FAMILY ~
Created by God
We look through different eyes of life. Raising kids can be hard work and their own choices make a huge difference. I heard parents say this, "I don't know how they turned out like that". That being a very positive way or negative way. We can not forget that our own choices directs our paths as adults. My husband (Terry) says he was raised in a house in siblings and isn't like one of them. He grew up learning about God and the importance of it from his grandparents. The other kids heard too but it seemed to plant inside his heart. He started loving God as a young age and continues today.
My husband's home life growing up was hard. His parents both drank alcohol and were gone a lot. He would also sit inside a car and wait for them. His experiences would make him want a better life after he grew up. He was a young teenager when he went to church and heard a preacher speak for the fullness of God. He went home and told his mom. His mom went to church the next night. She gave her heart to God that night. She went home and told his dad. He went the next night and gave his heart to God. It forever changed their lives and they both passed away many years later serving God.
I felt to share Terry's family because it's a great testimony of the power of God through a child. It doesn't just stop there because Terry got married to me and we have two kids. They both serve the Lord and now have their own kids. Today we will meet at church and go out to lunch together. It's family and we stick together through it all. I haven't always like my kids choices, but I haven't always liked my own choices of life. Each choice affects individuals but also a family. Today, we stand stronger than ever. Knowing the new day brings new things and a joy in our hearts.
I read somewhere that money isn't everything in life. If you are surround by family and friends you can count on, it is priceless. I do believe our family is amazing and we have been through hard things. I look back at how Terry feel over 40 feet from a construction site and lives. I do see miracles in our lives and I've learned to let go of things I can't change. Life is just like that and today we have another chance to press forward.
My granddaughter Brookley asked me write on Family today, so I did. Family is a bunch of people who are blood or not blood to us. She loves to talk about family and doing things together. I often think of how she loves God and loves helping at church. Her sister Willow is the same way. Brookley will ask, what are we going to do today? It's a good question and I know on Sunday's we go to church in the morning. Today, I'm not sure the plan, but I know it will be fun.
How about you? Maybe you grew up in a family who didn't stick together. There is a flip side to family as well. I heard it when Thanksgiving time comes or Christmas. The one person you really don't want to see or be around. Yet, they are in your family. I have learned to let my light shine no matter what. Yes, I've been around people I would rather not, but it happens. Making the best of a situation with family is far greater than you might realize. I grew up in a family of 4. My mom, my dad and my brother now rest in Heaven. I miss them greatly but I also missed out on knowing cousins, aunts, uncles and the list goes on. My parents moved away from family in Missouri to live in California when I was 6 weeks old. So I didn't really know people.
FAMILY ~
Is often people who are truly there for us
FAMILY OF GOD ~
I am not connected to a great church in Napa. It is Hillside Christian Church where you can get to know people. I met some amazing people there over the years. I've attended there for over 17 years and it's changed me as a person. I've become a better person and I see how real friendships can develop. I have some friendships that are family friendships now. A deep trust in others and they can count on me too. Not everyone is close, but it's a great first step in knowing others. A community that reaches out of the four walls and helps others across the world too. If you don't have a home church, please attend mine. Three services on Sunday and you can check it out on our website.
My prayers continue for you, your family and friends.
~ Sparkie