When it all comes to an end

My last post here was October 2016. Grandma Morren passed away 3 months after Grandma and Grandpa Pluister passed. Yesterday Grandpa Morren passed away and is now reunited with Grandma in Heaven. This is my tribute to him today.

Tribute to Grandpa Morren

Time.  Webster’s defines time as:

1 a: the measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues : DURATION

b: a nonspatial continuum that is measured in terms of events which succeed one another from past through present to future

2: the point or period when something occurs : OCCASION

3: an appointed, fixed, or customary moment or hour for something to happen, begin, or end

Time is our most valuable thing. It's the one thing you can not buy or get back once it is gone. There are three questions that everyone needs to ask themselves: First how did we get here? Second, what is our purpose? Lastly, how are you leaving? Allow me to share from my experience.

For me the idea of time is interesting. In my mind there are times when I still feel like the newly married young man not so far removed from my high school years. I remember the days of playing in the “back 40” as we commonly referred to it. This was the 40 acres of Grandpa’s farm land. We hunted, we fished, we tore it up on ATV’s and Golf Carts. We built forts of all shapes and sizes. It was every boy's dream place to be for us. There was just one rule, and that was DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE TEAR UP THE HAY FIELDS! 

I loved riding on the tractor with Grandpa and doing things on the farm. I remember helping him when the cows would get out and occasionally helping him get them from one pasture to another. He would always say just get in there with them and drive them this way. My response was always the same, there is no way I am getting in a fence with those cows. He always came back with they won’t hurt you. Grandpa, that still isn’t happening. I’ll hold that gate, but that's as far as I am going! Speaking of gates and fences, Grandpa had an Electric fence. What is it about Electric fences that makes boys do dumb things like dare each other to touch it. It wasn’t smart, but we always got a good laugh out of it. 

One of my favorite traditions that Grandma and Grandpa had was on Sunday’s. There was always Coffee at their house after church where we would all gather together. One Sunday a month each family would have lunch after Coffee with them. The pleasant aroma of that food is something that sticks with you for a lifetime. That was my childhood, that’s what home was for me. 

I always thought Grandpa would pass away there because that was his home. After Grandma passed and a little time went by it became clear that would not be the case though. After some tough negotiations he went to Royal Park where he could have more community and be cared for as too often happens. It was a hard sell, but the Lord was at work. From familiar faces to warm meals he agreed to give it a go. I think with a little time it helped knowing he had sold that house to a loving family with kids of their own. Little did he know the relationship he would build with them. I know Grandma would be proud. Once again little feet run those halls and stairs to create a new legacy there.

What is the legacy of a man or woman? Is it the accomplishments of their life, the money made or left behind, the retirement achieved, even the good things done for other people? Let’s consider a few things of the last 100 years Grandpa experienced in his lifetime:

From new autos replacing the model t & a’s

To now self driving cars and tractors

From the first moon landing

To now self driving mars robots capable of sending photos back to Earth

From modern airliner Boeing 247

To now unmanned aircraft and drones

From rotary phones

To now cell phones & VR glasses

From the first pacemaker

To now robotic precision surgeries

From the first programmable computer

To now super computers with artificial intelligence

The list could go on…. But none of these things are the truly important things that matter. What matters is the legacy of faith in Jesus we pass along.

Grandpa was a smart man, successful in business, worked hard on the farm, loved his family, and most importantly he loved Jesus. He wasn’t perfect, but he and Grandma left a larger than life legacy from their kids down to their great grand kids. Two of which are our very own. Grandpa and Grandma were committed to each other and to their family and friends. They shared the Gospel message and modeled hospitality for us all. Only Heaven knows the number of lives they touched.

At this stage of life that I find myself in it only takes one diagnosis from the doctor, one phone call that Dad’s at the hospital fighting a heart attack, or in this case that Grandpa has been called home by his Savior to remind me I am not that young kid any more. Time has passed and I need to start thinking of life after those you love have passed away. 

It's the stark reminder that there is a beginning and there will be an end. Our life has already been planned and from the moment God was knitting us together in our mothers womb. That’s when the clock started. Everyone starts the same way, by divine formation of God the creator. However, we don’t all get the same amount of time. Some of us will get just a few years, while others will live a longer life of 80, 90, or even into the 100’s. What's important from the time the clock begins is what will we do with our life, what type of legacy will we leave, and how will we depart.

I have shared with you the answer to question one, how did we get here. I also shared an example from the life of Grandpa about what someone's purpose can be. What remains is how will you leave? There are only two options. Heaven or Hell. Grandpa would want all of you to know that there is forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Jesus paid for our sins and mistakes by his death on the cross. He was raised from the dead after 3 days defeating death and sin once and for all. The Bible states it this way in John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life.” 

The gift of Salvation is available to all if we choose to believe in him for the forgiveness of our sins. We just need to accept it, believe it, and hold on to the hope of everlasting life. There is no other way out of here. Death will come for us all, but it doesn’t have to have the last say. So I’ll ask the question, do you know Jesus? Have you accepted his gift of immortality and a life everlasting? If not please consider it, because time is of the essence! There won’t be any second chances or redo options. This life is short, but eternity lasts forever. Choose today and don’t delay. Grandpa, it's not good bye, but see you later! Say Hi to Grandma for us all. We love you.

Its not good bye but see you later...

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 NLT

Its hard to believe its been three months almost to the day since my last post. If you read those its with a saddened heart that the theme for those continues tonight. Even as I type this it is hard for me to believe I am having to do it again.......



Before I even open my eyes I can hear the birds singing outside the window. The smell of breakfast permeates the air. I rub my eyes open and swing my feet down the side of the bed. It's morning! I tip-toe down the first few stairs until I reach the opening where I can peek into the kitchen from above. There at the stove a lady still dressed in her nightgown is preparing breakfast. I would watch for what felt like a few minutes but was probably mere seconds before continuing down the remaining stairs. Good morning Grandma I would say as I made my way to the table.

Grandma and Grandpa would usually take care of us when Mom was sick and had to stay at the Hospital. Mom and Dad's house sits just off Grandpa's 40 acre farm where we spent most of our childhood roaming the woods and just being kids. Thats where I learned to climb trees, build forts, take rides on the tractor with Grandpa, get stuck in the mud, and listen to Grandpa call the cows in to eat. It's where us boys would beg for three wheeler rides from Uncle Rick and where I would make any excuse to go to Grandmas just to drive the car up the gravel road. We would often ride our bikes there too just to play games with Grandma at the kitchen table. Grandma loved playing games. Golf and Domino's were my personal favorites.

Now, ask any Grandson in the family what the two rules are when you're around the farm and you will most certainly get the same answer! First, stay off the grass, and second stay off the hayfields!!! Those were Grandpas pride and joy on the farm and there was certainly a price to be paid for disrespecting either one. There may have been a third rule which was if you borrowed any tools you better not lose it and you better get it back before Grandpa realizes it was missing! That being said, if you did happen to drive a golf cart, four wheeler, or any other riding device that may or may not have left tracks in either of these two locations it was best if Grandpa found out when you were around Grandma. You see Grandma was our best defense because she could penetrate deep into Grandpas heart when she'd say now George you leave those boys alone they are just being kids. Phew, Grandma saves the day again!

Grandma had a few family traditions of which I will tell you about, but one of my favorites was that every Sunday Grandma had the entire family over for coffee after Church. She usually made coffee cake and set out crackers, cheese, and for those who didn't like cheese she would have peanut butter. After coffee Grandma also had 1 family stay for lunch! This was NOT something you wanted to miss! Each family had their favorites that Grandma made and for ours it was either ribs or Grandmas chicken. You could smell those delicious meals before you even made it in the house!

When we were younger for our birthdays Grandma would pick us up and take us out to go shopping with her. She would bring us to the store in her two door Cadillac just to pick out our own birthday present. I can still smell the scent of her big leather seats. I was also fascinated by all the buttons along the seat that made it move back and forth. This was not your average base model especially not back then! Perhaps now would also be a good time to tell a family secret. There are few things my Dad hates, one of which is shopping. Especially Christmas shopping. What he may hate even more than that is wrapping the gifts he got while Christmas shopping. He used to stash the presents at Grandma's and have her wrap them for him. Grandma was always happy to let him off the hook though. Sorry Dad your secrets out now.

It's no secret though that Grandma loved her family and her love poured out through her exceptional hospitality. There is no telling the lives Grandma touched through her meals, baking, and generous personality. Grandma suffered a stroke this week and is currently waiting for the Lord to take her Home. Nothing can prepare you for a time like this when death comes knocking at your door. When the family members who have cared for you, placed band aides on your ouchies, wiped the tears from your cheeks, and kissed away the pain are suddenly gone. Whats left is a gaping hole in your heart and the pain deep in your soul.

None of us can live here on Earth forever this we know is true. We can only place our hope in Eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Jesus prepares a place for us in his Fathers House where we will once again be reunited for those who believe in Him. There is no other option, there is no other way.

So for all of us who remain its not good bye but see you later.

I love you Grandma,
Nick or Pooh Bear

We will miss you this Halloween!!! Love Peyton and Owen!

Until we meet again part 2.

Psalm 128:1-4
1 How joyful are those who fear the LORD—all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table.
4 That is the LORD’s blessing for those who fear him.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57
54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.
57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 21:1-7
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone.
2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.
4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”
6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life.
7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.

Many of you reading this likely read my last post called Until we meet again... If you haven't stop reading this one and go read it first then come back. 

It is hard for me to believe I am back here. Back writing about a loved one who was swept away from the hospital bed to go home with Jesus. I know I should be feeling pain, emptiness, sadness, and maybe even a little angry. That is not the case for me though. Yes, there is some sadness because of the new reality which I find myself in with the loss of two special people that I called Grandpa and Grandma Pluister. Grandpa passed away two weeks ago and now Grandma just yesterday. 

If I am honest though there is peace even happiness in this time of loss. How can I even mention the word happy you ask? How do you find Joy through the loss of loved ones? My answer is Jesus. My answer is the hope of a new life where all things are pure, holy, and free from the tyranny of the Devil. The hope of Eternal life through Jesus in Heaven where we will meet again. It's the thought of after 66 years of marriage and a brief separation from each other that Grandpa and Grandma have reunited in an unimaginable majestic place where all things are made new. It's where the Angels of the Lord sing and where all of Gods Glory surrounds those he has called home. They are home together free from pain and suffering holding each other once again only this time in the presence of the Lord. I know this is what both of them would want for us now and in the future. To be happy that they are home and happier now more than ever before!

I will always remember Grandma for who she was while she was here. She truly was the fruitful grapevine flourishing within their home from Psalm 128 verse 3. Shes the one who made a house become a home. Not a home for just her family but for anyone who walked through the door. When you went to her house anything they had was yours. They never held back and made sure you left happier than when you came. Grandma's love language was food! And let me just tell you she mastered it! Grandma made enough food to feed an army or at least that's what it felt like at every holiday, birthday, special occasion, or even just because you were there. She always felt like there was never enough food, but was also never happy with leftovers. She didn't care that you had seven helpings of fruit salad if there was still some in the bowl you better have another until it was gone! That was also before the desert came out too and you better have room for that as well. If you left Grandma's house hungry well then that was either your own fault or you were really sick I am not sure which. 

I mentioned birthdays earlier. Grandma had a tradition for many of us before the family got so big she couldn't possibly continue it. The tradition was when it was your birthday you got to go there and have lunch or dinner and you got to pick the menu. That's right whatever your favorite meal was that's exactly what she would cook. It didn't matter if others weren't fond of your choice either. If you wanted it you got it; it's just the way it was. She would even go as far as making special bowls or plates for those who might not have liked all the ingredients. I won't mention any names though because you know who you are ;) Grandma also made sure to keep enough snacks, cookies, and candy in the cupboards too. If you tried to turn something down she may go as far as making a take home bag for you because well there was no telling Grandma no. I am not sure anyone figured this out faster than our little Owen. That boy had her so wrapped around her finger that even at the age of two she would make Grandpa take her on special trips to the store to make sure she had his favorite cookies in the jar. Every time we went to Great Grandmas house that is the first thing he asked for upon walking in the door and she was happy to oblige to his request. I am thankful our kids got to meet such wonderful people for as long as they did and they got to call them Great Grandma and Great Papa!  I am not sure they fully understand what it means that they are gone, but I can assure you they will be missed!

Grandma also had a playful but competitive side. Some of you may know this but many of you may not. Grandma loved to play cards. You could make her entire week if you asked to play even just one game of cards with her. Typically the game was golf (hopefully you know what that is but if you don't you can ask me some other time) and Grandma loved it! Though I am not sure there was a bigger rivalry than with her and my dad. You see dad loves to have fun and one of those ways was to get Grandma going while playing cards; they sure did like to pest each other! He and her had a special relationship whether it was playing cards or taking rides on the pontoon boat. Memories our family won't soon forget to say the least!

Grandma, you will be missed by all of us who remain here. I am thankful for your love and amazing example of how to love others unconditionally. Thank you for the years of warm meals, hugs, kisses, and nurturing care. Its my hope and prayer that we will pick the torch up where you and Grandpa left off. May we continue to show our family and friends how to love God and each other unconditionally. God knows that each of us needs to shine our light in this fallen and broken world just as you and Grandpa did while you were here. I love you and I know you're happy to be back with Grandpa in Heaven. Save a spot for us at the banquet table of the Lord!

Until we meet again.......

- Nick, Nichole, Peyton, Owen, and Baylee too!

Until we meet again...

Isaiah 46:4

I will be your God throughout your lifetime until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.

Psalms 37:25

Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.

Psalms 103:17

But the love of the lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children.

Psalms 145:4

Let each generation tell its children of your might acts; let them proclaim your power.

Deuteronomy 4:9

But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children's children.

Proverbs 16:31

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.

How do you prepare yourself for the inevitable? We all know that death has to come. We all know we won't live forever here on this earth. Not one of us can avoid it. Our time is limited and some get more than others. Sometimes death comes unexpectedly and other times its a slow shutting down of the body when we reach an old age. 

If you are reading this you maybe thinking how morbid and depressing this post is. Others maybe asking why would someone want to post about death. Well let me explain. It may also make the Bible verses at the top make more sense.

You see right now at this very moment there is a man laying in a hospital bed whom I love very much and his time is running out. I call him Grandpa and our kids call him Great Grandpa Pluister. Others call him Dad, Husband, and Friend. As long as I can remember hes always been there for me. I have great memories of playing catch, pounding a million nails into scrap pieces of boards in the basement of their house. It was the first place I would go when I got there to see if I could nail something together or use the little dremel sander until my hearts content. I can remember walking to the backyard of the house on Cambridge to the fence where the red raspberries were and getting a few fresh berries on a hot summer day. I can still remember the smell of his fresh raisin bread or the meals Grandma would be making for the whole family on special occasions. She could feed an army and still be concerned about not having enough. The Easter egg hunts and Thanksgiving day Lions games all crammed into the front living room.  He was always the first to call on a Saturday morning just to see how I did bowling.  I am thankful for every moment we got to spend together and every conversation we had.

I am thankful for the legacy he is leaving behind as he showed us how to serve the Lord and serve others above and beyond his own needs. I am thankful for the life long until death do us part marriage that Grandpa and Grandma shared together. How they loved and cared for one another through all the ups and downs life could possibly throw at them. Praise God for the providence he has given to our family. 

Isaiah 46:4 "I will be your God throughout your lifetime until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." Gods promise is being fulfilled for Grandpa now and that brings me comfort and peace. Soon he will be made whole again with no more suffering, no more pain, no more tears, and no more sadness. He will be home with Jesus his Savior. Its not easy saying good bye to those we love. Its not easy knowing they will no longer be here with us to share the ups and downs of life. However, for those who remain in Christ there is the reassurance we will meet again some day and that death has been defeated by Jesus Christ our Savior on the Cross which he died. This is the hope we hold onto as we say good bye. So until we meet again Grandpa I am comforted that you will be home soon, I love you,

-Snickers 

Fear is not of God

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 NIV

It was 7am Tuesday morning. I should have been at work already, but instead we were starting a new chapter in the Morren household. It was Peyton's first day of Kindergarten and there was a lot of energy in the house. Peyton was excited to start her new journey at a new school. Nichole and I were not so excited as we quickly realized our little girl is growing up and not so little any more. We recognized this was the beginning of a new reality of days without Peyton being home to play, dream, cry, scream, run around, and be a big sister for Owen. Truth be told we were more nervous and fearful for her than she was! Questions swirled in both our minds. Would she do ok going all day? Would she make new friends? Would she like her new teacher? Can we trust the school system to make sure she is safe? What happens if she gets hurt? Who will comfort her in her time of need? Its 8:05am as we say our good byes to Peyton and collide head on with our new reality. We departed the parking lot and only made it a minute or two down the road when I looked at Nichole and she said "I want to turn around and go get her!" Truth is I wanted to go get her too. For the next 7 or so hours everything was out of our control and there was nothing we could do. Fear had already crept inside me. 

Many of you reading this probably have felt or do feel the same way. Many may even say that its perfectly normal and that it is ok to feel this way. I have tried to legitimize feeling afraid for my family. Its wise to recognize dangerous situations or circumstances for ignoring them would be foolish. However, I know that fear and worry is not the response God would want me to have. I should know that what happens in this life is under the control of God. Its never been about me or the control I think I have. My response each day needs to be in prayer to God and ask that His Will be done in all of us and in all situations. Fear is not a response we should have if we belong to Christ. Fear, Worry, and Anxiety are a waste of time and something we should not concern ourselves with. Here are some passages from the Bible about fear, worry and anxiety:

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’” (Luke 12:22-26, NIV). 

Its now Thursday. 3 days of school are complete. Peyton is doing great just like we suspected she would. I should not have worried, I should not have feared. The Lord is with her each day. I am thankful that I don't need to be in control. His will for her is far greater than anything I could ever give her. Its not about me, but its about Him! Its about total surrender. God please forgive us for doubting and not trusting completely in you! We are weak but you are strong. We mess up the most basic tasks. You hold to world in your hands. You breath life in us each and every day. May Your Kingdom come and Your Will be done here on Earth as it is in Heaven.


-Amen

Hola Amigos

Hola Amigos,

That is my preschool Spanish for you :) Today is/was all about Peyton! My little girl turned 5 years old and I am not sure how that happened. Nichole and I spent the day with our little princess at School and then to a special lunch at CityVu downtown Holland. We could not be more proud of her for who she is and the natural love that she has for those around her. Don't get me wrong she has plenty of attitude to go with that love but she genuinely cares for the people around her. She is smart, beautiful both inside and out, kind, loves Jesus, and learns new things every day. Shes my little girl and she stole my heart the day she arrived. I shared a post on facebook of a t-shirt for Dad's that goes like this:

"I remember life before I was a Dad...When I never knew the warmth of my child's smile or the magic that makes it all worthwhile... When I thought life was easier on my own and when the sounds of tears and laughter failed to fill my home... When my only worry was myself and there were no family photos on my shelf...And when I pause to remember it all, I thank God for giving me my call... And how empty my life would be without someone calling me... Dad."

Now I don't know who wrote it but today after I read that little saying I couldn't agree more. I do remember what it was like without our two little ones running through the house. I remember what it was like to do whatever I wanted, or actually sleep through the night, or not be puked on, punched in the face, or any other thing that makes parenting hard. However, I thank God for my kids because no matter how hard it can be I wouldn't change it for anything! There is no better feeling then coming home to kids yelling DADDY and running to the door for hugs and kisses! Or the bed time snuggles as they fall asleep in your arms after a long day. As nice as it is to get away from your kids on date nights or a weekend away it doesn't take Nichole and I very long to miss them and feel like a part of us is missing when they are not around. I know God has big plans for us all and I lean on him daily to help me raise my kids and love Nichole in a way that honors him. Below is one of Peyton's favorite songs that we sing often especially at bed time. Tonight it too is a great reflection for me. I cut out the chorus after the first time to shorten it. I am sure many of you will recognize it but I encourage you to read it slowly all the way through and reflect on the words of this song just as I have tonight.

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I'll worship Your Holy name

The sun comes up
It's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass
And whatever lies before me
Let me be singing
When the evening comes

You're rich in love
And You're slow to anger
Your name is great
And Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness
I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons
For my heart to find

And on that day
When my strength is failing
The end draws near
And my time has come
Still my soul will
Sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years
And then forevermore
Forevermore

I'll worship Your Holy name
Jesus I will worship Your Holy name

Every new day we get is a blessing from God and I am thankful for it! Whatever happens I know I have my family to come home to and celebrate all God has done for us. He is rich in Love, in fact He is the author and perfecter of Love. He is slow to anger, His heart is kind, and I do have 10,000 reasons for my heart to be singing praises and thanksgiving for all that I have. I don't know the number of days I will have here on earth but it is my hope that I use each day a little better than the previous one. That I would live into his Kingdom now and die to myself a little more each day. That my kids would grow to know Jesus with God's help through Nichole and I and those He puts in their life. I do believe this is Gods call for me in this phase of my life and though it seems long now I know it is so very short. We have so little time with our kids before they are grown and are up against the world on their own. Lets not blow it being selfish with our time and miss out on such a precious time that God gives us with our kiddos!

To Peyton and Owen, Daddy loves you more than you will ever know. I will pray for you daily and ask you to forgive me even now for my short comings as a Dad. I want you to know Jesus loves you and died for you and is your forever Father watching over you in Heaven each day. He has great plans for you, bigger plans than Mommy or I could ever dream for you and set them in motion before we even knew you would bless us by coming into this world. Shine your light for all the world to see, don't hide it under a bushel or let Satan blow it out, but let it shine until Jesus comes again!

Love you,
Daddy

Random Thoughts...

Hello again my friends....

Tonight felt like a good night to just sit down and write out some random thoughts. The kids are in bed, Nichole is at work, its quiet here. I have two candles lit, some soft music playing, a cup of coffee on the coffee table, its been too long since I have rested in this type of stillness. I am not sure many of us even know how to do that anymore... To be silent, to let the world fade away and just be still or just be present without the world flooding in pulling us in a million different directions. When is the last time you have sat alone in the dark quietly letting your mind be at rest and letting your soul take over and who knows maybe even give God that chance to speak to you? 

As I was driving into work this morning I was listening to a program on the radio about parenting. There was a comment made that captivated my thoughts... The reality that from the time we are born God has a plan for us and the reality is that God has also given us a set amount of time to live here on earth. Now this is not a new concept to me but for some reason it hit me a little different this morning. The reality that we are given a certain number of days to walk this earth and none of us know just how many we have been given. The lady speaking had a story about how much she worried the first time her oldest could drive and said He wanted to go for ice cream with everyone except Mom and Dad. As the kids backed out of the drive way she was flooded with thoughts about what could happen to all her kids being in the same car and she had no control over the situation. How she started to panic and wanted to chase them down and tell them to turn around and go back home and they would eat ice cream at home because the thought of them getting in a car accident was almost too much to handle. Her next statement was profound as she said "Then I was reminded that it doesn't matter if they are driving in the car or sitting in the living room at home, the reality is when the time is up, the time is really up and it doesn't matter what we are doing." There I sat in my car thinking about my own kids, my own life, and just how short our time here on earth is and what we will do with that time while we are here.

I sometimes fear for my kids future as I read the headlines of todays news, as I see the content flooding in over the television screens, the overall selfish attitudes, and lack of love for our neighbors in our communities. The statistics of how many people are leaving the church and never coming back. The rapid increase of divorce, depression, drugs, and suicides. What has happened to us, to our society that we have strayed so far off the path from what our lives were intended to be? When will we see that the degrees, the money, our possessions, and our status doesn't matter? When will we teach our kids (and ourselves) that its not about what you have while you are here on earth but rather how you bless and love others with what we have been given that really matters? How do we unite as Christians and open the flood gates to the broken, the hurting, the poor, the weak, and show love to all people? The true reality is we all fit some place in there, we need each-other, but are too scared or ashamed to let people into our lives. We put on a mask and pretend like everything is ok, like we have it all together while inside we are broken and hurting. 

There is an entire generation that longs for something more, something real, something honest, something true, and to be loved unconditionally.  I think older generations are finding it harder and harder to relate to the youth of today and may not fully understand the pressures they are faced with on a daily basis. There is also a dying generation with a world full of knowledge, experiences, and life stories that need to be told but are being silenced by intimidation and fear. Kids today are intimidating, they're hard to understand, but they need you now more than ever. The masks need to come off and the walls need to come down. Its time to get vulnerable and help them understand their life matters and has a purpose. Stop being fake with them (and maybe yourself) because they are really good at calling your bluff. I think thats the primary reason so many youth are leaving the church, its because they are not seeing the generation before them live up to the call of Jesus. They don't see the love, the purpose, or the real change of the people attending church. The world is full of evil and hostility and the church needs to be the safe harbor for all to come into and be loved by a community of Jesus Disciples. A community of people who have resolved not to judge but to show love and compassion and to offer healing through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We live in a time where we can reach people faster than any generation before us, yet I believe we have never been farther apart. We have lost the meaning of Family, Love, and Community. It feels more like we just co-exist together, pass each other by, and go through the motions until the clock runs out. Never really letting people into our lives, never wanting people to know who we truly are or how we feel.

So what is my point exactly in all of this??? Maybe its just to get it out there, maybe its to get people thinking a bit deeper, or maybe there are people reading this that would actually like to start making a difference. Maybe there is a group of people willing to break the chains of today for a brighter tomorrow. Maybe there are parents and grandparents that want more for their children then what they have experienced and are willing to be vulnerable in order to make a difference. Maybe we can start to love thy neighbor as thy self. Maybe we can serve others as Jesus did. Maybe we can start to heal the broken and help those who are hurting. Maybe we can be the light in a world full of darkness.

I would find it interesting to see your comments especially if this has impacted you in any way......
Feel free to pass it along if you wish....

Until next time friends.

Love,
-Nick

----------------------------------The ground is level at the foot of the Cross-----------------------------------