Reflecting back on my sons growing up I am beginning to realize the enormity of the very short time we really have to raise our gifts from God.  You begin as two strangers leaving together and trying to get to know each other.  A child blesses you and you begin to realize you were not as smart as you thought you were.  From rolling over to crawling to walking to running, from no touching what's on the table, from first words, teaching politeness (I am a TEXAN and from the south), from please and thank you, first day of school and graduation from high school, to moving out on their own, to getting married.  In all that time you are teaching your values to them.  Going to Sunday School and Church and to all the kid ministries.  Lessons at home that are entangled with the behavior that is seen in the public schools.  Yet still trying to teach with more questions being asked and explanations sometimes not very meaningful.  Praying that God has put his imprint on their lives.  That their choices would be according to the standards found in scripture.  And yet looking back you are trying to be a husband, a father, a businessman, Sunday School teacher, an officer in the church, a youth leader, five summer vacations spent with the kids of the church, and wondering if you didn't spend enough time with you own kids.  Knowing even as adults your kids are still making tough choices.  Are they going to church?  Are they involved in Bible Study?  How are they handling their money?  Where do they hang out?  Are they influencing or being influenced?  What are their priorities?  Do they love their parents?  Is family important to them?  All these questions and it seems sometimes no answers.  Realization sets in. 

Who is in control?  Me or God?  God's pace is different from mine.  His wisdom is greater than mine.  He is in control and he wants me to realize that and depend on Him.  He instructed me and I instructed the boys.  God gives the growth.  May I not look and judge myself but rely on God and God alone.  The cross casts a strong and mighty shadow and I need to rest in it completely and with no anxiety.

I just want to praise and thank God for the great business He has showered upon our business.   He is such an awesome God.  I pray that i WILL PRAISE AND THANK gOD IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.  His light shines brightly and I pray I will not lose sight of that light.

Sandy left with our daughter-in-law Sunday, November 25 to help care for Cody.  She reports that Cody is on the verge of walking.  That will begin a new adventure in his life.  She says Cody keeps very busy just playing on the floor.

The good news is Sandy will be home Friday afternoon or early evening.  I am looking forward to having her home again.  What I don't know at this time is if she is going back to Three Rivers for another week or two.  Whatever she does continues to demonstrate her love for her family.  God has truly blessed me with an incredible wife. 

Jason and I are doing great.  We are working very well together both at work and at the house.  He is very supportive. 

God continues to reveal how blessed I am with the family He has given me and the extended family He has provided. 

Tell next time.

Praise God!