Kings

Boys,

Greetings and blessings I bring to you from the snowless mountains of Vermont. I have to say, this is as strange a winter as I have seen in quite awhile. Good news however, I have made it up my driveway everyday this winter.

Encouragement is found in the words of Pastor Roland and his teachings the past few months. He has been sharing the challenges and history of the Kings in the line of David. While many failed to be "good" leaders, failed to be "good" keepers of the Temple, or failed to carry forward the promise that the Lord had given to Moses of a coming Day. But then again, there were many kings who got it right.

These "good" kings were the source of encouragement for a people looking for a sign, a fulfillment of a promise, a gift. They each, in their own way, physically built up the Temple and created a place to worship and celebrate the Lord and His promise. They believed and promoted the law of God.

And finally, a baby appears and is proclaimed the King of Kings. Jesus, just a baby, says "I will build the Temple back up in three days." Of course He was not talking about the physical building but rather His return, His rise, His fulfillment of the promise.

As we march through this season of thanksgiving and celebration, we find our encouragement in the promise of a child born in a manager to a virgin. A child who was delivered to us as the promise from a God who cares about us, who tends to our every need and who loves us beyond our comprehension of the very notion of love. He is our encouragement.

Merry Christmas my sons - you remind me of the good kings. Keep building the temple, you are making a difference.

Something to think about...

I love you,
Dad

Morning With Jesus

Boys,

Thanks to my Bible app for this gem...

Family, dogs, green grass, blue sky, friends, snow, sun, chirping birds, job, spouse, comfy shoes, a soft pillow, coffee, chocolate, smiles, music, art, books, evergreen trees, irises, fresh air, horses, friends… These are some of the things I’m grateful for, Lord, and Your creative hand provided them all.

Even though I may have money troubles, physical ailments, rebellious children or myriad other complaints, I still choose to give thanks to you. An attitude of gratitude is a decision I make each morning—even on the days when I have difficulty thinking of a single thing I’m thankful for. A baby’s laugh, a purring kitten, a friendly hug . . . I look until I find. And I give thanks. 

Faith Step: Think of five things you are grateful for and concentrate on those today. Praise God for them.

Something to ponder...

I love you,
Dad

My 2015 Wish List

Boys,

Getting old has some advantages - I just can't remember what they are. Here is a borrowed list that I am considering for 2015.

Wouldn't it be great if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes; come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller! 

Last year I joined a support group for procrastinators. We haven't met yet!

I don't trip over things, I do random gravity checks!

I don't need anger management. I need people to stop making me mad!

Old age is coming at a really bad time!

When I was a child I thought Nap Time was a punishment ... now, as a grown up, it just feels like a small vacation!

The biggest lie I tell myself is ... "I don't need to write that down, I'll remember it."

Lord grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can & the friends to post my bail when I finally snap!

I don't have gray hair. I have "wisdom highlights." I'm just very wise.

My people skills are just fine. It's my tolerance to idiots that needs work.

Teach your daughters how to shoot, because a restraining order is just a piece of paper.

If God wanted me to touch my toes, he would've put them on my knees.

The kids’ text me "plz" which is shorter than please. I text back "no" which is shorter than "yes".

I'm going to retire and live off of my savings. Not sure what I'll do that second week.

I've lost my mind and I'm pretty sure my kids took it!

Even duct tape can't fix stupid ... but it can muffle the sound!

Why do I have to press one for English when you're just gonna transfer me to someone I can't understand anyway?

Lord, Give me patience and give it to me NOW.

Of course I talk to myself, sometimes I need expert advice.

Oops!  Did I roll my eyes out loud?

Happy New Year!!!

Something to think about...

I love you,
Dad