My Grandpa - the first PaPa

Hey Cutest Girl in the world,

I bought a new BBQ grill...actually it is smoker that you put all kinds of meat in and let it cook all day and out comes goodness. The first thing I cooked in my new smoker was ribs - my favorite!

But, I didn't choose ribs because they were my favorite, I choose ribs in honor of my grandpa, who I called "Papa" (just like you call me). My Papa meant the world to me, and because of him, I gave my life to Jesus - forever and ever.

My Papa passed away 30 years ago this month - that means he died and went to be with Jesus in heaven where I will see him again some day. Anyway, at his funeral I heard how much Jesus loved Papa and how much Jesus loves me - and my life has never been the same.

It was my love for my Papa that opened up my heart to believe in and love Jesus.

I hope my life makes as big a difference in your life as my Papa's life made in mine.

I love you dearly.
Your Papa

You Cast a Shadow

Hey Sweetness....

I took this picture of you when you were here visiting Nani and me. When I saw the picture, the first thing I noticed was your shadow and it got me thinking about shadows.

Shadows only come when we are standing in the light. You can't cast a shadow in a dark room. The opposite is also true: you can't NOT cast a shadow in the light! It just happens.

And that got me thinking about Jesus (like most things do). You cast a shadow for people to see as you live your life in the light of knowing Jesus. His light hits your life and the result is something that the world can see.

Kinda cool, huh?

Countdown

Bird Girl....

Two days, or about 60 hours, or about 3600 minutes, or about 216,000 seconds, until I get to see you....and I am counting down!

BUT, I have to make sure that I don't miss all the fun and good things that might happen during the time I am waiting to get to see you. That would be terrible.

YET, many people do just that....they miss the good things of today waiting for tomorrow to come. Or, they miss good things happening in their lives now because they are looking forward to something in the future.

Here's a couple of examples: a boy who misses the fun of baseball season because he is just waiting on football season to start, and, a girl who misses the great things about middle school because she can't wait to get to high school.

It is great to look forward to things (like me getting to see you in 2 days), but don't just sit in a chair, missing out on life waiting - live every day to the fullest.

Another Gift: Background People

Alexa,

There are people in your life that you will maybe not notice or be aware of all the time, but, trust me, they are there. I call these precious people, "background people."

Even though they are not always out in the front of the action, these are people that you can depend on no matter what. They will be there for you. They are people of integrity, faithfulness and strength.

The background people in your life at this time are people that are in your mom's and dad's lives, that love your mom and dad, and that love you. But as you grow up and live your life under God's care and direction, He will always make sure these people are there. The important thing is to identify them and honor them. They are truly a gift from God.

If you want to know who one of them is, look closely at the picture; one is in the reflection in the glass (I made the picture big so you could see him). Even though he is standing in the background, he is there; always will be.....because that's how background people are. And this guys is the best.

A Great Gift

Super Girl,

Our memory is one of the greatest gifts that God has given us. And like all gifts, we should appreciate it. But what does it mean to appreciate the gift of memory?

I think it means to use this gift in the best ways to help us in our relationship with God. So with that in mind, I want to challenge you to use your memory to plant God's Word in you mind and in your heart. It is the greatest thing that you can do.

Your mom and dad grew up being a part of something called Bible Quiz (ask them about it) in which they spent a lot of time memorizing Scripture verses, and sometimes entire books of the Bible.

When you get old enough to get involved, Bible Quiz may still be around. If it is, then make sure your parents help you get involved. If it is not, make sure your parents help you find some way that you are actively memorizing passages of Scripture. If they don't, tell your Grammi, she'll take care of them.

Nothing can substitute for God's Word in your heart and mind.

Can't wait to see you next week (you guys are coming to StL to see Wicked).
Pops

While the World Sleeps

Alexa Bird,

I think my favorite time of the day is morning time, when it is really quiet and it seems like the world is asleep. I like it I guess because it seems like if the world is asleep, then God would be paying attention to me more than maybe he would if the world were awake and having his attention also.

Now when I really think about it, I know that God's attention to me is not limited in any way, no matter how many people or things also have his attention.

SO, I guess maybe I like mornings because when the world is asleep God has more of my attention. All the noise and activity that gets going later on in the day isn't there to take my attention away from God and his thoughts to me.

Make sure to find times in your days and in your weeks that it is quiet, and that it is just you and God. I think you will like it.

I love you more than you know.
Pops