Words

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> A GENTLE ANSWER TURNS AWAY WRATH, BUT A HARSH WORD STIRS UP ANGER. (Proverbs 15:1)
> In my life I have sometimes used harsh words and to this day I regret having done so. They did not make things better. Most times I use kinder, gentler words but I can't remember them, neither do I feel regret.
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> Dad/Papa

Future... Hope

I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE IN MIND FOR YOU, DECLARES THE LORD; THEY ARE PLANS FOR PEACE, NOT DISASTER, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE FILLED WITH HOPE.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

Let's not forget we belong and are loved. No one is excluded!!!

Dad/Papa 

These Difficult Times

The stories we read in the Bible are about the same things we are dealing with now. The stories we read in the history of mankind are about the same things we are dealing with now. The problem of sin and evil is the virus of human hearts, minds, emotions. I am not saying this to excuse anything. I am putting it in perspective. As long as humanity occupies this earth we will deal with these social, spiritual,physical, cultural diseases. It is not a trite thing that says those who do not learn from history will repeat it. Many will learn from all that is going on now. Many will not learn from it because they will prefer their prejudice and hatred. I have spent my life bearing witness to Good News that says this is God’s world. Goodness, love, human decency, kindness, forgiveness are fundamental to all creation. This is not escapist thinking. A thousand times plus over the 64 yrs we were married we said to one another, I am sorry I spoke and acted ugly. This is why our religion provides for times of confession, repentance, conversion. Humanity is flawed when left to our selves and we feed on rotten attitudes and harmful influences. As long as God does not give up, as long as the sun rises I will not give up, neither will I be destroyed by anger and bitterness when things are"going too hell in a basket.”  

It is ok to have uncomfortable conversations. We need these conversations, and we can have them respectfully, patiently and loving. Human relationships are simple and complicated. Life is a contradiction many times….we have to deal with the good and bad in tension all along the way.

I am not saying all this to preach. I am venting my frustration, powerlessness, pain, sadness, and anger, and hope when we are in the middle of this mess..  And I am owning my own sinfulness. 

Never quit, 

Paps/dad

colorblind

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> Looking ahead. Families can discuss the race crisis with their children and help toward a day when this will not be the sickness in our culture we are experiencing now. The crisis now is met with protest, but quiet conversations at home can teach kindness, love, respect and affirmation for every person. I heard one mother on tv say her child is colorblind and she wants her to stay that way.
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> Of course this presumes parents are colorblind too and have warm, caring, wise hearts.
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> Dad/Papa
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Hope in the Future

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> The motivation for believing in the future is hidden in God's faithfulness expressed in the sun rising on a new day. Let hope be renewed in your heart this day….
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> Dad/Papa