and were not getting anywhere close to dry, because the dryer was not heating at all! I cranked the dial back a few notches and turned the dryer back on. The heat kicked on and, in just a few minutes, Ruthie’s jeans were dry and we were on our way!
Sometimes in my spiritual walk, I have been guilty of working myself crazy and not getting much effect… and that is most often due to the fact that I am working in my own power (which, let me tell you, ain’t much!) and not relying upon God’s power to accomplish His vision. When I recognize this flaw and ask for His strength and help, He is always faithful to provide the power needed to bring about the result He desires.
Lord, forgive me for the times when I am spinnin’ away, but with no heat! Help me to turn back my spiritual dial and learn to rely upon Your power more consistently.
Daniel
#336.1 – “Night and Day”
“Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” - Ephesians 2:20-22
Last week I touched on how different some of our kids are when it comes to sleep. There are no two more different than our boys. Grant takes after his momma when it comes to sleep. He can go to sleep in less than two minutes when he is tired. All he has to do is just lie down (or sometimes just sit still) and he is out like a light.
Joshua, on the other hand, takes after me. He has to have a little bit more time to wind down. In fact, he hardly ever goes to sleep when we try to get all four of them to take a nap on the weekends. More often than not, the other three kids will be sound asleep in just a while, but Joshua is just afraid he is going miss out on something! I remember being the same way when I was little.
They are as different as night and day when it comes to sleep habits, but they have a bond like only brothers can have. They truly love each other. They help each other and they stick together.
Their bond reminds me of that which we as believers should have for one another. We should be close – willing to serve one another… to help one another… to love one another in Christ. Despite whatever personal preferences we may have or what various spiritual gifts we possess, we should always seek to come together for the cause of Christ.
Daniel
Last week I touched on how different some of our kids are when it comes to sleep. There are no two more different than our boys. Grant takes after his momma when it comes to sleep. He can go to sleep in less than two minutes when he is tired. All he has to do is just lie down (or sometimes just sit still) and he is out like a light.
Joshua, on the other hand, takes after me. He has to have a little bit more time to wind down. In fact, he hardly ever goes to sleep when we try to get all four of them to take a nap on the weekends. More often than not, the other three kids will be sound asleep in just a while, but Joshua is just afraid he is going miss out on something! I remember being the same way when I was little.
They are as different as night and day when it comes to sleep habits, but they have a bond like only brothers can have. They truly love each other. They help each other and they stick together.
Their bond reminds me of that which we as believers should have for one another. We should be close – willing to serve one another… to help one another… to love one another in Christ. Despite whatever personal preferences we may have or what various spiritual gifts we possess, we should always seek to come together for the cause of Christ.
Daniel
Friday, April 8, 2011
#335.5 – “If I Didn’t Have Sarah…”
“Husbands, have love for your wives, even as Christ had love for the church, and gave Himself for it.” - Ephesians 5:25
Today is Sarah’s birthday, so that works out great for me to score some major points and write about her today!
Sarah is fun. She generally laughs and smiles a lot in any given day, and that is because it is a genuine reflection of her attitude. One of my favorite traits of Sarah’s is her ability to laugh at herself; as long as I have known her, Sarah has done or said funny things… and then gotten tickled at herself… and then laughed at herself like she is watching someone else do these funny things as part of a comedy routine!
Sarah likes sleep. She can fall asleep with just a thought. She also wakes easily, which usually favored her for middle of the night duty with our babies.
She is almost always cold, which works out great for me to do some snuggling with her!
Her love is true. It is pure and right and sincere.
Sarah has always been my support in everything. From helping me make decisions, to being a wonderful mother to our children, to taking care of me while I was sick from my ruptured appendix, Sarah has been right beside me all the way.
If I didn’t have Sarah, I don’t know what I would do. I would be lost without her. She is my completion.
God, thank You for Sarah. Thank You for leading us to each other. And thank You for Your faithfulness and Your sacrificial love to Your Bride, the Church. Help me to love Sarah as You love the Church.
Daniel
Today is Sarah’s birthday, so that works out great for me to score some major points and write about her today!
Sarah is fun. She generally laughs and smiles a lot in any given day, and that is because it is a genuine reflection of her attitude. One of my favorite traits of Sarah’s is her ability to laugh at herself; as long as I have known her, Sarah has done or said funny things… and then gotten tickled at herself… and then laughed at herself like she is watching someone else do these funny things as part of a comedy routine!
Sarah likes sleep. She can fall asleep with just a thought. She also wakes easily, which usually favored her for middle of the night duty with our babies.
She is almost always cold, which works out great for me to do some snuggling with her!
Her love is true. It is pure and right and sincere.
Sarah has always been my support in everything. From helping me make decisions, to being a wonderful mother to our children, to taking care of me while I was sick from my ruptured appendix, Sarah has been right beside me all the way.
If I didn’t have Sarah, I don’t know what I would do. I would be lost without her. She is my completion.
God, thank You for Sarah. Thank You for leading us to each other. And thank You for Your faithfulness and Your sacrificial love to Your Bride, the Church. Help me to love Sarah as You love the Church.
Daniel
Thursday, April 7, 2011
#335.4 – “If We Didn’t Have Joshua…”
“Now there are different qualities given to men, but the same Spirit. And there are different sorts of servants, but the same Lord. And there are different operations, but the same God, who is working all things in all.” - 1Corinthians 12:4-6
Joshua is the spoiled rotten stinker child. He is the baby and he knows it and he plays it for all its worth. Incapable of being still while playing anything, he loves to run and jump and bounce and flip and leap and tumble (consequently, he is taking gymnastics classes right now). The hardest to get to sleep… and the hardest to get up in the mornings… he gives me fits some days, but we manage to get out the door on time most of the time. Joshua is super sensitive; he will get his feelings hurt at nothing, and he gets happy again just as quickly.
If we didn’t have Joshua, we would miss out on a whole lot (for one thing, I wouldn’t have nearly as much material for devotions!). We would not have near the laughs… the joys… the aggravations! Life just would not be nearly as exciting.
Thank You, God for Joshua. Thank You for creating Him uniquely. Thank You for how You make each of us different and yet, how You use us for a common purpose of bringing You glory. May we seek to do that today.
Daniel
Joshua is the spoiled rotten stinker child. He is the baby and he knows it and he plays it for all its worth. Incapable of being still while playing anything, he loves to run and jump and bounce and flip and leap and tumble (consequently, he is taking gymnastics classes right now). The hardest to get to sleep… and the hardest to get up in the mornings… he gives me fits some days, but we manage to get out the door on time most of the time. Joshua is super sensitive; he will get his feelings hurt at nothing, and he gets happy again just as quickly.
If we didn’t have Joshua, we would miss out on a whole lot (for one thing, I wouldn’t have nearly as much material for devotions!). We would not have near the laughs… the joys… the aggravations! Life just would not be nearly as exciting.
Thank You, God for Joshua. Thank You for creating Him uniquely. Thank You for how You make each of us different and yet, how You use us for a common purpose of bringing You glory. May we seek to do that today.
Daniel
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
#335.3 – “If We Didn’t Have Grant…”
“And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he said to his disciples, Be seated here while I say a prayer. And he took with him Peter and James and John, and grief and great trouble came on him. And he said to them, My soul is very sad, even to death: be here a little time, and keep watch. And he went forward a little, and falling down on the earth, made request that, if possible, the hour might go from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; take away this cup from me: but even so let not my pleasure, but yours be done.” - Mark 14:32-36
Grant is our most cautious child. He is careful with anything he does – playing games… running… meeting new people… anything. He is the one who falls asleep most easily and the one who generally has the best attitude when he wakes up. He loves to play ball and video games. Very methodical and yet, lacking in concentration, he is by far the slowest child we have in terms of getting homework done. He is genuine in his love; he consistently tells us and draws us pictures or sends us notes saying how much he loves us.
If we didn’t have Grant, we would miss out on watching the thought process of thinking everything through before taking that first step (a quality he gets from his daddy). We would miss out on seeing his internal struggles and wrestling with ideas and fears. And we would definitely miss his sweet words proclaiming his love for us.
In His prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus wrestled between what He felt and what He knew needed to be done. He wanted there to be another way, but He knew there wasn’t. He was committed to doing what was best for us. He chose to endure the suffering and pain associated with death on the cross in order to redeem His people and make a way for man to have a relationship with Him.
God, thank You for Grant. And thank You for living out the best example of intentional love.
Daniel
Grant is our most cautious child. He is careful with anything he does – playing games… running… meeting new people… anything. He is the one who falls asleep most easily and the one who generally has the best attitude when he wakes up. He loves to play ball and video games. Very methodical and yet, lacking in concentration, he is by far the slowest child we have in terms of getting homework done. He is genuine in his love; he consistently tells us and draws us pictures or sends us notes saying how much he loves us.
If we didn’t have Grant, we would miss out on watching the thought process of thinking everything through before taking that first step (a quality he gets from his daddy). We would miss out on seeing his internal struggles and wrestling with ideas and fears. And we would definitely miss his sweet words proclaiming his love for us.
In His prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus wrestled between what He felt and what He knew needed to be done. He wanted there to be another way, but He knew there wasn’t. He was committed to doing what was best for us. He chose to endure the suffering and pain associated with death on the cross in order to redeem His people and make a way for man to have a relationship with Him.
God, thank You for Grant. And thank You for living out the best example of intentional love.
Daniel
Monday, April 4, 2011
#335.2 – “If We Didn’t Have Ruthie…”
“Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-6
Ruthie is outgoing, quick to show love, and comfortable in any group. Ruthie is very friendly. She is able to laugh at herself – a quality she gets from her mother – and is not at all concerned with what others think about her. She is interested in all kinds of things, and loves to help someone in whatever they are doing. She truly derives pleasure from serving others. She also loves to be held and to snuggle.
If we didn’t have Ruthie, we would miss out on some laughs, for one thing, because she can truly be funny with some of her doings! We would also miss out on her sweet spirit, and her selfless attitude. And we would also miss out on some major hugs!
Lord, thank You for Ruthie. Thank You for being the epitome of selflessness. Thank You, most of all for the declaration of love You readily made for all mankind when You chose to die on the cross for our sins. Help us to be so willing to give to others.
Daniel
Ruthie is outgoing, quick to show love, and comfortable in any group. Ruthie is very friendly. She is able to laugh at herself – a quality she gets from her mother – and is not at all concerned with what others think about her. She is interested in all kinds of things, and loves to help someone in whatever they are doing. She truly derives pleasure from serving others. She also loves to be held and to snuggle.
If we didn’t have Ruthie, we would miss out on some laughs, for one thing, because she can truly be funny with some of her doings! We would also miss out on her sweet spirit, and her selfless attitude. And we would also miss out on some major hugs!
Lord, thank You for Ruthie. Thank You for being the epitome of selflessness. Thank You, most of all for the declaration of love You readily made for all mankind when You chose to die on the cross for our sins. Help us to be so willing to give to others.
Daniel
#335.1 – “If We Didn’t Have Anna…”
We are grateful for all of our children and what they mean to us. I cannot imagine not having any of them. This week, I want to write about how they are each unique in giftings and personalities.
“Rise, take your journey, and cross over the River Arnon. Look, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to possess it, and engage him in battle.” - Deuteronomy 2:24
Anna is our deep thinker. Quiet and reserved, she is cautious about entering into a new relationship or situation. She loves to read (a gift which she did not get from either of us). She is very generous and wants to give and be a help. For example, just the other day, she stayed right by Sarah’s side the majority of the afternoon and helped her pull weeds from our front flower beds. Then she came over and helped me by wiping down the inside of the windows of our vehicles while I finished washing the outside. She is thoughtful towards others – esp. with those whom she is close and comfortable. She and her sister wrote us a note the other day, asking for the opportunity to work for some money for them to save in order to get their brothers gifts.
If we didn’t have Anna, we would have missed out on beholding a true miracle in seeing how God delivered her and protected her at birth – a preemie at 4 lbs 11 oz who struggled early on to gain weight. Today, we would miss out on watching the Lord help this child of such depth and inner beauty struggle to show it and take risk and engage other people. We would not be privileged to witness such a precious heart with compassion.
Lord, thank You for Anna. And thank You for Your selfless love, which is given so freely to us. Help us all to take risks for Your sake in showing love to others. Help us to abandon our fears and engage in the spiritual battle that is going on around us.
Daniel
“Rise, take your journey, and cross over the River Arnon. Look, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to possess it, and engage him in battle.” - Deuteronomy 2:24
Anna is our deep thinker. Quiet and reserved, she is cautious about entering into a new relationship or situation. She loves to read (a gift which she did not get from either of us). She is very generous and wants to give and be a help. For example, just the other day, she stayed right by Sarah’s side the majority of the afternoon and helped her pull weeds from our front flower beds. Then she came over and helped me by wiping down the inside of the windows of our vehicles while I finished washing the outside. She is thoughtful towards others – esp. with those whom she is close and comfortable. She and her sister wrote us a note the other day, asking for the opportunity to work for some money for them to save in order to get their brothers gifts.
If we didn’t have Anna, we would have missed out on beholding a true miracle in seeing how God delivered her and protected her at birth – a preemie at 4 lbs 11 oz who struggled early on to gain weight. Today, we would miss out on watching the Lord help this child of such depth and inner beauty struggle to show it and take risk and engage other people. We would not be privileged to witness such a precious heart with compassion.
Lord, thank You for Anna. And thank You for Your selfless love, which is given so freely to us. Help us all to take risks for Your sake in showing love to others. Help us to abandon our fears and engage in the spiritual battle that is going on around us.
Daniel
Friday, April 1, 2011
#334.4 – “Daddy, Will You Help Me?”
“But You, O LORD, be not far from me; O my strength, hurry to help me!” - Psalms 22:19
Since things have been in bloom this season, Anna’s allergies have been bothering her some, to the point that she had a pretty steady cough a few days ago. One night I had given her a sucker that had medicine in it to help suppress her coughing. I pitched it to her while she was on her bed doing her homework… and then I left the room. In just a few moments, I heard her calling my name. When I asked what she wanted; she replied that she needed help opening the sucker. ‘Oh come on Anna… surely you can do that’ I said. ‘No, I can’t; I’ve tried’ she said. Still in disbelief, I went in her room and took the sucker out of her hand and was going to show her how easy it was…
I couldn’t open it either. The wrapper had gotten stuck to the sucker itself and would not let go. I had to pull with all my might to get the thing open. When I handed it back to her, I told her that she was right and that it was tough (the next time she asks for help, I’ll know she really needs it).
I am guilty often of trying to do things on my own strength and in my own capacity and not relying on the Holy Spirit and His help. Instead of simply asking for assistance, I tend to tug at whatever it is in front of me with all my might. How quick Anna was to see that she could not do it on her own; she realized she needed help. If I would only be more childlike regarding my need for help…
Lord, I confess that I need You all the time – esp. when I think I’ve got it all under control. Help me see that I don’t and that I need you to help me to even take my next breath.
Daniel
Since things have been in bloom this season, Anna’s allergies have been bothering her some, to the point that she had a pretty steady cough a few days ago. One night I had given her a sucker that had medicine in it to help suppress her coughing. I pitched it to her while she was on her bed doing her homework… and then I left the room. In just a few moments, I heard her calling my name. When I asked what she wanted; she replied that she needed help opening the sucker. ‘Oh come on Anna… surely you can do that’ I said. ‘No, I can’t; I’ve tried’ she said. Still in disbelief, I went in her room and took the sucker out of her hand and was going to show her how easy it was…
I couldn’t open it either. The wrapper had gotten stuck to the sucker itself and would not let go. I had to pull with all my might to get the thing open. When I handed it back to her, I told her that she was right and that it was tough (the next time she asks for help, I’ll know she really needs it).
I am guilty often of trying to do things on my own strength and in my own capacity and not relying on the Holy Spirit and His help. Instead of simply asking for assistance, I tend to tug at whatever it is in front of me with all my might. How quick Anna was to see that she could not do it on her own; she realized she needed help. If I would only be more childlike regarding my need for help…
Lord, I confess that I need You all the time – esp. when I think I’ve got it all under control. Help me see that I don’t and that I need you to help me to even take my next breath.
Daniel
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