Moments captured

Moment in time can be archived in our memory banks, but they are never as precious as the instant they actually happen.  Last night my wife and I sat down with our boys to do our nightly advent reading and activity.  Our activity was to flip through the pages of the Worldvision gift catalog and select items that we wanted to purchase for those in need.  This is the third year that we have done this, and each year gets better.  After we all made our selections we prayed that God would bless the individuals that would receive the livestock, bibles, mosquito nets and soccer balls we had selected.  Ben, my 9 year old, was still looking at the magazine.  He turned to my wife and I and read "When children can't get warm, death can come in many forms. Your gift multiplies 10 times to send life-saving clothes to children around the world."  Ben then went to his wallet and pulled out $52 and said that he would like to put that toward clothing for kids in need.  He did the math and said that is a $520 value.  Our hearts melted in that moment.  Our son is learning the value of giving and loving others.  Ben sacrificed 70% of his money.  This is a precious moment that I would love to be able to play back over and over.

Hebrews 13:15-17

¹⁵ Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. ¹⁶ And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
I am working on a new Painting and thought I would capture a time lapse video along the way. 

Thankful

This weekend I hiked to the top of Smith Rock with my family and a few friends.  The above photo is what greeted us as we crested the summit.  We had done the bulk of the hike in the shade of the cliffs and only emerged into the late afternoon sun at the very top.  My six year old said it best with a simple grin and a "WOW Dad".    I am thankful for the beauty that God has created all around us.  I am also thankful that I serve a God that promises a treasure that lasts.  Everything around me might fall, but God remains constant and his love for me will never change.

Hebrews 12:27-29

²⁷ The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
²⁸ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, ²⁹ for our “God is a consuming fire.

Lead by Example

I really enjoy the playfulness of shadows.  I captured this image with my iPhone the other day when my boys and I were riding bikes along the river trail in Bend Or.  We have a tandem bike with a tag-along bike attached.  My 8 year old rides on the tandem with me and my 5 year old rides the tag-along.  It is quite the train, but it is comforting to know that my boys are right behind me as we ride through traffic.  Looking at this image made me consider the responsibility of leading and guiding my two boys in their faith.  While we are on the bike they have to trust me 100%.  If I make a wrong move we all go down.  My prayer today is that God would use me to lead my boys and that their hearts would be open to the love He has for them.

Hebrews 13:7-9
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ⁹ Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.