One off...one to go

After three times of saying good-bye to my son as he heads to college you'd think all the emotion would be gone. But, as I watched him drive away again, I was reminded what a gift children are. He's the embodiment of God's love for us and the love Sue and I have for each other. As Sue and I have often said to each other during this time, "it's right but it's not easy". So, he's heading up to JBU to help with orientation of the freshman incoming class this weekend. One of those freshman will be his sister, Erin.

We're down to a couple of days left with her. I took her out to lunch yesterday. We had to try out the new restaurant in Little Rock---Copelands. It's a New Orleans style cajun food eatery. It was GOOOOOOOD. I just enjoyed sitting across the table, chatting about a number of different things and gazing at her and marveling what a beautiful, mature young woman she's become. Didn't feel teary until we drove home in silence together and I thought how different it would be each day without her. She loves sports like I do so watching football on Sunday's won't be as fun. Following the progress of the Twins will be done from a distance. I am thankful for technology that will allow us to stay closer more frequently. But...it's not the same. Again, children are a gift from God! Thank you, God, for our children. Though we will miss Bryan and Erin tremendously on a day to day basis, we still get the joy of pouring into our youngest child, Jaclyn. She is a joy. I don't even want to think about that day two years from now when all three will be going somewhere. Oh well...that's why we raise 'em...to let em go.

It's right...but it's still hard.

57 Years and Still Going Strong

Today marks the 57th anniversary of my wife's parents. Wow. 57 years...TOGETHER. In a day and age of divorce and family destruction, they have been a model of commitment and devotion to God and each other.

57 years! 1951...before Elvis and the Beatles, microwaves, PC's and cell phones, space shuttles and lunar landings, Watergate and Monicagate, CD's, DVD's, Blue-Ray and Tivo, wireless and the internet, stunning Olympic losses in basketball and exhilirating Olympic victories in hockey, Mark Spitz or Mary Lou Retton, Star Wars or The Godfather and so many other things. What started with "I do" 57 years ago has resulted in a legacy to our family. They are an example of marital commitment as God intended for marriage and what it means to stay together through good times and bad, sickness and health, trials and triumphs. And, I love them as if they were my parents.

They have lived out lives of integrity and love to those who know them. I've seen them stand by their children during difficult times, stepping in to provide help, gave us a car, have stood by us prayerfully and financially in supporting our ministry at FamilyLife. They personify the reality of why we have given our lives to a marriage and family ministry.

So, today I just wanted to honor them by telling them how much they mean to me, how much they have shown me about what it means to love and serve each other and their family. No, they aren't perfect. But, they are real and they have loved me as their own. So, HAPPY 57th ANNIVERSARY, Mom and Dad Carlson. We pray God shines his face on you as you celebrate this momentous day. WE LOVE YOU!

God's Ways are DEFINITELY not man's ways

The Lord said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, dlest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ 3 Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, e‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.’ ” Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Jdg 7:2-3). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.


God knew man's inclination to take credit for his work. That's so true today! We want the assurance that Gideon had that God is in this work (see Judges 6 & 7) or effort we are entering into AND we want the safety of having all the bases covered for the effort. Ouch! Not only is that depictive of man in general, it nails me right where I'm at. Faith steps aren't about doing something in our power, with our knowledge and our plans. Here, Gideon planned. It was OK for him to do so. It's just that God had a different plan. One that wasn't as comfortable for Gideon as he had originally scripted. God just took 22,000 people away from him for battle. Now, what Army general would say, "We don't need more troops...send them back and, oh, by the way, take 2/3 of the guys who are here too?" God works unconventionally.

Father, as I enter into today with the tasks and chores ahead, allow me to plan according to your Will and then be readily obedient to alter those plans as you lead.