Monday 25 July 2011

Miss my Dad



I was 37 when my father passed away. That was 31 years ago. I still remember him as a very precious father. He never said verbally " I love you." but he loved his children very much. I would have liked to have heard that once in awhile, but I never doubted he loved me for a moment. His "actions spoke louder than words". He provided for needs and even a few wants - smile. He was a great mechanic and an even greater electrician. I don't think there was a mechanical situation he could not solve. We always had bikes, go-carts and mini-bikes tearing up the farm property. He would let us at age 10 drive the tractor on the road to the swimming hole about a mile and a half away. Unsupervised! We were good swimmers!

I remember family altar time and Bible Devotions. Mom & dad were both involved with that. God's word has always been a critical part of our heritage.

Dads, how are you Doing? Praying For all of you out there. Thinking of one particular "DAD" right now that has three boys under the age of 8 and now suddenly two young girls that are living with their family as well. God, bless this family as they endeavor to raise 5 children now. Help dad to be a great dad to all.

The picture above is our family in the summer of 1946. Mom was in a TB sanitarium at the time. Had been for about a year. I am the one next to my sister. Yep dad, you were the best.

Monday 4 July 2011

Hey! I'm talking to you!



Scripture: “Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding;” Proverbs 4:1

Attention

One of the things about Amos that can frustrate me is when he doesn’t pay attention. He thinks I don’t know that he is not paying attention - but I know. Amos has one flaw, or maybe it’s an attribute, but his ears tell me if he is paying attention. If his ears are aimed in my direction then I know he is paying attention to me and is looking for me to give him some direction. Sometimes when we are out for a ride he gets bored, he quits paying attention. If he is in familiar territory he tends to relax and get comfortable and not pay attention to me. He doesn’t depend upon me for his cues. He just feels comfortable. If he is not paying attention, and something startles him then we could end up in an uncontrollable situation. When I notice he is not paying attention to his surroundings, or me, I tighten up on the reins slightly or move in the saddle and his ears will quickly tell me he is now focused on me.

Christ wants our undivided attention. Especially when we are in “familiar territory”. When life’s circumstances seem to be going well we tend not to pay attention. We go about our “routine”. Sometimes we get so preoccupied that we miss His cues. Throughout the day I need to learn to focus on Him, even when life is good.

Prayer Thought: Today may be a routine day, but I am going to stay focused on my Savior.