Ending Foster Care in Colorado?

I like the magnitude of this vision. Learn how you can join Focus on the Family and church leaders this weekend as we join together to give orphans in Colorado a “forever family.”

Fuller Five, Nov 16

Five things we’re enjoying about this weekend:

  1. The finale of Fiddler On The Roof, a dramatic performance of that timeless musical in which two of the kids participated
  2. The beautiful weather…simply stunning November days – and sunsets
  3. Visiting with a family friend. Tim came over for dinner last night and we had a very nice chat
  4. Good sleep…everyone was so tired from the busy week, and the slumber last night was especially restful (thanks for simple pleasures, Lord!)
  5. Good friends at church. We have an outstanding adult Sunday School class, and the connections we make with those folks is priceless

WIR, Nov 14

Some great Focus broadcasts this past week.

A two-part series about protecting your teen daughter from cultural lies. Here’s a link to a “lies I believe” test you can take together with your girl. Very instructive!

How about a prayer from “Pistol” Pete Maravich? Did you even know he knew Christ before he died?

Dr. Arch Hart and his daughter provided some helpful insights about fighting fair in marriage. Here’s a practical “Communication 101″ article that augments the programs.

Advice Needed: When A Pet Dies

A friend’s grade-school daughter has had a parakeet for quite some time. While she enjoys owning the bird, the girl has not exactly been diligent in caring for it. The other day it died.

During the sorrowful time of tears that followed, this friend observed to himself that there was no water in the bird’s water-bowl. Despite repeated admonitions over the months and years to “take care of your parakeet,” the girl had evidently not refilled the bowl for a day or so. Now, this dad wonders if perhaps that lack of water might have been the ultimate reason for the bird’s death.

I was asked if he should allow the girl to finish her mourning for this pet and then tell her that she might have killed the bird through neglect, or if he should not say anything about the empty water bowl. To be honest, I am rather stumped on this one. Not sure what I would do in such a situation.

Parents, some advice for the fellow? Should he let the girl know she might have contributed to this pet’s passing, or should he leave the matter alone?

Pistol Pete

“Must hear” audio from the legendary Pete Maravich. What a story!

Nice Reunion

Had the opportunity to visit my oldest at college this past weekend. He is doing well, and we’re grateful that God has put some wonderful people in his life.

During my brief time there, I met several friends, a prof, a clergyman, someone from the dorm’s housekeeping staff, and of course, his roommate (who willingly gave up his bed for my use – what a gentleman!). Staying in the dorm was really a great experience – can’t say I miss those days too much, though!

Seeing Dakota become his own man, and especially knowing he continues to follow Christ, is an answer to years of prayer. We are blessed!

Veterans’ Day Gratitude For A Long Embrace

Waiting to board my flight, I was cognizant of the children. Everyone was, really.

They were wound up and full of life, even though it was only 5:15 a.m. Looking out the window at the planes, which in the darkness stood like gigantic frozen insects, the little boy and girl giggled and exuded excitement. They were probably 3 and 5 years old, and reminded me of my own kids, 1,500 miles and two stops away.

Hearing their mother trying to calm them down a bit, and surmising that they were on a family trip, I smiled at the wonderment and enthusiasm of preschoolers. What child doesn’t enjoy the adventure of airports and flying? And who knows what they were going to see on this trip? Time with relatives, or an amusement park vacation, or perhaps a visit to another country? I’d be excited, too!

My thoughts turned to the upcoming three and a half hours. I wondered if I would have the “privilege” of sitting nearby these precocious children when we took our seats on the MD80. That’d be okay, I would welcome the reminders of my family and the expectation of seeing them later in the day. I was in the mood to be around children, even someone else’s.

As the boarding process began, the gate attendant made an interesting announcement, one I had not previously heard. “At this time we’d like to welcome our soldiers, bound for Iraq, to Flight 436 and invite them to board the aircraft.” It was then that I realized there were about a dozen individuals dressed in military fatigues scattered around the area. While I had overheard a couple of them nearby sharing stories, I hadn’t seen the others. Now they began to line up.

Something inside of me went out to these men and women. I wanted to stop each soldier and express my gratitude to them for their hard work and service to me, to my family, to our nation. During these past years I’ve tried to do that, to show appreciation to the military folks I meet in airports and on planes. I smile and offer some affirming words. I tell them that there are a lot of folks across this country who are grateful for their dedication and sacrifice. I assure them that we know they are fighting courageously for our freedom and security. That there is far more success in this battle than is being reported by the mainstream press. That the majority of folks I know are behind them 100 percent.

I didn’t greet the soldiers. Instead, I was distracted by another scene. As I watched them line up and hand the attendant their tickets in silence, I became aware of another dynamic. The little boy and girl were still running around, now unattended. Their mother was standing to the side, hugging her husband closely. They held each other tightly, and it was obvious each desperately wanted to suspend time and stay in that embrace longer. This was not an easy parting.

His fatigues made it clear what the man was doing. Returning to the war. His furlough was over. His conversations with his wife were too few and too rushed. His time with those precious children went far too quickly. The weight of leaving was heavy upon him, heavy upon his beloved. Oblivious to the emotion of the moment, the boy and girl chased each other around the chairs, while Mom and Dad grabbed one last moment together. Then, her eyes wet with tears, they tenderly said goodbye, and the soldier turned to get on the plane. To go to his job. Overseas. To war. To face uncertainty and danger. To say goodbye to his wife and kids, knowing that it would be far too long before he could see them again.

Sitting quietly, letting the emotion of the moment touch me, thinking of my own dear family. I thanked God for them. For the soldiers who were going back. I thanked Him for the men and women of our military who leave their spouses and children so I can see mine ‘most every day and night. And for the families left behind, I whispered a prayer…God please watch over them, keep them safe, and reunite them soon. Thanks, and amen.

(With much gratitude to the veterans who have experienced a long embrace…)

Dad Makes A Difference! Part 1

A two-part post about dads – and the incredible influence we exert on our child(ren)…even if unintentional! I’m including some research references, just in case you wanted to know more. Speaking to the father who wants to maximize his role:

There is an established body of evidence that indicates clearly how fathers influence their children in many different aspects of development and growth.

This isn’t something that can wait, though. Your involvement in your child’s life is crucial – starting now! The earlier you connect with your daughter the better she is likely to do in life. You affect her in significant ways, even before you know it or can see evidence of your role in her life.

Can you see how vital it is for you as a dad to set aside the work, let go of the hobbies and start to invest – now! – in your child’s life? Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

Our Hope

This morning our team had a devotional time together, and I shared some thoughts from the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk. Over the years, I have developed a deep appreciation for Habakkuk’s burden for his people, and for his willingness to confront God with questions.

The Almighty’s responses bring hope and encouragement for those who have faith – in Him! Not in any circumstance – even in the face of trials and hardships.

Here’s the key verse, or I should say, one of several key verses (and you’ve heard the latter part of it many times):

Behold, he whose soul is not upright in him shall fail, but the righteous shall live by faith. (Hab 2:4, RSV)

Despite the financial hardships of the day, and the uncertainties we face as individuals, as a community of Christians, and as a nation, let’s turn our eyes toward the One who has His divine plans, who will accomplish all that He intends, who is on His Throne…yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Your feedback: If you have a portion of Scripture that is especially meaningful to you today, please share it with us by leaving a comment.

On A Day Full of Questions

More insightful perspective here.

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