Sunday 31 August 2008

The Family of God - My Family

I know this post is not what a lot of people are expecting - but what papa wants to say, papa thinks is important. So please bear with papa.

The picture in this post is MY family. Maybe not bio speaking but heart speaking.

They arrived at papa & mama's house on Friday at 3 pm and just left a couple of hours ago.

I am having difficulty explaining how these two kids, yes the kids (Derek & Trina) impacted our lives. They are part of a Christ-oriented family. These two children were vibrant, polite, happy, respectful and lots of fun. Papa admittedly was nervous that these two "strangers" would be bored and not want to be here - papa was mistaken! They put life into our old bodies (mama & I)! But they will admit that mama was tough to keep up with and that she can keep you on your toes - watch mama very closely playing table games - she is a fun vibrant tough competitor. But back to the kids ---

I am not sure how they did it, but Scott and Darla have developed these two kids into two very special young people. I never heard one word of disrespect - either way, I heard parents giving instruction, and instruction taken and obeyed - with enthusiasm! the kids wanted to be a part of the activities - they did not sit in corners huddled up with iPods stuck in their ears. Papa has not hugged or talked with young people like this in awhile. They were eager to listen and hugged back.

You can get another glance at this family at gchyayles blog as GCH and her hub stopped by papa's house on Saturday to be a part of this family. She has posted some awesome pictures of this special weekend.

For mom's and dad's that read this post, I think there are key words that help explain this family; love, respect, communication, Christ-centered, and hard work. Congratulations Scott & Darla - you have a wonderful family - mama and I love you all! We miss you!!

24 comments:

Heidi said...

I so want to meet you guys.
It seems like people just draw to you and mama. To me that's amazing. Unfortunately we are not close in proximity, but know that I may not comment here alot, but EVERYDAY I life you and mama in prayer.

Love you guys!!!!

P.S. This family is amazing, I cannot wait for the day that I get to hug and share a coffee with my sweet Darla!!!

Anonymous said...

God's family truly gives a new meaning to family.

I have had a rough relationship with my blood family. When I got saved, God began to show me that He defines family and it goes beyond blood for His blood is more powerful than any blood relations we may have in this lifetime.

Especially after Daddy died, I have felt a void concerning family in my heart. But God continues to fill that void, first and foremost with Him, but also with people that He surrounds me with, who are ready to call me their own and love me unconditionally.

Thank you again for being you and for being so welcoming and loving. We love you.

And Derek and Trina are wonderful kids. I enjoyed them so much and look forward to keeping in touch with them. Scott and Darla have definitely done a wonderful job. There is a true reward for those who train up their children in the way they should go; and Scott and Darla have definitely done that, praise God.

Love you Papa!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Oh Heidi - we will meet some day - if we keep our lives centered around Christ. Thank you ever so much for prayer - we need prayer - mama is getting old! ha! Derek just a few hours ago tried to catch mama on her bike - did not! ha! He fell in love with mama - we have a new grandson!!! We had a great time with that terrific family!

Indian Lake Papa said...

GCH - love you oh so much - if you ever need need a "papa" to talk to - please call!! it was a treat to meet you!

Anonymous said...

Made it to the hotel ok. Free wireless internet is working good. Just want to say that we had a super time the past few days with you and mama. You both are a blessing to us and we so appreciated the way you welcomed us.

Thank you for a great time on the lake, that is one awesome boat.

Can't wait to see you all again soon!!!

Love you guys, Scott

Indian Lake Papa said...

Scott - we thoroughly enjoyed your family! Glad you got to the motel already! Hopefully the kids are in the pool already! lol Hug everyone for us!

Kimberly McKay said...

Please pray for my son. He suddenly got sick today without warning and has had a high grade fever for 3 hours. It's now down to 101.5 but I've been fighting off 103 for him.

Anonymous said...

Papa I definately know these things you speak of...this family is amazing! Can't wait to see you...and we love them so, praying for a safe ride home. "see" you soon!!! Love, Debs

Anonymous said...

God will encourage us through our brothers and sisters.

It is so wonderful to hear that you all had such a good time.

This is how we are to be as brothers and sisters.

Love seeing this...

Indian Lake Papa said...

Kim - already have been praying for your boy - mama will be praying too! Please keep us posted.

Deb - we love you and are excited about meeting you soon. God is so good! Tain't the Frantz's something special eh?!!

Carl - it was an amazing weekend - we had a great time! this is what the family of God is all about!

linda said...

Can I talk to Papa if I ever need to also? And Mama too? :)

My Mom doesn't share the same ideas in life as I do. My father was not around in my growing up. I just came back in contact with him the last several years, but it doesn't feel the same, so much distance has been between us and my children do not even know him, literally. I am an only child, so I don't have a brother or sister to talk to. I do have my husband and children, but sometimes a person needs words of wisdom outside of the home they live in. ;) So when I am feeling sorry for myself, I might look for your internet ears. :)

Seriously, I think it's great too, that people are drawn to you and Mama. I know Robin thinks so much of you. She has said good things about you to me. :)

Everyone here seems to make you their family. :)

I think that's way cool. :)

Love, Linda

Robin said...

How cool that you all got to meet and had such sweet fellowship!

One day...

Don't forget to give Jake and Jessica a hug for me!

linda said...

That kind of looked like I was feeling sorry for myself. Sorry about that! I am actually really happy tonight because my son told me at church he wants to get Baptized! Praises to God! :) That will be 4 out of my 5 children. :)

I'm glad too that you had such a great time, Papa & Mama! :)

Hi Robin! :)

Love, Linda

CrossView said...

Awwwww! So glad you all had such a great time! =D

Indian Lake Papa said...

Linda - love you already! you are one of papa's daughters now! :o) if you ever want to call papa to talk you do that! Papa seriously enjoys that! Email me anytime! Mama and I pray that this is a ministry!

Robin - so wish you could be here tomorrow! Will be sure to hug Jake & Jess for you!

Crossview - it was so wonderful to be with this family.

rk said...

I am all about "Love is a decision." I am so happy you have family and adopted family. They are all fortunate to have you and Mama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xoxox,
Roxx

Indian Lake Papa said...

Roxx - i don't have to tell you how important and special family is! These people were very special - we love them. Darla and I both had tears well up as we sat together in worship service yesterday. She is my daughter for sure.

Anonymous said...

Worship was awesome with my Papa and Mama! thank you again for such a wonderful time...we love you too!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Darla - as we sat in worship next to each other I kept talking to the Lord that both our families would do our best to make sure we followed Christ - always remember - "His yoke is easy ...". Love you - miss you - Papa

Ric Booth said...

Loving all these updates from the Papa and Mama B&B! You have met up with so many this year. Way cool.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Ric - we are a part of a glorious family - mama & papa B&B is always open to family!

Anonymous said...

Just coming around to spread some love, and see the pictures again.

Love to you and mama.

Anonymous said...

It's great too see so many friends having such a great time together.

The love comes right through in the pictures.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Carl - the pictures are only part of the story! what a blessed story! they are all family!

Ed - we had another spare room - you should have come - you would have had fun! I could just see you, mama, Derek, Trina playing table games trying to out smart mama! At one point mama had Derek so frustrated he was rolling on the floor laughing until his sides hurt! Mama is special - and she is mine!