When I look at our family and the issues and concerns we face on a daily basis. Sometimes it is easy to slip into the "life is hard" mantra.
Then God shows me (only He knows when I am ready to see)the issues and concerns other people have which in comparison make our diffuclties seem trivial.
We are so blessed.
God is good.
Even when all 4 kids have been sick within 1 week.
Even when there is uncertainty in the economy.
Even when there is disappointment.
Even when there is failure to meet expectations.
Even when the downstairs toilet breaks, I fix it, and it breaks again.
Even when we NEED new gutters, roof and furnace.
Even when we switch over to digital tv and our reception gets worse.
Even when Kelsey (our choc. lab) eats anything and everything left on the counter.
Even when a 30 year old tree falls.
Even when, due to 4 kids, it is hard to get a hot shower.
Even when I have chosen to put my golf clubs in the attic. (Although I will probably still play 2 or 3 times this year.)
Even when my 11 year old honda civic tries not to start on cold mornings.
Even when my company changes how they pay me and shockingly it turns out to be less.(sarcasm)
Even when....
well, for me.... God knows when I am ready to see how blessed I am.
"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." Psalm 32:1
Friday, March 6, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
5-3
Cubs won their first spring training game against the Dodgers. Micah Hoffpauir hit a grand slam.
Spring training games dont count for much...but we (as if I had anything to do with it) are 1-0.
Joe
Spring training games dont count for much...but we (as if I had anything to do with it) are 1-0.
Joe
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Aaron
Last week, Aaron broke his right pinky. At first, we thought he just jammed it. but when we went to the doctor and got an x-ray, it clearly showed a break right above the growth plate.
Thankfully, we have insurance to pay for it. Right now, he has a cast on his hand and on his pinky. he will get it off in two weeks.
Please pray for him.
Annie
Thankfully, we have insurance to pay for it. Right now, he has a cast on his hand and on his pinky. he will get it off in two weeks.
Please pray for him.
Annie
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Funny Picture
I asked Tia if this was a relative? She said possibly.
thanks Rob!
tooo funny!
joe
(who has never sold turdles or turtles!)
Parenting Doubts
Being a parent is the most challenging role in the world.
Persistant doubting questions:
"How much is too much discipline?"
"When do I show grace?"
"Boundaries are good, arent they?"
"God can use poor past choices for His glory right?"
"High expectations for achievement in school and extra-curricular is healthy, right?"
"Expected participation in a sport is good for the body, mind and spirit, correct?"
"How much money is too much money for those sport participation expectations?"
"I am just a steward of what I have, I mean, its not really mine anyway?"
"A lack of a healthy relationship with an earthly father will impact how I father?"
"Do I have what it takes to be a dad?"
I once started to read a book by John Eldridge where he stated that God wants those of us considered "fatherless" to run to Him with His arms wide open and jump into them and call Him "daddy". I couldnt finish that book.
When I try to picture this in my mind it grinds to a halt. I have trouble conceiving God as dad.
(Another post sometime about my Dads could be healing, but not now.)
I confess.
I have prayed the following more than once.
"Oh Lord, as a fatherless father I am clueless. I am a mess and have no idea what I am doing. Help. I need you."
All this as my Amy is away on a church winter retreat and I am repeatedly asking God to care for her and that I dont wanna mess up His work in her life. To be her Father in each and everyway in which I fall short. To meet the needs in her life of which I am not even remotely aware. Even the ones I am aware of, I feel inadequate.
Isnt this the essence of living by faith?
We were challenged this weekend at our church to live by faith like Gideon. To walk into battle against 135,000 midianites not with 32,000 fighting men but 300. To live like this is illogical and to some, foolish. Read it here for yourselves.
Being a parent is the most challenging role in the world.
It requires "Gideon-like" faith.
Joe
Persistant doubting questions:
"How much is too much discipline?"
"When do I show grace?"
"Boundaries are good, arent they?"
"God can use poor past choices for His glory right?"
"High expectations for achievement in school and extra-curricular is healthy, right?"
"Expected participation in a sport is good for the body, mind and spirit, correct?"
"How much money is too much money for those sport participation expectations?"
"I am just a steward of what I have, I mean, its not really mine anyway?"
"A lack of a healthy relationship with an earthly father will impact how I father?"
"Do I have what it takes to be a dad?"
I once started to read a book by John Eldridge where he stated that God wants those of us considered "fatherless" to run to Him with His arms wide open and jump into them and call Him "daddy". I couldnt finish that book.
When I try to picture this in my mind it grinds to a halt. I have trouble conceiving God as dad.
(Another post sometime about my Dads could be healing, but not now.)
I confess.
I have prayed the following more than once.
"Oh Lord, as a fatherless father I am clueless. I am a mess and have no idea what I am doing. Help. I need you."
All this as my Amy is away on a church winter retreat and I am repeatedly asking God to care for her and that I dont wanna mess up His work in her life. To be her Father in each and everyway in which I fall short. To meet the needs in her life of which I am not even remotely aware. Even the ones I am aware of, I feel inadequate.
Isnt this the essence of living by faith?
We were challenged this weekend at our church to live by faith like Gideon. To walk into battle against 135,000 midianites not with 32,000 fighting men but 300. To live like this is illogical and to some, foolish. Read it here for yourselves.
Being a parent is the most challenging role in the world.
It requires "Gideon-like" faith.
Joe
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Quote
I found this quote today. I love Corrie Ten Boom, what an inspiration.
Every experience God gives us
Every person He puts in our lives
is the perfect preparation for a future
only He can see.
--Corrie Ten Boom
Every experience God gives us
Every person He puts in our lives
is the perfect preparation for a future
only He can see.
--Corrie Ten Boom
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