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Lived It
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I'm
late this morning, because I spent an extra hour at the gym working out
in the pool. I had a good night's sleep, but a rough morning. The time I
spent in the sauna, steam room and working out in the pool helped.
Yesterday, as Carol and I took Madison (our granddaughter) to her little
sister's birthday party, I mentioned when all this snow melts, it could
be good for mushrooms this year. Madison sighed and commented,
"What is it about old men and mushrooms? Grandpa John's been
talking about mushrooms too." I answered that those mushrooms taste
delicious, and they represent spring. I know many of us are anxious to
get out and tramp around in the woods hunting those delicious fungi and
it's not just 'old men'. I wonder how many of today's families are enjoying those simple things like mushroom hunting, fishing, flying kites, hiking, hunting shells on the beach, looking for fossils or picnics? I may be wrong, but what I see today doesn't seem to indicate there are many families who do. I also wonder, how many children have never been to a museum, seen a cave, or visited an historic cemetery with their parents. How many have seen the headstone of a civil war soldier, or stood on a battlefield, with parents or grandparents? Do we eat at the dinner table together, or go our separate ways with a plate? If we aren't doing these things with our children; how is our relationship with them? Is our busy life an excuse? Is it okay to forgo a trip to see dinosaur bones and Native American relics, because your teen would rather play video games? What are our priorities? My father and I had a terrible relationship, but I'll never forget the picnics, fishing trips, mushroom hunting, watching fireworks or those trips to the museums, we enjoyed as a family. Things are shared and learned when families do such things together. My son and I joined the YMCA Indian Guides, and we raced whittled cars, flew homemade kites, canoed, swam, fished, camped, and sat around campfires together. He may have learned more about me during those times than anyone could tell him, after I'm gone. God has given (on loan) our children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and other kids in our lives. He expects us to teach them, to show them life, nature, enjoying His gifts and especially who HE is. God wants us to gain our children’s trust, attention and favor, so they'll want to know WHO HE is, and that HE is important to us. Yes, I'm stomping on toes, and my own are aching too. I regret every time I said, "Maybe later, I don't have time right now." I'll never regret saying, "We made a kite, and it flew." I'm a believer that example is the greatest teacher. I can preach, teach and write about God, but showing that I have a relationship with Him and this can be extended into my relationship with another, shouts what I cannot preach, teach, write or say. Madison has also asked, "I'm hungry, can't we just eat; do we always have to pray?" She knows; she's seen; she's lived it! Pray for Kaitlyn and Chris whose son Kooper was stillborn February 27. Pray for the Rockwell Family. Matriarch Virginia (90) passed away. Pray for Pat D and her family. Her brother passed away yesterday morning. Tom G had lithotripsy yesterday to break kidney stones. Lin's brother Chuck M is in a hospital with complications from diabetes and his heart. Please pray for Ashley R. She is seeing God working in her life during a low time in her life. Pray she will continue to grow and reach for Him. Father, I offer a prayer for family renewal for today. I pray for a measuring of priorities in me and others. My eyes be opened to see what we're teaching in what we do, what we spend our time and money on and how we live. You're love for us, should teach us that each of us are precious to You. We should see each other as precious and worthy of our time. I am a sinner in need of grace. I ask forgiveness as I forgive other sinners. I lift these loved ones and cares: Kaitlyn and Chris, Rockwell Family, Pat D & family, Tom G, Chuck M, Ashley R, Pastor Kevin's father, Randy S, Mike N, Wakins family, Keith R, Anne, Gary H, Rob P, Jim B, Mary (& Larry) C's Nephew, Jane C, Emily W, Jim V, Teresa, John B, Nikki L, Team of Kairos #10, Barbara, Nikki L, Jim V, John B, Vickie E, Ken S, Ladies of walk 58, Mr. & Mrs. Dewitt, Brandelyn N, Claudia T, Chrissie, Tim H -sons & families, Bill C, Jim B, Mike S' sister Tammy, Larry M, Cindy S' grandfather Gerald, John C, Jonah Joser, Michelle C, Ashlie B, Pat D, Roger D, Chris F, Maggie M, Victoria, Jen, Takin' The Streets Penny ministry, Katy H - Grace - other parents & orphans, Gayla K, Doug & Joanne F, Bill H, Katie V, Trina, Rick B, Joe D, Scott K, Eric K, Megan D, Karen M, Jess P, Catie M, Tom McL, Bill C, Shawn - Heidi & kids, Jason (in Texas), Becky M, Hunter H, Mable C, John D, Linda Z, John W, Tom C, Diane (Texas), Dave W, Denise, Sherry, Curt H, Roy & Becky M & their families, , Genie D, Barb W, Julie S & her family, Nancy F, Naomi's Heart Mission, Patty B, Larry M, Tami - husband & family, Jan F, Jason & Kristie, Walter M, Evan W, Dave H, Lori D, Rick F, Sally W, Stacey S, Barron S, Jerry F, Brenda W, Diane F, Mary A, Susan & family, Suveld & family, Alexia, and Vladimer, Terri & Doug R, Eldon & Deloris R, Sondra F, Stacey F, Kevin, Scott K, Koster family, Betsye A, Judy R, Mike, Solly (for liver), Ronda & John P, Archie S, Roger D, M Roker, Michael V, Charlie M, Gerry, Patrice S, India U, Sharon N, Nathan R, John D, Dean S, Amber & family, Maria - her grandmother and son, Carol B, Lisa H, Aprilla, Jack, Tom & Marg, Tom C, Dustin, Glen, Barry, Dylan, Robin & husband, all trying to end addiction or habit, our families for salvation and guidance, those grieving, depressed, fighting / working for freedom and safety from terror, neglected / abused / missing children, God's servants and churches, those looking for work, in rehab programs, our families and all we hold dear in our hearts. I pray with my love, worship, trust and confidence.... Amen. Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. -- But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Proverbs 22:6 NIV & James 1:22 KJV |
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