Tag: family

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From The Author

Howie’s Broken Hee-Haw

Howie’s Broken Hee-Haw

A few weeks ago, I came across a very fun-to-read children’s picture book. Howie’s Broken Hee-Haw by Josie Siler, illustrated by Sebastien Braun, will become an Easter and anytime classic.

Without giving away the story, just know that a little donkey has a special bray that Jesus appreciates.

Where do you find good books?

Do you visit the author’s website? Do you check the Amazon or Goodreads reviews? Does a radio show or podcast interview pique your interest that spurs you make a purchase?

I found out about Howie’s story through a friend. She told me she had heard about a good children’s book author, so I visited Josie Siler’s website. Somehow, I found a link to one about a podcast interview where she was the featured guest. During the interview, Ms. Siler read a short excerpt from her book. After that, I looked on Amazon and read the reviews.

I was so impressed with all I learned that I ordered two copies. One was for my collection and the other for the younger children in my family.

When one young child and I read the book aloud with the family present, everyone fell in love with the story.

I highly recommend this book.

It surely will make you smile.

Enjoy!
https://www.amazon.com/Howies-Broken-Hee-Haw-Josie-Siler/dp/1637970110

Tell me what you think below and please join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.

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Wisdom Prayer

Children Are a Heritage?

Children Are a Heritage?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom who those who know their children are a heritage from the Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genesis 9:1 (ESV) says, “And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.”

Psalm 127:3-5 (ESV) characterizes children as a heritage, and not just any heritage.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”

In light of this section of Scripture, look at children through a new lens. Let the idea of family take on a new, deeper meaning.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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From The Author

The Great Ice Cream Reunion in San Diego, California

The Great Ice Cream Reunion in San Diego, California

Where were you sixteen years ago?

That is how many years had passed since one man and his three sisters were all together in the same place.

I was privileged to attend the august occasion being the husband of one of the sisters.

The blissful reunion was a sight to behold. After picking up one sister in San Diego, the family made their way to Balboa Park. Although it was raining early in the day, it turned into an enjoyable time for a stroll down memory lane. The siblings were raised in Escondido and had fond memories of the area.

Most importantly, the loved ones enjoyed spending time together and  making new memories. Two stopped at a hot dog stand. Then there were interactions with a wide variety of vendors.

After a leisurely meal at Balboa Park’s Prado Restaurant, the siblings walked to the Organ Pavilion.

It was getting near dusk, but then a glorious rainbow appeared.

As it got dark, the unanimous decision was to go to the North Hills Baskin Robins for an ice cream celebration.

Can you taste the ice cream?

Tell me what you think below and please join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.

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Uncategorized

A Different Kind of Christmas

A Different Kind of Christmas

Remember the good old days when everything came together for Christmas.

All seemed to fall into place including the preparation, decorations, friends, family, and food. The celebrations made for a perfect holiday.

This year will not be the same. Whether it is because of the pandemic, or a family member with chronic illness, special needs, or dementia, this Christmas season will not replicate the fond memories of the past.

It is time to create new memories.

If this is going to be a different kind of Christmas, why not make the best of it. Adjust expectations and cater to your loved one’s needs.

One idea is to stretch out the season over a number of days. Instead of everything happening on Christmas day, schedule several more manageable events and activities like the following:

Tree Shopping                         Decorate the Tree

Family Visits                           Gift Exchange

Go See Christmas Lights        Bake Christmas Cookies

Watch a Holiday Movie          Enjoy Hot Coco

Listen to Christmas Music      Sing Christmas Carols

Send Christmas Cards            Go Christmas Shopping

Have a Special Dinner            Enjoy a Pizza Lunch

Attend a Church Service        Watch a Christmas Special

As things become more hectic, please be flexible. Give yourself grace. Take time to enjoy the season for what it truly is, the celebrations of the birth of Jesus Christ. Enjoy!

Tell me what you think below and please join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.

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From The Author

Flowers for My Wife: A Family Tradition

Flowers for My Wife: A Family Tradition

This is the story of the origin and continuation of a family tradition.

On our wedding day, June 23, 1990, Diane and I received many gifts. The night of our wedding, we were off on our honeymoon, so Diane’s sister, Lynette, took our unwrapped gifts to her apartment. When we returned a little over a week later, we opened our presents. To our delight, we received two beautifully cut-glass vases.

For nearly three decades, I have kept the tradition alive with a constant supply of roses with baby’s breath, lilies, sunflowers, carnations, and more.

The colorful flowers are a constant reminder of our love and commitment.

To share the tradition, we have given many engraved vases as gifts for weddings and graduations.

A few years ago, we attended an outdoor wedding. I slipped the groom fifty dollars and told him to be sure to buy his new bride flowers. I hope he smiled when he opened our gift.

Tell me what you think below and please join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.