Have you ever seen a newborn puppy or kitten, though blind, find their mother and begin to nurse? God built these “basics” (like feeding ourselves) into life. The basics are simple and easy to find and understand. When things get complicated, they can lose their value. Russian writer Leo Tolstoy said, “Give thanks to God who made necessary things simple, and complicated things unnecessary.”
I learned about my Dad by reading old newspapers about his Navy and Army service in World War II. I also heard stories about him from my Mom and other relatives. But the way I knew him best was by living with him, hearing what he had to say, and seeing his love for me in daily actions—like playing “catch” or praying together.
Today is Mother’s Day. I think of my Mom who raised eight kids with the help of my Dad. Each day they had to focus on the job at hand: feeding, clothing, teaching, loving, and sharing their lives with us. We were a religious family and even had group prayer together. In her own way, my Mom taught us (often by example) to trust God in our everyday lives. God’s Word shows us how that trust brings perfect peace.
I remember as a young child wanting to give my Dad and Mom something for their birthdays or at the holidays. I wanted to express my love in thankfulness for them being such good parents. Often, since I had no money of my own, they would give me what I needed to buy them a present. They appreciated my heart to give back for all they had done for me.
Last October, Gene and I moved away from a small, rural community where we had been living for eleven years.
How Are We Supposed to “Keep the Unity of the Spirit” in This Dark World?
You may have been a member of the boy scouts, coach of a soccer team, teacher in a high school, or part of an army battalion. All of these organizations require that the members work together to accomplish a common goal. Even the coaches of opposing soccer teams must be unified to make the soccer season a success.
What Brand of Christian Are You?
What brand of cereal did you have for breakfast this morning, Kellogg’s or Post?