Down the Road

First Published June 23, 2017

Proverbs 16:16

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Recently my son Reuben shared with me that as a child he hated listening to classical music.  He hated how corny and old fashioned it sounded.  Squeaky. Blah. Pointless.  Boooooring.

One of the reasons we as parents take our children to Sunday school, have family devotion time, sing hymns and spiritual songs is to instill at an early age the importance of God and his son, Jesus. You can have the assurance that later God will be there for you in any circumstance.

Joshua 1:5b

Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.

***

The issue with teaching and learning is that it takes time and money, because time is money. Time outside of a normal work week to do extra learning is rough. One must plan ahead of time to get the family up early for church, make sure the youngsters have their scripture verses memorized, and don’t lose their offering.  Then after class, Mom and Dad recap and ask the little ones about what they learned and the craft that they made.  All of this is so that when the time is right they can say, “You learned about this in Sunday School.  Do you remember what the Bible says about this?” Whew, I’m tired just writing about it!

But, the lessons learned at an early age are going to be there when Mom and Dad are not around.  It is during these moments that having the Word of God in your heart is most important.  When teens are out on the road with their brand new driver’s license, God’s word is still there.  When high school graduates are headed to college, God’s word is still there.  When moving away for the first “real” job, God’s word is still there.  Down the road, God’s word is still there.

So, parents, parents-to-be, and children of all ages, earnestly learn, teach, and cling to the Word of God. When others fail, God’s word will still be there.

Hebrews 1:3a

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being,

Sustaining all things by his powerful word…

***

The next time Reuben was in my car I reached for the radio button to change from the classical music station.  “Oh no,” he said, “I like classical music.  There’s a lot to learn from it. It’s soothing and the notes tell interesting stories…”

Oh Majestic God, thank you for my parents who instilled in me a love and appreciation of music; and a thirst for learning and reading Your Word. May that yearning never cease, but increase each and every day.  In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Copyright 2017 by Karen Vaughn

Anniversary Flight

Jeff piloted us to Camarillo (KCMA) to celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary.  We had a scrumptious lunch at Waypoint Cafe as well as a great time at the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Museum.

In His Presence

First Published May 19, 2017

One of the greatest things I experience as a parent is being in the presence of my children.  I like basking in their energy, watching them in a fierce game of “Uno!”  They talk and it’s a joy to listen to them.  They sing and I’m lost in beautiful music.  I laugh at the funny stories and cry when they share sadness.  God also wants to be with his children.

Joshua 1:5b

Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you;

I will not fail you or forsake you.

***

Growing up as a child, my father’s business demanded long hours of him away from home from Monday through Friday.  The same thing happened on the weekend, except us kids worked at the store too.  Just by being in Dad’s presence I learned about working with the public.   At six years old I learned how to make change. There is an art to stocking shelves.  I watched and learned. Some years later I learned about inventory and ordering products.  Even as a young teen I was taught about revenue and accounting.  Dad taught me to drive the truck and pick up wholesale orders. It was hard work, but I like being around my Dad, watching and learning.  God also wants us to watch and learn.

Proverbs 16:16

How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!

And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

***

Well, if God wants to be in our lives and we want to be in God’s presence, how do we get this done?

1. Be in His presence through prayer. Matthew 6:9-13 (Lord’s Prayer)

2. Be in His Presence through corporate worship: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (We are God’s temple)

3. Be in His Presence through word and deed. James 1:22, Matthew 5:16 (Doers versus Hearers).

Let’s enter into God’s presence, reflecting His Light of Hope!

***

Dear Father God, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to watch and learn from my Dad. I also want to watch and learn from you, to be in your presence always.  Please help me to focus on doing this through prayer, worship, and action.  In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Copyright 2017 by Karen Vaughn