Inspired by my wife's blog

I just read my wifes posting here. That's why I know God blessed me. "To find a wife is a good thing." I have a doozie and she's good lookin' to boot. ;-)

We have shared the same word from the Lord on this matter and I'd like to add a little more about some of the positives I have seen in our lives due to this one-ness.

I know that most people think we're freaky and over the top on all this "religious jazz". But, God has been very good to confirm what He's told us. Here's one example of SOOO many.

We were sitting at the dinner table over something yummy and the topic of Halloween came up and the question of what we would do this year. Most years we hide out in the basement or something and keep the porch light turned off. We used to take the opportunity to create tracks (scripture) to hand out with the candy...but, the heart of a child will reveal much and the first scary thing that came up sent our kids running. We knew then, something was wrong about the whole thing. The kids were fleeing from evil (just like scripture says to do). Had I become that callous? Anyway, I am getting off track. We were sitting at the table and I was asked what we'd be doing this year. Well, I said something to the effect of "what do YOU think we should do?" My oldest son piped up, "In pastor Les' sermon, he stated in John that if you even welcome anyone that is evil, you'd be sharing in their wicked work."

Should he be in youth group? No, not ours. God's word does not return void. As long as the pastor is preaching Gods word, what is the point of going somewhere else for something watered down? For years I couldn't pin down the exact thing that made me feel Halloween was "bad" for us. He nailed it at 12.

So, what am I saying? That I think I've arrived? That I know the secret of how to raise kids? It wasn't anything that we did or do. I do not boast that we are doing things better than others or have unique knowledge. Quite frankly, I am pretty sure that I am NOT a very good father. I am easy to anger and quick to speak. What I am saying is that following God's advice has been a very rewarding experience even in some tough times. He is the one that has written in His book things of life, warning us of the things of death. He has made it easy to understand, not hard. The requirements are few but it's a lifelong commitment. I fail miserably and fail repeatedly. We abuse the Lord's mercy...thank you Lord for being long suffering for me. No, I don't think we've arrived. No, I don't think we have the answers. I have faith that we are not raising ax murderers or anything. I just want them to love the Lord by loving Him myself. I fail at that too. Jesus said that if we love Him we will follow his commands. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and these things will be added unto you.

I am sure this post will not get across what I am trying to say. It sounds to cliche if I say that any good in my life is from the Lord...but, it's true and I am trying to encourage you with that. That is my intent.