10 Things I Would Change... Birthday Musings

My birthday is this week. Kind of makes me think… “If I had it to do all over again….”  Have you ever uttered those words?  Here are 10 of the many things I would do differently.

1)      I would be more gentle to children who are just beginning a lifetime of learning how to make their way in the world and don’t really understand our grown-up rules or the reasons behind them.

2)      I would listen better – even to the unsaid words, because I know that my own emotions and background will distort what I am hearing and change the meaning from what the one speaking intended.

3)      I would create more beautiful things because as I take the time to do so I am transported to a higher plain and transformed by the creativity God has placed within me.

4)      I would have been a better student of the Word at an earlier age because I now know the wealth that is hidden in the pages to draw me into a closer relationship with the One who sees and knows all things.

5)      I would have exercised before I was in my fifties because I would have been much more help and had more fun with the strength and stamina I am just now realizing.

6)      I would have tried harder to speak the truth in love; gently confronting rather than being the one who accommodates others just to keep the peace and in the end, sends the message that undesirable behaviors are acceptable.

7)      I would have prayed and waited more and manipulated less, because altering things to get what you think you need takes away the opportunity to see God bless you beyond your wildest dreams.

8)      I would have spent more on things that would keep me organized and less on things that need to be organized so I’d have less of what I don’t need and more to share with others.

9)      I would have spent less time and energy trying to impress God and more time sitting in His presence, learning who He created me to be and what He really wants me to do.

10)  I would live in joyful expectation, praising God more… panicking less.

May YOU learn to have a richer life, earlier, by considering what you need to change NOW so there are no regrets later! No time like the present!

Now, let’s go eat some ice cream!

“I have come so that you may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 10:10

Be Kind

I have never met anyone who, on their wedding night said to their beloved, “I can’t wait to have a knock down drag out fight that makes me so angry I will harbor a grudge against you for the rest of our lives.” It just isn’t something that we plan to do. We plan to love through thick and thin, for a lifetime; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health…  In reality, however, most of us have said and heard painful, unforgettable things to our spouse out of our anger, hurt or frustration and struggle with the memory of it for a long time.  Paul has a lot to say about that in his letter to the church at Ephesus. Boiled down to a phrase, he says DON’T DO THAT!!!!

Paul says that these things happen because we fall back into that old life, where SELF is at the center and our own needs and desires take control. We become tired, stressed, and just plain irritable and self creeps back up onto the throne of our life and we want what we want. PERIOD. We begin to feel bitter, angry and maybe even fly into a rage.  When on the receiving end, we tend to hang on to those feelings as if they are our protection from future pain, when in reality they will become the source of future pain.

How do we prevent that in our marriage or other relationships? Well, Paul gives us the algebraic formula. I don’t claim to be a math scholar by any stretch, but I do remember that when we needed to get rid of a negative from one side of an equation, we had to add a positive to both sides. So he doesn’t leave us hanging with a command to “stop that!” negative behavior, but gives us the positive behavior that will help it disappear.

“Be kind and tender to one another, forgive each other”…  and there you have it! If you really want to put a halt to the anger and resentment that has built up and hardened your heart, start by showing kindness to the one that you are feeling malice toward. You probably can’t do this on your own. That’s what is so amazing about true transformation – It comes from the heart of God and flows through you, bringing about the needed changes… but only as you grant Him permission to mold you.

Parents, I guarantee you that your kids are being shaped by the degree with which you extend kindness and tenderness to each other. They will learn grace and forgiveness according to the standard you are setting at home.  If you are concerned about their image of a grace-filled, loving God, then it is time to “put away every form of hatred” and show them what it means to love and forgive, right there at home.

Get rid of all hard feelings, anger and rage.

Stop all fighting and lying.

Put away every form of hatred.

Be kind and tender to one another.

Forgive each other,

just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Uniting Surrender and Control

Kids live in the moment. They struggle to see beyond NOW and don’t like having to wait for the things they want. As we mature, hopefully, we learn patience and discover that there are steps we must climb if we want to get to the next level. Sometimes those steps are tedious; sometimes monotonous; sometimes difficult… but all the time important and necessary if we hope to arrive at the desired place. In all aspects of life – physical, emotional, spiritual and mental - growth occurs only as we climb to a higher level.

As parents, we see the need for this growth to develop in our children. What is appropriate for a toddler is not appropriate for a third grader so we teach… and teach …. and teach…  and on and on it goes! Often we become weary and wonder if we will ever have a moment to breathe when we don’t have to be guiding them out of one undesirable behavior into a more appropriate one. The key is to stay the course and remind yourself that training/teaching/guiding is what creates the forward momentum necessary to turn a ego-centric, immature child into a mature, responsible, others-focused adult.

The fact is, parenting is an awesome, gruesome, beautiful, impossible job that gets no vacation time, no sick leave, no monetary benefit. It is the greatest responsibility ever known to humanity; the shaping of a life, and it cannot be done well without keeping your eye on the ultimate goal. Paul tells the converts of the first century church that the way to find the plan God has for them is to become like Christ (Romans 8:29). Simple, right? Raise your kids to be like Jesus and they will find the path he has for them. Period.

While that is an oversimplification, it is absolutely primary and many things we think are important will fall away if we keep the MOST important thing, the most important thing!  Parenting is an assignment in simultaneously implementing surrender and control. Fully submitting to the authority of Christ in our lives we learn to surrender our agenda and our less than Divine desires for ourselves and our kids. At the very same moment, we must exercise strength as we take control of the behaviors of our kids. Taking control of our kids without first submitting to His control will lead the whole family on a path of futility. Conversely, shaping your child while God is shaping you will reap a harvest of peace and righteousness (Hebrews 12:11). 

If you are in a place where you feel like a broken record when it comes to raising your kids, don't lose heart. Keep your focus on the prize and your feet on the path that God has for you. Draw strength for each day from the time you spend alone with God... even if you have to lock yourself in the bathroom or park the kids in front of a video for a bit. Find the strength in the quiet place of God's presence. Be energized as you use His strength, that powerfully works within you, to bring your kids to a place where He will have supremacy in their lives.

"...With all the wisdom we have, we warn and teach everyone.

When we bring them to God, we want them to be perfect as people who belong to Christ.

That's what I am working for. I work hard with all of Christ's strength. 

His strength works powerfully in me." 

Colossians 1:28-29

The Right Path

Have you ever been so deep in thought that you missed your turn, ran into something, or missed an important message?   Your focus took a momentary (or not so momentary) detour and you ended up somewhere you never intended to go. It happens quite easily when we are distracted. And when it comes to raising kids in a hectic whirlwind of activities, distraction often becomes the norm. That being the case, is it any wonder that statistics show that parents who claim to be God followers are not raising children who grow up and choose to follow God? Distractions pull us off course and away from the path God has set for us.

 In his letter to the church in Philippi, Paul admits that he has had a few detours off the course God had for him, but he has found the secret to reaching the goal… “focusing all my energies on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race to receive the prize…” Philippians 1:13-14 Said another way, Carpi Diem! Seize the day!  Stop looking back at the times you strayed from the path and failed to reach your destination and focus on where you want to go and strain to reach that goal… not just for yourself, but for those who come behind you.

The proverb states, “Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.” (Proverbs 22:6)  The best way to teach your children the path of godliness is to walk with them on that path. If you aren’t staying on the path, why should they?

Don’t tell them where the right path is while you take a different path because they will not value what is not of value to you.

Don’t demand that they comply with a strict code of conduct that has no meaning to them so that they will find the right path because imposing rules without relationship will leave them doubting the existence of a God who longs to walk with them.

Don’t send them to church so they can hear about the right path because they know that if that path was important, you would be on it.

Make life in your home about seeking God’s direction one attitude, one action, one decision, one moment at a time…TOGETHER.  You are not perfect. You are human. You will have victories and you will feel defeated. But there is a prize for those who are willing to strain to reach the goal and walking intimately with the One who made you, knows you, adores you and wants nothing more than to be with you throughout eternity is a pretty amazing prize. What could possibly be a better use of your energy than to travel that right path with your kids? 

What Will You Grow In 2015?

 “Don't be fooled. You can't outsmart God. A man gathers a crop from what he plants.  Some people plant to please their sinful nature. From that nature they will harvest death. Others plant to please the Holy Spirit. From the Spirit they will harvest eternal life. Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time we will gather a crop if we don't give up.”   Galatians 6:7-9

What does it mean to plant to please the Holy Spirit? It seems like we get caught up in a pile of “Dos and Don’ts” and never quite figure it out. Recently I have had a glimpse into what I think it means…

I often refer to my dad in my writings, because I have been blessed so much by him. And I am not alone. The cancer that has him looking at the final stretch of his journey on earth, seems to have brought an endless parade of people telling how their lives have been transformed by his willingness to put self aside and allow the Spirit of God to freely live in him. I am witnessing the beginning of dad reaping what he has sown. 

By the standards of our society, it doesn’t appear that his life has reaped much of a reward. He has virtually no assets. Doesn’t own a home and never has. His last car was over 20 years old when he got it. Most all of his clothing comes from Salvation Army, he draws no pension, lives on a meager Social Security check and has a small amount in his savings account… in case someone else needs something.  Don’t misunderstand. He has always been a hard worker and didn’t retire until he was 80, but he was never the type to store up treasures here on earth. After meeting the needs of his wife and children, he gave unselfishly to anyone who needed it.

Dad planted “to please the Holy Spirit” and this is what grew within him… “the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23. There is not a single one on that list that isn’t manifested in my dad. It didn’t happen because he was determined to exhibit those attributes. They simply grew out of a life that didn’t seek to please himself, but to put self out of the way to make room for the Spirit to inhabit his innermost being so that God could be seen, not Clarence Franklin, for most of his 81 years.

As 2015 begins, make this year different. Push away the desire to live to please self and live in a manner that makes room for the Spirit of God to grow in those places where you have stepped aside. Think you aren’t cut out for that kind of thing? Think again. We were all created to thrive when we unite with the Spirit of God and we all struggle when we try to live life to please ourselves… without making room for Him.

Someday, your children will reflect on your life in the same way I have been with my dad. What a blessing it would be to hear them report that they cannot identify you in any way other than one who lived their life planting to please the Holy Spirit and reaping a harvest of lives transformed by the fruit you bore.

Seekers Of The Light

I am convinced that we are all born as seekers. There are things that we seek to know; to find; to understand. These are as varied as we are, however, the one thing that is innately inbred into the fiber of every human life and that is to seek the Light. There is a spiritual darkness into which we are born that cries out for LIGHT. Just as the Magi of the Christmas story, we are driven to find the One who came to be the Light of the World.

If you think about it, your kids – every time they push the limits- are seeking to find their way out of darkness and into Light. With each inappropriate behavior they are seeking guidance, even if they don’t realize it. If I had it to do over again, I would have treated the negative behaviors of my children as if they were simply seeking guidance, rather than defying my authority. What if I had reacted to naughty choices as an opportunity to shine His Light on their path? I guess I will never have the answer to that question, but I have a few suggestions for those of you who still have time to give it a try!

1)      When you are dealing with your child’s behaviors that are less than ideal, remember that guiding them means zero tolerance for bad choices. If you are not consistent with the things that will and will not be tolerated, your children will not see a path that is lit and safe to follow. They will see light that is bouncing everywhere and they will have no idea which way to turn. Keep the right path consistently lit by patiently directing them to proper choices and away from that which you have deemed unacceptable.

2)      When your kids are naughty it is easy to succumb to frustration which very easily turns into anger. Reacting out of anger may scare your children into submission (after all that is a dark behavior from which they will run) but it does not show them the light to which they should run. Remind yourself, when your fuse is becoming short enough for an explosion, that their behaviors are actions that are seeking Light; that bad behaviors are merely seeking to know where the boundaries lie, what is appropriate, what is not, what will be tolerated, what will not, what brings joy and acceptance, what does not. When we fail to shine the Light of Love to illuminate the path they should travel, the bad behaviors will continue. Sometimes kids push the limits to the point that you think they will never get it. Take a deep breath and let God shine through you to do what you don’t have the strength to do yourself.

3)      When you have taken a wrong turn on your path that has resulted in pain and separation from the Light, older children can begin to hear the PG version of your story so that they can see and hear the contrast and consequences of wandering from God. Remembering where you have come from will help you to refrain from shining a glaring light at their short comings. Shining the light at them will help them to see where they are, which is important, but the light mustn’t stay there, but be pointed in the direction they should go. Caution: when you are not on the right path, your kids are more likely to follow you than they are to follow the Light.

Lord, help us to see Your Light more clearly, follow Your Light more closely and reflect Your Light more truly as we guide our children towards the Light of Life.

Son Light, Not Spotlight

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Also, people do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand.

Then it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine in front of others.

Then they will see the good things you do and they will praise the Father in Heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

Who doesn’t want to be held in high esteem for the good things we do? It feels good to be noticed when we make a sacrifice or go above and beyond. It’s only natural; however, when we do good for the applause of others, we are making it all about us and that is idolatry, pure and simple. We have taken the place of the only ONE who is deserving of praise.

Why then, did Jesus tell his followers that they should be sure to let others see the good they were doing? Because it is our task to make God known.

Always make sure that the light shining is not an exterior light that illuminates your good deeds, but an interior light on the Spirit of God living within you. The presence of God in you will create a new you and others will know that there is something supernatural about your attitude and actions.

The Spirit of God doesn’t take breaks. When the kids are naughty, that light is still within you. When your husband doesn’t help you around the house, that light is still inside you. When the finances are stretched to the breaking point, still the light shines. When your wife seems cold and distant, that light is still on. With every worry and unlovely attitude, we wrap ourselves in self-pity and the light that brings life is draped in darkness. His light becomes obscure.

Learn to walk with God and allow that Spirit within you to become the voice that you hear and the light that guides. As it shines, with no obstructions from our refusal to listen and follow, there will be growth. You will bear fruit in your life that will be transforming to you and to your family. You won’t be blinding them with a light that points to their short-comings. You won’t be in the spotlight, proving how great you are doing. Rather, God will shine through you and will reveal Himself in the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control that will become who you are and God will be the one who is praised.

Following the Star

Every year there seems to be a new insight from the Christmas story that captures my thoughts. Lately I have thought much about the journey of the Magi; the Wise men following the star. They were intelligent men who had discovered an anomaly in the heavens. As they studied this new sighting they began to seek information on what it could mean. Were there predictions made in bygone years about such a thing? Digging deep into the annals of history, they discovered the writings of an ancient prophet named Isaiah who spoke of a LIGHT that would come. This LIGHT was to signify the birth of a Savior, a Messiah, the King of the Jews. They were not likely Jews and hadn’t been awaiting a Messiah. They hadn’t grown up hearing of the Redeemer that would end their bondage. They simply saw a light that intrigued them and determined that they must follow the light of the star to learn if this was, in fact, that light about which Isaiah had prophesied.

The question that this brings to my mind is- if our kids are not truly looking for Jesus... and kids typically are not... can they find Him through me? Is the LIGHT that points to Jesus shining from me in such a way that attracts them to the joy and abiding peace that His presence brings? 

When our kids were young we spent some time in the caves of Kentucky and learned a little bit about darkness and light. When they got too far from us, we didn’t point the light at them to help them find security and hope. We had to point it at ourselves so that they could find their way back. Often, when we are trying to direct our children we do so by pointing light at them… exposing their failures and short-comings. That is a blinding glare that prevents them from seeing the way they should go.

This Christmas, consider giving your children the gift of light that will direct them to Jesus, just as the star directed the Magi. Be the light that will attract, not create a glare that prevents them from the warm light of God’s undying love, so that, along with the Wise men of 2,000 years ago they will find Him and fall down and worship Him, Emanuel, God with us.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him."

Matthew 2:1-2

Your Story

Each of our lives has a story to tell. How are you telling your story? When the book of your life unfolds will others see victory, godly living, integrity, honor, humility, grace? Will there be chapters filled with anger, resentment, jealousy, selfishness, pride, unkindness? The good news is, though you are NOT always the author of your circumstances, you are the author of your story and you get to decide how it reads.

My father has recently been undergoing a battery of tests and we have been given little hope of recovery from the doctors. At nearly 81, his story may be drawing to a conclusion. My dad and I are as close as a father and daughter can be so the thought of losing him is painful, but I will never lose the story that he has written on my heart. More than his DNA, I carry his legacy of unconditional love, mercy and grace. His life has been my classroom. I have watched him deal with difficult people, difficult situations, and struggles of many kinds with integrity and gentleness. I have watched him love those who society has given up on. I have seen him pour himself into those whose lives have been transformed because of him. Conversely, I have watched him react with compassion when others turn and walk away after he has invested so much in their lives. Never have I witnessed self-pity or pride or a weariness so heavy that he wants to stop giving.

It is a wonderful gift to give your children… a story that is so full of peace, joy and contentment; of servanthood and compassion. It makes me wonder at the story my kids are receiving from me. It causes me to want to encourage you to consider the same and look to God for the transformation that can take place within each of us only after we submit to Him. It is His Spirit within us, whom we receive when we decide to follow God, that will begin to chip away at anything we see that is unsightly and offer to him for remodeling; His Spirit that adds the beauty that will replace the ugliness we surrender to Him; His grace that takes a wretched person and molds us, as much as we will allow, into the person He made us to be.

May I please encourage you to consider your story. Consider the kind of submission to the transforming power of God that allows Him to write it as He designed. Stop being who you can be on your own and be the person you can be if you let him embrace you, lead you, direct you, and make your story one that your kids will someday tell with pride. If you give them nothing else, give them the example of a life lived with Jesus as your closest companion. They will gain much for which to be grateful in a classroom like that.

 “Don't do anything only to get ahead. Don't do it because you are proud.

Instead, be free of pride.

Think of others as better than yourselves.”

Philippians 2:3

Getting Fit

“If you do what you’ve always done, you get what you always got.” If you are struggling, as one who has decided to follow Jesus, to be filled with grace and humility, compassion and kindness, gentleness and patience… join the club! We all struggle, but there is a way to victory. God In US! Think of this analogy…

We have had a wii fit  for 3-4 years. We have enjoyed it from time to time, but mostly it has been unused… until recently when I made a commitment to pull it out and insert the exercise dvd and use it 5 days a week to improve my health and fitness. Every morning I get to choose whether or not I am going to stick with my commitment or sleep that extra half hour. That decision determines how rapidly I will see my goals met.

Liken that to our walk with God. When we decide to become a follower of God, the Spirit of God makes His home within us. As He coaches and directs us, we begin to morph into His likeness, reflecting His goodness… when we follow His lead. It isn’t an automatic thing. Every moment we have a choice to either submit to him shaping us and making us healthy and fit in our inner spirit OR continuing to live and act as we always have. If we say we are following, yet are not a reflection of him, it is like having the best exercise equipment and using it for a clothing rack.

When our commitment to following God is weak, what is the benefit of being a follower of Jesus? If we aren’t willing to walk with Him in the details of our lives, our lives will not change.  The mature believer learns that in order to be transformed by the Spirit of God, we must listen and obey. It is not what we can do to be good. It is what we allow Him to do in and through us that changes us.

It is not easy to let go of the anxiety that drives us to negative behavior, or the anger that seems to be etched into our DNA, or the habits that have been established over the years.  It can be a difficult thing to let go of the reins and allow God to steer us on to a better place. Trust me, these exercises are not easy for me. It is not natural for me to get up and work out. But I know what I want and I know that if I continue to do what I have always done I will continue to be unhealthy, unfit and overweight.

If you are ready to reflect the goodness of God in your life so that even your family can see that it is good to follow Jesus, it’s time to listen and obey that inner voice that wants you to be transformed so you can achieve the purpose for which you were created. He will, if we allow him, change you and others will see the evidence of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in your life.

Want to raise godly kids? Let them see God in YOU!

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly

as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…”

Colossians 3:16

MVP, GPA or GOD?

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Love him with all your strength.

The commandments I give you today must be in your hearts.

Make sure your children learn them.

Talk about them when you are at home.

Talk about them when you walk along the road.

Speak about them when you go to bed.

And speak about them when you get up.”

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

As a parent, which do you think is the most urgent need to impress upon your children: GPA? MVP? or GOD?  Does your response align with your actions? Would others be surprised by your answer?  Often times we feel that something is important, but we don’t demonstrate that with our choices. No one is immune from that! 

There is no question that academics are important. Children must learn new things on a daily basis to build a solid foundation that will insure they are prepared for college and/or life with adult responsibilities.  If their grades in High School are good enough, they may even get a full ride to the college of their choice so they can climb higher than their parents and someday receive their doctorate and a Nobel prize.

In America, sports are a big deal… and getting bigger all the time. Kids learn fitness, values, teamwork and good sportsmanship. There is also that possibility that they will be the one the scouts will see and end up with a college scholarship. Sports keeps them off the streets and busy so they learn to be an effective multi-tasker (and be tired enough they don’t argue about going to bed at night).

As important as those may be, I believe God is infinitely more important in the life of your children. You probably agree. But, if you claim that God is the most important, then what are you doing to prove that to your kids? Do they actually hear you talk about Him? Do they know that He is the Leader you choose to follow? Do they hear you talk to Him? Do you pray with them? Do you say a prayer of thanksgiving before meals? Are your decisions based on what you have learned from being a student of His Word? How important is corporate worship at your house? What can keep you from the Word or from Worship? Homework? Laundry? A game or a meet? Recreation? Friends? Family?

I don’t believe that there is a scorecard in heaven keeping track of the things I listed. I do, however think there is a scorecard on the heart of your kids, metaphorically speaking. They are watching you closely and learning from you… more by what you do than by what you say. If  you want them to love and follow God, then examine where He lines up on your priority list. Not the one you claim, but the one you demonstrate.

As God-followers we are all on a journey to reflect the image of our Creator. That’s hard to do from a distance. Maybe, as we approach the holiday season you need to determine if you have room for Jesus. It is time to take Him seriously. He is GOD. Do you want your kids to know about Him or to know Him?  Satan knows about Him. That’s not good enough for my kids or my grand-kids. I want them to really know… be a friend of… trust… follow the One who made them with a purpose far more important than their GPA or being a MVP. If you feel the same, take a look at the message you are clearly sending them by the decisions you make on a daily basis.

I choose GOD.

LOST!

My friend, while in college was traveling with her church to the Dominican Republic. Her pastor had warned them against all horseplay, as TSA officers would be watching everyone and nobody was above suspicion.  While waiting in line, she recounts this story:

“As we waited in silence, we heard a piercing cry from the back of the line. A muscular man in a black t-shirt and dark jeans began screaming in Spanish and fighting his way through the crowd.  The air became thick.  My heart began to race.

The officers bolted toward the man.  Police placed their hands on their weapons: ready to shoot if necessary.  The man was undeterred. He kept fighting through the crowd, screaming.

All chatter and movement ceased in that terminal, except for the man.  He shoved people aside. His screams became louder.  He kept exclaiming the same few words, like a mantra.

TSA reached him just as he made his way through the metal detectors.  He writhed out of their control.  Gasps came from the line.

And then, the man cried out with a loud groan.  He stooped down, and picked up a two-year-old boy.  "Mi nino! Mi nino!" (Spanish for "my son") the man said over and over.  He held his boy up so we all would understand. His son had escaped from him in the line and this father was merely trying to get his boy back.

We all breathed a sigh of relief.  We got it. Of course this father would be willing to face jail time and even death to get his boy back.

That moment in the airport became a memory burn for me.  Here's why:  This is how our Heavenly Father feels about each of us.  

When we get lost, Jesus leaves everything and comes after us with the fervor of the Hound of Heaven.  He is willing to face humiliation and death so we can be safe in His arms again.”

Satan often waits for us to be “lost” in life, in activities, in distractions from God, in work, in busyness, in relationships… Whatever your “lost” looks like, be assured that he is waiting to pounce and administer the GUILT that will keep us hiding from the One who seeks us with a passion.  I hope that Amy’s story will be a memory burn for you as you allow yourself to be sought after and embraced by the One who loves you most. 

Beyond that, I hope it impacts the way you parent your children. Remember that GUILT is not the best motivator in directing their lives. Teaching them the right choices and walking beside them as they learn brings a better result. It is love that unites us and gives us the power to speak into their lives. Make sure they know that you would give EVERYTHING to make sure they are in the right place, with the Father that was willing to die to be with them.

"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost." -- Matthew 18:11