July 02


Feeling Joy


Our life is really full if you stand strong in the Lord. We have so much joy before our God because of you. We cannot thank Him enough for all the joy we feel.

I Thessalonians 3:8-9 (NCV)


I read Paul’s words to the Thessalonians, and I can’t help but relate. These are my words. This is what I would say to my children. And this is what I feel—joy! But the joy comes with another powerful feeling—concern.

My boys are no different from anyone else, really. We each are born with strengths and weaknesses. We either develop them or languish in them. My boys are no exception. Each has a strong suit, but like all of us, each is prone to weakness as well.

Drew is brilliant. He has such incredible potential, but will he make right choices? Will he choose to be the best he can? I think he will. I pray it everyday.

Ryan is so full of life. He is extremely social and very focused on what he wants to do. Will he slow down enough to see the great needs of those around him? I believe God is working in his heart to do just that.

And Alex, who is so much fun and with such a big heart. He notices others. He notices everything, and like his dad, he feels everything. Will he have the smarts and will power, not to take everything so personally? I am confident he will. Alex, like his brothers, is changing. He is growing. He is learning.

We all experience change; we grow; we get stretched. Some people call it growing pains. I call it life! And this life Jesus gives is special life. It's really full—full of joy!


Lord, I am so proud of my children. I love them so much. Help them to grow. Fill them with your joy. Amen.