I just watched President Obama deliver a speech from Newtown, CT. I cried as he talked of our children and of parenthood. Then I cried a little bit more as he read the list of names. I imagined how it must feel to hear your child's name listed on that list. A name that Mom and Dad may have argued over, certainly they discussed the name many times. Maybe they didn't know if they were having a boy Continue Reading...
Sunday Series – Above the noise
This is just a short poem I wrote. It's inspired by some recent conversations that I have been apart of and also by the song by Casting Crowns. It's simple I suppose. But it means a lot to me; even deeper than I am able to convey. I hope you can read between the lines and understand where this is coming from. Merry Christmas from above the noise. Above the noise This is about the season and the Continue Reading...
Thanks #29 (Bible)
I am thankful for the Bible. The book of all books. I am thankful for the recorded history and the truths that forever apply in the Bible. It's my own guide to all that matters in life. It guided my parents, and their parents. It'll be around to guide many more. I'm thankful it's here for me. As my daughter Jacqueline parades around singing, "the B-I-B-L-E, yes that's the book for me", me too, Continue Reading...
Thanks #16 (Shelter)
I am thankful for shelter. Psalm 62:8 - Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. God is my shelter. I am thankful for the shelter provided by simply bowing my head, shutting out the world around me, for even just a moment, to have a word with Him. I am thankful for the shelter of this roof and these four walls. I can be protected from the Continue Reading...
Thanks #15 (Second Chances)
I'm thankful for second chances. God has spared me. He has watched over me when I wouldn't even look after myself. Thank you Lord. Second chances are ours to give, but they are not ours to command, or demand. Everyone's timeline is different. Everyone has their own issues to sort through. Everyone has to take inventory of themselves to understand where they stand on the matters of the heart. Continue Reading...
God’s plan – A tribute for the Carey family – A year later
I sit here with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes, wondering why this bothers me so much tonight. A little more than 24 hours ago, a long time friend of mine let several of her friends know that she had just lost her younger brother Sam. This young man, whom I never knew personally, died as the result of a car accident in New Hampshire yesterday. My friend Tina let me know the news just moments Continue Reading...
Thanks #12 (Weather)
I'm thankful for weather. I know it changes often and it even causes changes to plans. I know it causes damage and can, at times, be harmful. For me, it's the cold breeze that catches me off guard with a sudden shiver, letting me know I'm very much alive. Or the refreshing clean slate that a fresh blanket of pure white snow can provide, hiding the unclean and the imperfect. Maybe it's the softest Continue Reading...
Thanks #9 (USA)
I'm thankful I was born in the greatest country in the world, the United States of America. I could have been born anywhere, but it was here in the U.S. where I was born. The land of opportunity. The country that people from around the world have flocked to. There are freedoms here, freedoms that have been fought for, freedom isn't cheap, and it shouldn't be taken for granted either. I know we are Continue Reading...
Thanks #5 (Earth)
I am thankful for the planet earth we live upon. God created this place in perfection. The balance of all things natural. The human race is not even necessary for this planet to live, die, and reproduce. I find it calming in a way, comical in another, and even surprising that people constantly rediscover certain lands in certain climates will work against man when the balance is upset or over Continue Reading...
Thanks #3 (Kids)
I am very thankful for my kids. I am also so very thankful for the inherent resiliency within them. Thank God for their ability to adapt, overcome, and improvise at levels we don't give kids enough credit for. I'm thankful for these six amazing kids, who kept being kids while I worked through various models of parenting. I may never get it right, but I know that these kids are fantastic, and their Continue Reading...