Family…fun…faith

For several days our first grand child stayed at our home us while his mom was giving birth to his little sister.

Our household is two parents and two college aged daughters at home.

We thought “how hard can it be to watch one little boy for a few days?” Harder than expected.

We still have not found the TV remote. Our new remote is to call out to whoever is sitting closest to TV to adjust the volume.

Conner was into everything. . He was a bundle of boundless energy and curiosity. He loved walking the dog on his leash in the house. Several times he pulled on the dog’s legs to see if they would detach. Thankfully the legs remained attached but the dog is seeing a therapist!

In the midst of it all, God spoke to my heart.

I am like Conner in so many ways. Restless when I need to be restful. Worrying about getting my own way and expressing discontent or whining when I don’t..

The best way to get Conner to sleep was cradled in someone‘s arms. We best rest when we are cradled in the arms of God’s love and grace. He wants simple fellowship with us.

What touched me the most during Conner’s visit? It was the times my family remarked when Conner and I sat together how much he looked like me.


That’s how it is when we relax with our heavenly Father. We begin to resemble Him. 

People are attracted by the family resemblance.

At this time of year, many people want to be part of a family. 

Why not introduce them to God’s?

Primetime Prodigal

Two years ago, my family and I got hooked on the TLC show “Jon and Kate plus 8.” We loved to watch the kids. We were amused at all they were growing into and getting into. Having raised four children, my wife and I knew what it was like to pack like an overseas trip just to go grocery shopping. As we watched the show, we got where we had favorites. We could even predict their behavior in certain situations.

The show and kids were unbearably cute.

Sadly, those delightful days may be over.

It is hard to separate fact from fiction, but it is certain there is trouble between Ma & Pa Gosselin.

Jon has grown weary and withdrawn. Kate has become a diva.

When someone keeps telling you how you can trust them, what does that make you think? Right-they can not be trusted.

When Kate continually talks about how everything she does is for the kids- suspicions arise. I have a hard time seeing how her kids “deserve” the expense paid trips, great vacations and million dollar house.

Deserve? I don’t think so.

I just watched the opening episode for season 5 and it was a tragedy on video. Jon & Kate barely acknowledged one another at their sextuplet’s 5th birthday party. Oh sure, she yelled at him to light candles on the cake the way SHE wanted. She yelled at him NOT to tear open a piñata with his bare hands. She wanted to do it herself. She made him take two trips home to get cakes she had forgotten and her cell phone.

There were some special moments. The most touching was Jon talking to one of his younger daughters. There was real tenderness between them. She hugged his neck and whispered in his ear she did not want him going away again. He said sometimes Daddies got called away to work. That is true if you work offshore or have tours of duty in Iraq.

Jon just seems to want to get away from the media attention and the continuous berating by wife.

There is a need for an intervention.

I pray that someone will guide them into good, godly counseling. Perhaps Kate’s estranged father, who is a minister. She shunned him when his church did not provide cash for baby gifts. She says that her parents are not a part of the kids’ by choice. It is apparently Kate's choice.

For those who watched the 5th birthday party, did you notice ANY family members in attendance?

For someone who treasures family above all else, Kate has insulated her kids from the rest of their blood relatives.

Kate, when you tire of the Prodigal lifestyle, head home.

Both your earthly and heavenly Fathers are waiting for your return with mercy, grace and open arms.