June 10


Sweet Family Joy


You bring me joy and make me proud of you, so stand strong in the Lord....

Philippians 4:1b (NCV)


Last night sitting in the chairs by the Christmas tree, I smiled at Kris, and she smiled at me. Our oldest son was at the table in the next room helping his brother with some tricky geometry problems. It was so good! They were focused, working on the problems together, united in what they did. For me, it was a sweet thing, and I could tell it did Kris’ heart good too.

I guess we saw a number of other good things as well. First of all, Ryan was trying really hard to understand. This was very good. Second, he wasn’t upset or frustrated in the least. He was gutting it out and apparently learning in the process. Finally, it was great to see Drew being so helpful, so patient and for us to realize, he is a teacher.

I think Drew has had this ability all along, but now it seems to be coming out more. This last term at college, he worked with Chinese students teaching them English as a second language. I am pretty confident they benefited just like Ryan did.

This Christmas my joy is full. I am thankful, and I am so proud of all my children!


Lord, thank You for the great joy only You can bring to our hearts. Thank You too, for this sweet family joy You deliver to our homes....