My younger son, Turner, turns 5 years old today. It's amazing how quickly the past five joy-filled years have raced by.
Turner brings joy wherever he goes. Maybe with a hug. Maybe with a Turnerism. Maybe with a "Hey Daddy, I've got a question". You never really have to question what he's thinking about because he'll say pretty much whatever it is that's on his mind. We'll probably need to work on that later but for now it's fun.
Happy 5th Birthday Turner. You make my heart smile. Daddy loves you. Always and forever.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
The Proverbs 31 Man
Much is written about the Proverbs 31 woman. There are Proverbs 31 ministries and books. Even decorative bags. The bar to be a "Proverbs 31 Woman" is set pretty high.
I'm glad there's not a Proverbs 32 for men. I'd never make the cut. But there are some principles for men and husbands outlined in Proverbs 31 that we men would do well to follow:
A Proverbs 31 Man is:
1. A Man of Noble Character (v. 10)
The Proverbs 31 man lives a life of noble character. Think about it, a Proverbs 31 woman ("virtuous wife") deserves a husband of noble character, a man of virtue.
Tonya and I recently attended a wedding and when the minister had the young couple turn to the audience to introduce them as husband and wife, my first thought was "That couple has done it the right way". Why? Because each of them, both husband and wife, are people of noble character, of virtue.
Several years from now, our sons will likely marry. Our prayer is that they will each marry a woman of noble character. But we are also praying that our sons will be men of noble character, men of virtue.
2. A Man Who Trusts His Wife (v. 11)
The Proverbs 31 man trusts his wife and lives a life his wife can trust.
Trust builds goodwill; goodwill leads to closeness.
Where there is trust, there is peace.
3. A Man Who Leads (v. 23)
The Proverbs 31 man is "respected" at the city gate. That means he was looked to as a leader in the community. Even more than being a leader in the public forum, a man must lead his wife and children at home. It's the biblical model of servant-leadership (Ephesians 5:25) for the family.
4. A Man of Wisdom (v. 23)
The Proverbs 31 man in v. 23 took "his seat among the elders". He was a man of wisdom. A man who was looked to for counsel. He was a sounding board for those seeking input and advice.
We often think that one must be older to be an elder. That's not necessarily always the case. A young man whose seeks Godly wisdom can develop a reputation for consistent, well-thought out decision making. Being considered an elder is an earned position, not simply based on one's age.
5. A Man of Blessing (v. 28)
The Proverbs 31 man recognizes the contributions of his wife and appreciates her for who she is and all that she does.
6. A Man of Encouragement (v. 28, 29)
The Proverbs 31 man tells his wife "You're the best", not for anything she's done for him or for anything he wants from her. He encourages her, "praises her", because of who she is.
I'm glad there's not a Proverbs 32 for men. I'd never make the cut. But there are some principles for men and husbands outlined in Proverbs 31 that we men would do well to follow:
A Proverbs 31 Man is:
1. A Man of Noble Character (v. 10)
The Proverbs 31 man lives a life of noble character. Think about it, a Proverbs 31 woman ("virtuous wife") deserves a husband of noble character, a man of virtue.
Tonya and I recently attended a wedding and when the minister had the young couple turn to the audience to introduce them as husband and wife, my first thought was "That couple has done it the right way". Why? Because each of them, both husband and wife, are people of noble character, of virtue.
Several years from now, our sons will likely marry. Our prayer is that they will each marry a woman of noble character. But we are also praying that our sons will be men of noble character, men of virtue.
2. A Man Who Trusts His Wife (v. 11)
The Proverbs 31 man trusts his wife and lives a life his wife can trust.
Trust builds goodwill; goodwill leads to closeness.
Where there is trust, there is peace.
3. A Man Who Leads (v. 23)
The Proverbs 31 man is "respected" at the city gate. That means he was looked to as a leader in the community. Even more than being a leader in the public forum, a man must lead his wife and children at home. It's the biblical model of servant-leadership (Ephesians 5:25) for the family.
4. A Man of Wisdom (v. 23)
The Proverbs 31 man in v. 23 took "his seat among the elders". He was a man of wisdom. A man who was looked to for counsel. He was a sounding board for those seeking input and advice.
We often think that one must be older to be an elder. That's not necessarily always the case. A young man whose seeks Godly wisdom can develop a reputation for consistent, well-thought out decision making. Being considered an elder is an earned position, not simply based on one's age.
5. A Man of Blessing (v. 28)
The Proverbs 31 man recognizes the contributions of his wife and appreciates her for who she is and all that she does.
6. A Man of Encouragement (v. 28, 29)
The Proverbs 31 man tells his wife "You're the best", not for anything she's done for him or for anything he wants from her. He encourages her, "praises her", because of who she is.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Connecting by Loving Through Differences
In their book, "How to Build a Lasting Marriage", Elmer and Ruth Towns offer some statements to help couples learn to love each other through their differences (page 153, 154 and 162):
A loving relationship with parents and siblings prepares one for a happy marriage.
An unhappy childhood can be overcome.
Developing kindness prepares one for marriage.
Developing kindness and love begins with the Lord.
Obstacles can be overcome by God's grace.
God's unconditional love is the basis for a happy marriage.
A loving relationship with parents and siblings prepares one for a happy marriage.
An unhappy childhood can be overcome.
Developing kindness prepares one for marriage.
Developing kindness and love begins with the Lord.
Obstacles can be overcome by God's grace.
God's unconditional love is the basis for a happy marriage.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Connect Series: Loving Through Differences
In our relationship series, Connect, we are looking at the lives of Bible couples and the issues they dealt with. This week, we look at the marriage of Boaz and Ruth, who though very different, were a part of God's grand plan. We see that, for married couples, working through current differences pays long-term dividends.
When you meet someone, you usually want to know something about them. Here's some information on Boaz and Ruth:
How they met? Ruth "happened" to be working in Boaz's field (Ruth 2:3). The circumstances behind Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi's return to Bethlehem as chronicled in first chapter of the book of Ruth deserves significant attention at another time.
What was she like? We learn that Ruth was from Moab (Ruth 1:4); was kind (Ruth 1:8); was a woman of commitment (Ruth 1:16-18) and virtue (Ruth 3:11).
What was he like? Boaz was wealthy (Ruth 2:1); an encourager (Ruth 2:4); was older than Ruth, referring to her as "my daughter" (Ruth 2:8A); was kind (Ruth 2:8B-12) and was honorable in his actions (Ruth 3:1-14; 4:3-7).
What was their issue? They were very different. But they overcame their differences in age (Boaz being significantly older than Ruth); heritage (Boaz a Jew; Ruth a Moabitess); and status (Boaz a wealthy landowner; Ruth a poor widow) to become a couple blessed by God.
How'd it end? When the leaders of Bethlehem learned of the proposed marriage of Boaz and Ruth, not only did they approve of the marriage but gave it a beautiful blessing (Ruth 4:11). Ultimately, God brought Boaz and Ruth together as part of the lineage of David (Ruth 4:17-22) and, later, Jesus Christ.
When you meet someone, you usually want to know something about them. Here's some information on Boaz and Ruth:
How they met? Ruth "happened" to be working in Boaz's field (Ruth 2:3). The circumstances behind Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi's return to Bethlehem as chronicled in first chapter of the book of Ruth deserves significant attention at another time.
What was she like? We learn that Ruth was from Moab (Ruth 1:4); was kind (Ruth 1:8); was a woman of commitment (Ruth 1:16-18) and virtue (Ruth 3:11).
What was he like? Boaz was wealthy (Ruth 2:1); an encourager (Ruth 2:4); was older than Ruth, referring to her as "my daughter" (Ruth 2:8A); was kind (Ruth 2:8B-12) and was honorable in his actions (Ruth 3:1-14; 4:3-7).
What was their issue? They were very different. But they overcame their differences in age (Boaz being significantly older than Ruth); heritage (Boaz a Jew; Ruth a Moabitess); and status (Boaz a wealthy landowner; Ruth a poor widow) to become a couple blessed by God.
How'd it end? When the leaders of Bethlehem learned of the proposed marriage of Boaz and Ruth, not only did they approve of the marriage but gave it a beautiful blessing (Ruth 4:11). Ultimately, God brought Boaz and Ruth together as part of the lineage of David (Ruth 4:17-22) and, later, Jesus Christ.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Maybe Your Dad
In years past on Father's Day, I tried to present a classic Father's Day lesson. Something like The Qualities of a Great Dad or How to Be a Great Dad. I don't do that anymore.
Because for many I know, Father's Day is a painful day. Not everyone had a perfect childhood. Many fathers were lacking, non-existent or are now deceased. The topic of an exemplary father-child relationship is a unknown concept to so many.
Maybe your Dad was great. Maybe your Dad was never there for you. Maybe he did the best he could. Maybe you never met him. Maybe he worked hard, was gone alot and provided financially but not emotionally. Maybe he was harsh and difficult. Maybe he died early in your life. Maybe you're wishing for a relationship that was never there.
You can't change your past. But you can have that relationship that you've always longed for...with a loving Heavenly Father.
And for those of us who are Dads, every day we have the opportunity to reflect the love of God to our own children. Take that responsibility seriously and enjoy the journey.
Because for many I know, Father's Day is a painful day. Not everyone had a perfect childhood. Many fathers were lacking, non-existent or are now deceased. The topic of an exemplary father-child relationship is a unknown concept to so many.
Maybe your Dad was great. Maybe your Dad was never there for you. Maybe he did the best he could. Maybe you never met him. Maybe he worked hard, was gone alot and provided financially but not emotionally. Maybe he was harsh and difficult. Maybe he died early in your life. Maybe you're wishing for a relationship that was never there.
You can't change your past. But you can have that relationship that you've always longed for...with a loving Heavenly Father.
And for those of us who are Dads, every day we have the opportunity to reflect the love of God to our own children. Take that responsibility seriously and enjoy the journey.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Connecting By Being Honest
In their book, "How to Build a Lasting Marriage", Elmer and Ruth Towns offer some statements for couples regarding the matter of being honest, particularly with regard to finances (page 212, 213):
We should all recognize the inner potential to sin.
If we are honest with God in all things, we can't be anything but honest with each other.
Money can destroy a marriage.
How you use your money will determine how you bond your marriage.
We should all recognize the inner potential to sin.
If we are honest with God in all things, we can't be anything but honest with each other.
Money can destroy a marriage.
How you use your money will determine how you bond your marriage.
Great Quote Thursday
Everyone has three names: The one your parents gave you; the one others call you; and the one you make for yourself- Johnny Hunt
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Connect Series: Being Honest
In our relationship series, Connect, we are looking at the lives of Bible couples and the issues they dealt with. This week, we look at the marriage of Ananias and Sapphira, a couple who paid dearly for their inability to be honest.
When you meet someone, you usually want to know something about them. Here's some information on Ananias and Sapphira:
How they met? We don't know.
What were they like? Usually we've looked at what he/she was like, but for Ananias and Sapphira, we only know what they were like as a couple. Being members of the first church, it is very possible that they heard Jesus speak and teach prior to His death, burial and resurrection. The name Ananias means "Jehovah is gracious", so Ananias was raised in a family with a Godly heritage. They were wealthy landowners, having a piece of property that they sold (Acts 5:1). Finally, it's interesting to note that in the midst of the explosive growth of the early church, which didn't necessarily meet in a large building for "church" as we might think today, Peter knew who Ananias was (Acts 5:3). Ananias and Sapphira had been involved in the ministry of the church to be known by the leadership.
What was their issue? A lack of honesty. Likely as a result of the response Barnabas received for his donation to the church (Acts 4:36, 37), Ananias and Sapphira schemed to mislead the church as to the amount of a financial gift they gave (Acts 5:1, 2) after selling some property.
How'd it end? Both Ananias (Acts 5:5) and Sapphira (Acts 5:10) lost their lives because of their lack of honesty and their focus on possessions rather than a pure heart. God dealt rapidly with this sin in the early church to remind the early followers of what was important. As a result of sin being confronted, God grew His church.
When you meet someone, you usually want to know something about them. Here's some information on Ananias and Sapphira:
How they met? We don't know.
What were they like? Usually we've looked at what he/she was like, but for Ananias and Sapphira, we only know what they were like as a couple. Being members of the first church, it is very possible that they heard Jesus speak and teach prior to His death, burial and resurrection. The name Ananias means "Jehovah is gracious", so Ananias was raised in a family with a Godly heritage. They were wealthy landowners, having a piece of property that they sold (Acts 5:1). Finally, it's interesting to note that in the midst of the explosive growth of the early church, which didn't necessarily meet in a large building for "church" as we might think today, Peter knew who Ananias was (Acts 5:3). Ananias and Sapphira had been involved in the ministry of the church to be known by the leadership.
What was their issue? A lack of honesty. Likely as a result of the response Barnabas received for his donation to the church (Acts 4:36, 37), Ananias and Sapphira schemed to mislead the church as to the amount of a financial gift they gave (Acts 5:1, 2) after selling some property.
How'd it end? Both Ananias (Acts 5:5) and Sapphira (Acts 5:10) lost their lives because of their lack of honesty and their focus on possessions rather than a pure heart. God dealt rapidly with this sin in the early church to remind the early followers of what was important. As a result of sin being confronted, God grew His church.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
NBA Finals Prediction
Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Heat outlasted the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. LeBron James was huge while Dwyane Wade struggled. Chris Bosh's return from injury was a big lift for Miami.
The Thunder raced past the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. That series turned quickly after the Spurs took an early 2-0 lead. Kevin Durant is building his legend as an NBA superstar.
The Finals will feature two of the league's best teams. No one is surprised that these two teams are here. Which Big 3 (Miami- James, Wade and Bosh or OKC- Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden) will play the best? The Thunder bench is deeper and OKC provides a great home court advantage.
The pick: Oklahoma City Thunder in 7 games.
The Heat outlasted the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. LeBron James was huge while Dwyane Wade struggled. Chris Bosh's return from injury was a big lift for Miami.
The Thunder raced past the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. That series turned quickly after the Spurs took an early 2-0 lead. Kevin Durant is building his legend as an NBA superstar.
The Finals will feature two of the league's best teams. No one is surprised that these two teams are here. Which Big 3 (Miami- James, Wade and Bosh or OKC- Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden) will play the best? The Thunder bench is deeper and OKC provides a great home court advantage.
The pick: Oklahoma City Thunder in 7 games.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Great Quote Thursday
I've got a theory that if you give 100% all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end- Larry Bird
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Connecting Through Building Trust
In their book, "How to Build a Lasting Marriage", Elmer and Ruth Towns offer some statements for couples regarding the matter of how trust is displayed (page 176):
Trust is sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings and being confident that they will never be used against you.
Trust is knowing you will be loved and accepted, no matter what happens.
Trust is having no anxiety or jealousy when your mate talks to someone of the opposite sex.
Trust will make you willingly vulnerable at times.
Trust in one another will grow over the years.
Both God and your mate can ask you the ultimate question "Do you really trust me?"
And some ways to build trust (page 178):
Both the husband and wife should always look for directions from God.
Both should always seek what is best for all.
Share private matters only with each other.
Consult the Lord for family decisions.
Trust is sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings and being confident that they will never be used against you.
Trust is knowing you will be loved and accepted, no matter what happens.
Trust is having no anxiety or jealousy when your mate talks to someone of the opposite sex.
Trust will make you willingly vulnerable at times.
Trust in one another will grow over the years.
Both God and your mate can ask you the ultimate question "Do you really trust me?"
And some ways to build trust (page 178):
Both the husband and wife should always look for directions from God.
Both should always seek what is best for all.
Share private matters only with each other.
Consult the Lord for family decisions.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Connect Series: Building Trust
In our relationship series, Connect, we are looking at the lives of Bible couples and the issues they dealt with. This week, we look at the marriage of Mary and Joseph, a couple who learned to connect by building trust.
When you meet someone, you usually want to know something about them. Here's some information on Mary and Joseph:
How they met? We don't know but we do know that they had a proper relationship (Matthew 1:18).
What was she like? We know from Scripture that Mary was a virgin (Matthew 1:18; 23 and Luke 1:34); she was blessed/favored (Luke 1: 28-30); and that she was Biblically knowledgeable (Luke 1:38; 46-55).
What was he like? A carpenter (Matthew 13:55), Joseph was know to be "a just man" (Matthew 1:19) who was caring (Matthew 1:19), thoughtful (Matthew 1:20) and obedient to God's leading (Matthew 1:24).
What was their issue? Trust. Mary and Joseph had to develop trust in the midst of some unique circumstances.
Mary had to trust God's message from the angel (Luke 1:26-33).
Joseph had to trust that Mary was being truthful with regard to her purity.
Joseph had to trust God's message from the angel (Matthew 1:20,21).
Mary had to trust Joseph's leadership (Matthew 2:13,14).
When you meet someone, you usually want to know something about them. Here's some information on Mary and Joseph:
How they met? We don't know but we do know that they had a proper relationship (Matthew 1:18).
What was she like? We know from Scripture that Mary was a virgin (Matthew 1:18; 23 and Luke 1:34); she was blessed/favored (Luke 1: 28-30); and that she was Biblically knowledgeable (Luke 1:38; 46-55).
What was he like? A carpenter (Matthew 13:55), Joseph was know to be "a just man" (Matthew 1:19) who was caring (Matthew 1:19), thoughtful (Matthew 1:20) and obedient to God's leading (Matthew 1:24).
What was their issue? Trust. Mary and Joseph had to develop trust in the midst of some unique circumstances.
Mary had to trust God's message from the angel (Luke 1:26-33).
Joseph had to trust that Mary was being truthful with regard to her purity.
Joseph had to trust God's message from the angel (Matthew 1:20,21).
Mary had to trust Joseph's leadership (Matthew 2:13,14).
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