Over the course of 46 years of ministry I've performed hundreds of weddings (pictured above - me with Kira & Walter Wilson).  When asking each couple, "Why do you want to get married?" they inevitably say, "Because we love each other."  Quite frankly, I think this is an honest and sincere response.  However, if I talk to these couples some years later they usually will tell me that, through their life together,  they have grown in their understanding of the meaning of love.  Perhaps, in some ways, they will have grown to understand what Paul meant when he said, "Let love be sincere" (Rom. 12:9-12)...

I spent three days working to put up the Christmas lights so our family could share in our annual "turning on the of the lights" on Thanksgiving evening.  I had tested all the lights before placing them in their appropriate places and I thought everything was "good to go."  But on Thanksgiving morning I decided to do a final test and one whole section of lights failed to shine.  I was frustrated and ready to throw away several strings of lights and purchase new ones.  But then my son and family arrived and my son had a different perspective on the problem...

I took advantage of a "break in the weather' yesterday and took down all of my outdoor Christmas lights.  The "dismantling took about three hours."  That surprised me because putting them all up took about three days!  The contrast struck me:  How much easier it is to "tear down" than to "build up!"  Why is this so?  The answer is that to "build something" (even an outdoor scene of Christmas lights" requires creativity, intention, purpose, and considerable effort.  To tear something down is sort of easy...

I am blessed!  I had such a wonderful Father.  He was always there for me; always cheered for me; was ready to listen to me and advise me.  I knew he loved me and though he has been gone, for 20 years now, I still miss him.  As we celebrate Father's Day I now feel honored to be the father for two adult children:  Beth and John.  Both turned out to be wonderful adults who are responsible, creative, talented, fun to be with, and (most important) truly love the Lord.  I wish I could say that this was all a result of my wonderful efforts, but the truth is, as a busy pastor and family therapist I was distracted too much of the time.  Fortunately, I have a wife who carried much of the parenting burden and I now benefit, in wonderful ways, from her dedication and effort.  But the blessing of being a father, and the opportunity to be a support, encourager, and role model is not over.  As long as I am alive there is always the possibility for me to influence the next generation in a positive way...

Sunday, February 14, is Valentine's day and this is traditionally a day for couples (married, engaged, committed, or engaged) to express their love for one another.  In some ways it is sad that we need a specific day to remind us to share our love with those who are special to us.  Still it is helpful to have a specific day when we can stop and focus our affection on the people we value most.  This year, perhaps more than any other, is a year when we need to share our love...

Recently we celebrated a Day of Thanksgiving.  For Kristi, Beth and me this is always a wonderful family time.  On Thanksgiving day we were joined by our son John, his wife, Alisha and our two grandsons (also the grand-dogs!).  We were also blessed by having Alisa's parents and sister join us this year.  It was a feast of both food and fellowship.  Usually we connect with Kristi's sister and family on Friday after Thanksgiving for pizza at Hideaways (pictured above) but this year that side of the family was doing a mini-vacation in Alabama.  Still we had a great time with all who were able to join us.  Indeed, we had much to be thankful for...