The Joy of Children

I think I was reluctant to have a third child because they make you lose sleep and they cost more money and now they outnumber us.

But the joy of seeing Nathan smile as a two month old makes any trial seem so trivial.

I have also loved the cuddling that has taken place with Caleb and Katelyn.

They have both seemed like they need and want to cuddle with their daddy. That has been precious.

Thank you God for the joy of children.

Caleb is a Professional

I was happy to lose to a four year old bowler named Caleb the striker.

Over the holiday break he beat the entire family by serving up a turkey!

I love being a father. Caleb is an amazing son and a great bowler.

I can't wait to spend man time with him tonight.

The Inner Fight

I am struggling today to be joyful.

I feel that I love food too much. And coffee. Help me Lord.

I am also finding myself easily irritated by the smallest things.

I am struggling with discontent. I am not in the job of choice even though it is a great setup.

Lord help me. I want to fight for joy.

I tried to remember the 23rd psalm by memory and struggled with that. But I was struck with how God sovereign it is. God is leading me towards green pastures. Making me lie down. Preparing a table. Guiding me through valleys.

I don't fear but I get frustrated and ungrateful. Lord help me.

Prego Beth

She is an awesome mother.

Joy

Thank God we can even have joy! We deserve only pain and sorrow and grief because of our sins!

The Joy of Prayer!

I went to a prayer time with believers from Immanuel Baptist Church and was encouraged by many graces!

One joy was hearing other people be passionate about prayer, hearing godly content, praying for things that I am burdened for and then even hearing new prayer requests.  Much joy!

Then there's the joy of God's presence and sensing that He is going to answer these prayers!

Have you been praying?  Have you been pursuing the joys there?

The Joy of Giving!

Paul tells us that the Macedonians gave beyond their means!  Have any of us ever even done that?

There is joy that they had.  They gave themselves first and then to the cause of helping the poor in Jerusalem.

Then we can start talking about the eternal joys of being rewarded in Heaven by storing up treasures in Heaven! Have you even considered that when you think about giving?  Jesus wants us to think about rewards to help motivate us to give more and more and more!