To My Fellow Parents

Just a note of encouragement to say…keep going, keep wanting the best for your kids, keep training them up, keep trying, keep loving them, keep believing the best, keep leading them, keep their perspective in mind, keep trusting He cares for them more than you ever can.

Don’t give up. Parenting is one of the most important roles ever created for us on Earth. If you’re a parent, you know it’s one of the most challenging, too. There is no manual and it may get stressful to the point it hurts, but it is worth it. Your kids are worth it.

So, take a deep breath and know you are making a difference in their lives when you do your best as a parent. Sure, you’re not perfect, but they don’t need perfection. They need you to show them how to live, as best as you – flawed, imperfect but caring, loving, dedicated you – possibly can.

Love on your children today. It is a deposit you will get back with interest. It’s perhaps the best investment you will ever make.

Have a great day.

You are made by God and for God!

Colossians 1:16

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

I Will Follow

“In the good things and in the hardest part, I believe and I will follow You.”

This song has been speaking to me lately.

I am blessed more than ever in my own life right now. I can’t remember a time where life has been better for me. Good things are happening and I am so thankful for all of it.

But…

You’d have to be living under a rock to think that as a whole, things here on Earth are ‘just fine’ right now. They’re not. More than ever, evil is showing its face. We live in absolutely crazy times – well, crazy on the surface at least. I don’t need to go into detail. Life is very hard, and downright scary, for so many people right now.

It can be easy to think, “Why would God let this stuff happen?”

But…

Take a look at the Book of Revelation. Read through it and then see what you think. After reading it again for the first time in a while, I know it gave me some real clarity on what is happening in the world right now…and more than that, a renewed sense of peace.

God is in control. No matter what happens here, that has not changed, is not changing, will not change. He knows the script – we don’t.

What we do have is a choice: to follow Him, or not. As for me, in the good things and in the hardest part, I am going to follow God. I know without a doubt I’d be lost without Him.

So, right now I just want to take a moment and give thanks for the peace that comes from knowing no matter what happens here on Earth, He loves me and holds my immediate and eternal future in His hands. Amen to that.

He loves you, too. Hope you know that.

Have a great day.

Stunning Work

‘The contrast of jewels against dark velvet brings out the luster. In the same way, God does his most stunning work where things seem hopeless. Wherever there is pain, suffering, and desperation, Jesus is. No situation, anywhere on Earth, is too hard for God.’
-Jim Cymbala

I hope this encourages you if you’re going through a tough time right now.

Just remember, when things are looking down for you, look up! He’s there and always will be.

Forgive More

Reading a Facebook post of a friend of mine has this topic on my mind this morning. It’s about forgiving others.

Friends, forgiveness isn’t something that’s optional…it’s required of us. We’re not given the right to hold a grudge, or hold back forgiveness toward others.

After all no one walking this Earth is perfect, but thankfully we are forgiven when we simply ask for it. And so, we should readily offer the same for others.

Forgive more. Condemn less.