The Cycle of Life - Part 2

What could possibly be greater than the joy of holding your newborn son or daughter for the first time? Watching your father hold his great-grandson for the very first time and seeing the joy in his face as he beholds the tiny bundle that represents four generations.

Just as a father loves his child, Jesus loves His children with a love that is never-ending. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God, and He longs for the day when we will share eternity with Him in the home He has prepared for us in heaven.

"In my Father's house are many mansions...I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)

The Cycle of Life

As children, we can't wait to grow up and become adults. As adults, we look forward to getting married and having children. Then the cycle continues into grandparenting, one of the most wonderful times of all.

Once our own children are grown and have flown the nest, we find that we have more time on our hands. Time to write blogs, indulge in our hobbies, learn new things. We have time to spend with our grandchildren, teaching them new things and participating in the joy of watching them make new discoveries. We also have the opportunity to rediscover our childhood while playing with our grandchildren.

There is joy in playing "Candyland" with a 3-year-old, making snow angels in the front yard and building a snowman. Playing with a grandchild can be energy-draining, but it can also be exciting.

"And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof." (Zechariah 8:5) Children (and grandchildren) are held in high esteem in the eyes of the Lord. We are tasked with their care and learning and ensuring that they know about their Heavenly Father.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

"A man should be happy and enjoy his family, his friends and his food. These things will cheer him on his way through all the days God has given him." Ecclesiastes 8:15 (The Clear Word Version)

The holidays are the best time to enjoy good food with family and loved ones. It's a time to relax and to reflect on the past, the present and the future; a time to share the joys and sorrows each has experienced. It's a time to celebrate achievements, whether they be job-related, school-related, or simply a dream that has been fulfilled.

As we look to the new year, which is soon upon us, let's also remember the One who gives us breath each day and who celebrates each of our achievements with us. Without God, there is no life.

Christmas Tidings

"While they [Mary and Joseph] were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:6, 7 (New International Version)

Christmas is more than tinsel, toys, and trees. It's more than bargains and baking, presents and popcorn balls. The joy of Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birth, and the joy begins in the heart. Once we accept Jesus into our hearts, the joy is abundant, and everything else is just "fluff".

As we enjoy the holidays with family and friends, let's remember the true meaning of Christmas. It is a season of giving and a season of renewal, all of which are gifts from the ultimate Gift Giver, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

Beauty in the Desert

There is beauty all around us--sometimes we just have to take the time to find it.

When we think of beauty, we may picture an island in the tropics with crystal clear water, white sandy beaches and swaying palms. Or we might think of a snow-covered landscape with smoke curling above the chimney of a cabin nestled under a canopy of trees next to a winding river. Do we ever think of a hot, dry barren desert as a thing of beauty?

Temperatures in the desert can soar to over 100 degrees during the summer; not very comfortable for those of us who prefer cooler climates and air-conditioning. However, if you venture out early in the morning, before it gets hot, the sights that greet you can be as beautiful as anything on this earth.

"He hath made everything beautiful in His time." Ecclesiastes 3:11

Like Children

"Except ye.... become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3, 4

There is no doubt that my husband and I will get into heaven, if all we have to do is to become as little children. Now, I know that the Bible is referring to something other than just acting like kids, but what if that were all we had to do?

We recently went for a drive down to the Snake River, where we had fun taking photos and tossing rocks into the river. Then we decided to take pictures of us tossing rocks into the river. Then....we decided to take pictures of the splashes made by the rocks we were tossing into the river.

Aaaaah, to be children again!

"Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalm 127:3)

Children: You feed them, change their diapers, wipe their runny noses, tend their skinned knees, and wipe away their tears. Then they grow up, move away from home, go to college, get jobs, get married, and create new families of their own.

The cycle continues, generation after generation, passing down family traditions and keepsakes. And as such, each of us moves into new roles--from children to parents to grandparents. I don't even want to think about being a great-grandparent!

Being a grandparent is an awesome responsibility. It's more than feeding, changing diapers, wiping runny noses--you get the picture. It's sharing family history and teaching values. Sometimes, it's telling stories that even your children never heard (or never listened to)! It's holding up and honoring your children in the eyes of their children. It's respecting the rules of your children's household, now that they are parents with children of their own.

And it's a LOT of fun!