Of Peace and Pillows

Ellie Kate turns four today! I've called her "Tooter Bug" ever since she was little. I'm not sure I'll be able to call her that much longer--before she starts objecting. But, for some reason, that name just came to be; and, I love it! She means the world to me. And, her smile can definitely light up my day! She knows that her daddy loves her very much. I make it a priority that she always knows that to be true.

Several months ago, I walked by her room and looked in to check on her. I was absolutely captivated by her as she slept. This is what I wrote that night before I went to sleep.

OF PEACE AND PILLOWS

The bedroom nightlight is cast tonight
softly on her cheek.

It is blessed to find this landing place,
as she is comfortably asleep.

With covers to her waist
and her dolls by her side,

I'm helpless as my heart skips beats
watching from the hall outside.

I wonder what she is dreaming
as she shares a midnight smile.

Is she far away in her dreams
playing princess for a while?

What a joy it is to have such peace!
What a blessing for daddy to know!

His little girl is far away in dream--
of peace and pillows.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIE KATE!!!

This Son of Mine now Two of Years

This son of mine, now two of years,
has brought many laughs, smiles, and tears.

In my talks with God, I have often prayed
for strength, love, and truth as my son is reared.

Strength to say, "No," when it must be said
and to say, "Yes," when wisdom permits.

Love to hold him with caring arms
even when he screams and pitches fits.

Truth to guide him in right and wrong
and to point him in the way he should go.

To teach him consequence, good and bad,
and responsibility as he grows.

As I watch him delight in simple things
such as trucks, cars, and chase,

I understand that these are moments
even time cannot erase.

I often find myself in prayer for him--
that he would have health and many years.

Without a doubt, I'm proud to be the Father of my Champ--
this son of mine now two of years.

Happy Birthday Son!

Did He Live with Passion?

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30)

My wife and I have a Valentine's Day tradition that began 6 years ago in a small apartment in Louisville, KY--we watch the movie Serendipity together. This movie has it all. It has the mushy stuff that the lady folks really dig. It has the comedy and umph that men relate to. It develops the characters nicely and builds tension within the plot as the movie reaches its climactic ending. It is truly a great movie.

As with every movie that I've become especially fond of over the last several years, Serendipity meets a requirement that all of the others must possess as well. They each have at least one quotable line in them. A thought provoking quote.

To set up the quote, I must first explain its context. One of the friends in the movie is an obituary writer for the New York Times. As the series of events unfold in the movie, this friend turns to one of the main characters and explains to him that the Greeks did not write obituaries. They simply asked one question about the deceased (and this is where the quote comes in). They simply ask, "Did He live with passion?"

Jesus teaches us to love God with all that we are. Our entire heart! Our entire soul! Our entire mind! Our entire strength! We are commanded to live for God with passion!

Each year, on Valentine's Day, I am reminded of this. In my mind, I fast forward to my last day. What would the Greeks say of me? If no obituary were written of my life, how would my family, friends, and neighbors answer this question?

Was I passionate for my God? Was I passionate in my devotion and service to my family? Did I live a life that would inspire others? Or, did I simply exist through each day of my life as though I were simply waiting for my last?

In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul teaches us that God has a good, pleasing, and perfect will for our lives! For each one of us! Jesus said that He had come that we would have life to the fullest!

When all is said and done, what will be said of you? Did you live with passion? If not, I hope this devotional has been timely for you. I hope that you will be encouraged, along with me, to be passionate about the will of God for your life--with ALL that you are! Live abundantly! Live passionately! Live to the glory of God!

God bless!