It was the news we had been waiting to hear; four words that brought to me a measure of great joy...'you have a grandson'. There was a sense of relief in knowing the baby was healthy and that his mom was recovering well after a caesarian birth -- and that dad was okay! We were thrilled for Scott and Tiffany, excited to see pictures and to Skype with them and across the miles to share in their joy. We have been blessed by so many that have shared in this joy with us, including our church family at Valley.
It doesn't seem that long ago that we welcomed our son into the world. To watch him grow into the man he has become has been one of my greatest joys as a dad. Seeing him now holding his son is indescribable -- truly this is has to be one of our proudest moments as parents.
Janice and I have been so blessed to be the mom and dad of three incredible children; we have watched them grow, launch out on their own and pursue their dreams. We have shared in all the significant moments of their lives, we have walked with them through the hard times and celebrate their accomplishments -- I think that's what God had in mind when He gave them to us!
That we would be entrusted to help shape their lives is truly a sacred responsibility. The greatest investment of our time and resources has been given to our kids; it's a choice for which have absolutely no regrets. For me as a dad, I have always needed to know 'my kids are okay'; that God is watching over them, particularly as we have faced the challenges of having great distances between us. God has been so good, so faithful to us as a mom and dad; as we often sing, 'what a good God You've been, what a faithful God You've been, what a loving God You've been to me'.
I think back to a number of times when I said from the pulpit, 'we only have them for a season and that season passes so quickly'. I often wonder, 'where has the time gone'? It seems only yesterday they were carefree, playing in the yard, enjoying their childhood. We have some wonderful memories of their growing up years! When they were young, some friends, who were ahead of us as parents, gave us some of the best advice we have ever received...'enjoy every season with them'. Every season has brought us great joy!
And now we are into a new season and I can't wait to see what God has in store for them and for us! That which gives me great confidence as we continue this journey is the assurance that our good God will continue to guide and direct their lives; that the One who has been so faithful will continue to pour out His grace and favor upon them and now upon the next generation. In this, I claim the promise of God to His people...The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs...you will find your joy in the Lord. (Isaiah 58:11,14)
To Lisa, Scott & Tiffany and Riley, Andrea and Jason, these are the words I pray into your lives...may you always know His guidance, may You be satisfied in Him and may your lives be marked with same joy your mom and I have found in living a life of faith.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (Psalm 28:7)
Janice and I have been so blessed to be the mom and dad of three incredible children; we have watched them grow, launch out on their own and pursue their dreams. We have shared in all the significant moments of their lives, we have walked with them through the hard times and celebrate their accomplishments -- I think that's what God had in mind when He gave them to us!
That we would be entrusted to help shape their lives is truly a sacred responsibility. The greatest investment of our time and resources has been given to our kids; it's a choice for which have absolutely no regrets. For me as a dad, I have always needed to know 'my kids are okay'; that God is watching over them, particularly as we have faced the challenges of having great distances between us. God has been so good, so faithful to us as a mom and dad; as we often sing, 'what a good God You've been, what a faithful God You've been, what a loving God You've been to me'.
I think back to a number of times when I said from the pulpit, 'we only have them for a season and that season passes so quickly'. I often wonder, 'where has the time gone'? It seems only yesterday they were carefree, playing in the yard, enjoying their childhood. We have some wonderful memories of their growing up years! When they were young, some friends, who were ahead of us as parents, gave us some of the best advice we have ever received...'enjoy every season with them'. Every season has brought us great joy!
And now we are into a new season and I can't wait to see what God has in store for them and for us! That which gives me great confidence as we continue this journey is the assurance that our good God will continue to guide and direct their lives; that the One who has been so faithful will continue to pour out His grace and favor upon them and now upon the next generation. In this, I claim the promise of God to His people...The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs...you will find your joy in the Lord. (Isaiah 58:11,14)
To Lisa, Scott & Tiffany and Riley, Andrea and Jason, these are the words I pray into your lives...may you always know His guidance, may You be satisfied in Him and may your lives be marked with same joy your mom and I have found in living a life of faith.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (Psalm 28:7)
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