Papa B
Back by popular demand - Family Prayer!
Last September I adjusted my work schedule an hour and a half earlier so that I would have more time in the early evening with my family before the kids had to head to bed. My family has a fairly integrated schedule, that is to say, we don’t go our separate ways and do our own things. So my schedule change was a major change to our lives.
For years, before I left home each morning, I would gather my family together for a prayer. It was a great way to start of the day and set things on the right foot. This was also the time that I would read the Bible to my kids. We would alternate between an Old Testament book and a New Testament book. (When I would tell people that I was reading Judges with my girls their eyes would go wide)
That all came to a screeching halt when my schedule changed. I found myself getting up before anyone else and leaving the house before most of my family was even awake. I had hoped that my family would be able to adjust to the change and wake up and get going in enough time, but that really didn’t happen. Over time my youngests would peek out in time to give me hugs before I left but somehow we lost the Family Prayer.
I can’t take it anymore. I gathered my family last night and declared that Family Prayer is back! I’ll gather who ever is awake and we’ll pray before I leave.
To Him be the glory?
Did you survive the season? Did you, like many others, hope that your kids set aside their desire to get more stuff and focus on the “true meaning of Christmas”?
My wife and I tried something new this year. Last January we ordered a catalog from World Vision and created the “farm jar”. If you haven’t checked out World VisionI highly recommend that you do. They are an organization that provides relief to poor countries by creating a catalog that you and I can order a cow, chicken, llama, water well or a bunch of other needed items.
My family raised $505 this last year. For a bunch more info on what we did, check out my wife’s blog at www.mamakay.com
Proverbs 3:5-8
Pro 3:5-8 ESV Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (6) In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (7) Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. (8) It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Solomon said earlier in Proverbs that wisdom comes from God. Because of this it is sheer folly to think that we can come up with a better way than God. Solomon tells us how to “lean not on our own understanding”. We do this by acknowledging God in all our ways. When Solomon says that the the Lord will make our paths straight the Hebrew word translated as ’straight’ is yâshar; meaning to be straight or even; figuratively to be (causatively to make) right, pleasant, prosperous [H3474 Strong's Hebrew Dictionary]
Our lives are not always easy, but if we put everything into the perspective of acknowledging God in everything we do, God will work in our lives to make our way yâshar. A clear path from the Lord is healing to our flesh and refreshment to our bones.
Oh Father, help me not to think that I have the master plan. I will acknowledge you in everything that I do because you have made my paths straight.
“Tut-tut, it looks like rain”
My wife is eight months pregnant with our fifth child and, since we live in Phoenix Arizona, it’s a hundred and Hades outside in the shade. I suggested we get out of heat and go camping. We successfully camped at Knoll Lake at the beginning of June so I figured before the next child comes we could have some family bonding time up in the mountains. We decided to go to Rock Crossing, it is in the same area as we camped before.
The weather service forecasted 60% chance for rain. I figured that meant we had a 40% chance of it not raining. I guess it doesn’t really work that way. It rained. Our tent leaked. We did pack up in the rain and came home a day early.
God is good. We spent most of Saturday enjoying each others company and God’s creation.
Proverbs 3:1-4
Pro 3:1-4 ESV My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, (2) for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. (3) Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. (4) So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
There are two proverbs here. The first is his admonition to his children to remember and keep the teachings he is giving them because it is given in love for their benefit. The second is regarding love and faithfulness. Solomon regards love and faithfulness as precious things to cherish and in doing so you will be honored for it.
The second proverb reminds me to teach my children how precious love and faithfulness is to God and to us.