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
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