DO I IGNORE GOD?

Mark and I enjoying the birthday of our nation at our beloved lighthouse on Vashon Island.

“God is the most important reality in the universe.  But he is almost totally ignored.  And if not, He is as likely belittled as reverenced.  Yet, He is the most crucial factor in every issue facing the nation.  There would simply be no nation without God.  But He is disregarded by our cultural leaders in almost all they do.  Disregard for God is the greatest evil in the West today.  It is as though an ant on his anthill should disbelieve in the earth.” John Piper, The Godward Life

I love this quote from John Piper. But, why is God largely ignored by our nation? Our country consists of individuals that make decisions that are Godward, or otherwise. Each of us as make up a piece of that huge group we call our country. So, that turns my attention to what my own focus in life truly is. Do I live according to my feelings, or by the pressure of what currently is “acceptable”? Or am I consistently looking to God for direction, help, and fulfillment? By my life am I offending the One who made me, keeps me alive, and gives me everything I have? Do I live for myself?

This Thursday morning all moms (young and old alike) are welcome to meet at Sally Helland’s home —12976 Gopher Hill PL SE, Olalla, WA where we will have a relaxed discussion of what should be the number one priority of every mom—passionately loving and living for God. Children are welcome.

GOD'S SUPERIOR PLAN FOR FLOURISHING

Mark and I enjoyed a wonderful day with some of our family at the Lighthouse this week. Six of our seventeen grandsons provided lots of excitement and happiness for us.

God always has far superior plans and patterns for living than what we could ever dream up. His idea for human flourishing has always been rooted in the family unit of dad, mom and children. As women, how do we fit into this master plan? In July we will be addressing that very issue as we get together for three consecutive Thursday mornings at 10 and we will talk about the most important aspects of our role as moms. In other words, we will discuss the highest priorities for our lives. Our first gathering will be at Sally Helland’s home on July 11th. All moms and children are welcome.

FATHERS AND GRANDCHILDREN FROM A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

Grandpa enjoying a little birthday celebration with a few of the sweet grand kids.

Proverbs 17:6 “Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the glory of sons is their fathers.”

I love this verse from Proverbs that not only honors fathers, but, also tells of the great blessing grandchildren are to a grandfather. With Father’s Day just having passed this seems an appropriate time to acknowledge God’s intended beauty and blessing in family relationships. Truly godly fathers bless their children and even though it may take time for this to be realized, generally such a dad comes to be honored. But, also grandchildren usually bless the life of grandfathers. Rich lives are built on strong and healthy relationships and when the base of those associations have to do with the family, then so much more the blessing to everyone involved. Too often people try to connect wonderful lives to a good education, high paying jobs, and plenty of “me” time. But, the Bible always points us to beautiful relationships as the most valuable pursuit.

I’m looking forward to getting together with young moms in July to encourage this very point—building our lives and homes in God’s unparalleled way.