On my way to work this morning, I was deeply touched by a message on the radio by Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family. It was from 29 years ago today and was regarding Dr. Dobson's relationship to his father. Dr. Dobson stated that he asked God for a word, His word, concerning the family and this is what God gave him: "Our country can still be saved if men, husbands and fathers, will step up to the plate and be the men God created them to be." What a responsibility! I believe this to be true.
He gave statistics that were shocking - and, remember this was 29 years ago. He said that research was done to show exactly how much time fathers were spending with their kids. The fathers were first asked how much time they felt they were spending with their children on a daily basis. The consensus was an average of 37 - 40 minutes a day. Then the real test came! Tiny microphones were placed on children in these same households to find out exactly how much time fathers were spending interacting with their kids. The results were shocking to all! The average time fathers were spending with their kids per day was 37.7 seconds - not minutes - seconds. What does this tell you about the relationships these fathers had with their kids?! Oh, so sad!! If any dads read this, PLEASE put your family before anything else - job, hobbies, and yes, even church. You have it within your grasp to leave a living legacy to your family. Make this a priority each day. You won't regret it!
At the end of my life - when all is said and done - I hope my children and grandchildren will be able to say that I gave my time to them. It is my sincere prayer that I don't just spend time - but quality time - showing them the ways of our Lord. I want to make a difference in their lives.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
I know I haven't posted in a while but just haven't taken the time. Today's post will just be a bunch of "ramblings" that have been going around in my head for a while.
I've been thinking about how much laughter helps us through life. Then Sunday Chris preached about that and used an illustration I love about the movie, Monsters, Inc. I love that movie and know it well since my precious little grandchildren love to watch it. Therefore, I love to watch it, too. The story is a really good lesson for all of us. If you aren't familiar with the movie, it's about a company of monsters who make electricity using the screams of children as these monsters scare them. Then, they discover that the giggling and laughter of children makes more electricity than the screams. (Get the message - laughter is a good thing!) I really believe this is true in all of our lives. If we are positive and allow laughter to be a part of our everyday lives, it will take us through many trials. Sometimes this is easy to forget. But, we do have a lot to celebrate in our lives - no matter what we've been through. Each new day is a gift from God. I try to thank Him each morning for that day - another chance to live for Him - another day full of His grace. I want to practice thankfulness each day.
Sometimes I think we spend our lives waiting for something better to happen and we miss the many opportunities for happiness that "slap us in the face" daily. You know the way we ladies are - we want a prettier, bigger or CLEANER house before we ask friends over. My, we miss out a lot of good times if we keep waiting.
Another thing I've been thinking about lately is that we should delight in the small things. I think the older I get, the more this become a reality in my life. Things that I never paid attention to in the past, are really special to me now.
You've probably heard the old saying, "Slow down and smell the roses." Well, there's a whole lot of truth to that. It seems that time goes faster and faster and faster. That makes it more difficult to take the time for "smelling the roses". But, I think it's really important to make yourself enjoy the trip and not just the destination.
I'm also learning to listen to people. In the past, I would carry on a conversation with someone and leave without remembering a thing they said. Now, I try to "really" listen to what people are saying and "what they aren't saying".
I guess I can sum all of this up with two words - CELEBRATE LIFE! That's what I want to do for the rest of the days God has for me.
I've been thinking about how much laughter helps us through life. Then Sunday Chris preached about that and used an illustration I love about the movie, Monsters, Inc. I love that movie and know it well since my precious little grandchildren love to watch it. Therefore, I love to watch it, too. The story is a really good lesson for all of us. If you aren't familiar with the movie, it's about a company of monsters who make electricity using the screams of children as these monsters scare them. Then, they discover that the giggling and laughter of children makes more electricity than the screams. (Get the message - laughter is a good thing!) I really believe this is true in all of our lives. If we are positive and allow laughter to be a part of our everyday lives, it will take us through many trials. Sometimes this is easy to forget. But, we do have a lot to celebrate in our lives - no matter what we've been through. Each new day is a gift from God. I try to thank Him each morning for that day - another chance to live for Him - another day full of His grace. I want to practice thankfulness each day.
Sometimes I think we spend our lives waiting for something better to happen and we miss the many opportunities for happiness that "slap us in the face" daily. You know the way we ladies are - we want a prettier, bigger or CLEANER house before we ask friends over. My, we miss out a lot of good times if we keep waiting.
Another thing I've been thinking about lately is that we should delight in the small things. I think the older I get, the more this become a reality in my life. Things that I never paid attention to in the past, are really special to me now.
You've probably heard the old saying, "Slow down and smell the roses." Well, there's a whole lot of truth to that. It seems that time goes faster and faster and faster. That makes it more difficult to take the time for "smelling the roses". But, I think it's really important to make yourself enjoy the trip and not just the destination.
I'm also learning to listen to people. In the past, I would carry on a conversation with someone and leave without remembering a thing they said. Now, I try to "really" listen to what people are saying and "what they aren't saying".
I guess I can sum all of this up with two words - CELEBRATE LIFE! That's what I want to do for the rest of the days God has for me.
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