Family is about sharing, caring and loving unconditional. There will be times when we agree and times we agree to disagree. The holidays always brings back thoughts of family to me. I will never forget the time my mom decided to get two throwaway trees and get my dad's drill. She tried her best to cut limbs from one tree and put into another tree. It sounds crazy but I can still see her trying her best to make this hard year be a good one. There was a knock at the door and two firemen were standing there with food, plus two gifts for my brother and I. I smiled big because I saw oranges and I was just a kid so excited for this Christmas time. We think that kids need expensive gifts but deep inside, we need family.
Family growing up was four of us. My dad, my mom, my brother and I. My dad died in his early 50's. My brother at 37 and my mom at 83. I missed them all and memories seem to flood my soul at Christmas time. My brother died on Christmas dad and then several years later, my mom feel on Christmas morning never to be the same again. I have been married for over 40 years and two great kid/adults. They have children of their own and now I'm a grandmother, but better known as Grammie.
Colossians 3:13 New International Version (NIV)Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
FAMILY of GOD ~
My daughter (Tracy) was invited to a church in Napa in her teen years and later invited her brother. They both loved it so much that my husband and I started going there. We serve in ministry there for over 17 years and feel so blessed to be part of this family. The thing about church is this, not everyone believes the same or agrees, but we learn to get along. We learn to agree to disagree on something, but the all mighty power of God remains the same. God is still a miracle works and I've witness this with my own eyes. I love to encourage others and even get encouragement myself. We work together to make life better and develop great friendships. That friendship can become a family-ship too.
FAMILY ~ FORGIVES
I have someone in my past that said, "I will never forget you". I had someone else pointed out how disappointed they were in me. Things that crushed my spirit and the facts weren't facts at all. I had to learn to overcome words of others and press forward. I have a very great family and one that sticks together through it all. There are things we just don't understand in life and may never understand it. We must learn to let go and let God change us from the inside. Knowing God is able to raise us up from wrong words, hurts and disappointments. Not everyone will think like you do or act like you do. You were created to be unique and fully capable to handle this day.
Psalm 139:14 New International Version (NIV)I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
FAMILY ~
Maybe you are the one who will lead your family to God. My husband was only a teenager when he asked his mom to church. The next day he asked his dad to church. Both were in need of Jesus and they both gave their hearts to God. Everything changed within their home as a family. Both parents stopped drinking alcohol and took the other kids to church too. His parents never drank again after that day of surrender to God. I find that to be a true miracle of God. Terry (My husband) has a heart to serve God through it all. He stands strong in faith and leads his family by God's word. He messes up at times, but don't we all in some way.
FAMILY ~
My church is a health church. Our Pastors lead with truth and caring hearts. A huge volunteer team and people who care about people. If you don't have a home church, please attend mine if you live in the Napa area. Hillside Christian Church 100 Anderson Road, Napa Ca. Check out our website and join us in one of the tree services, 9am, 11am or 6:30pm.
My prayers continue for you, your family and friends. Please remember that family messes up too at times, but forgiveness is a must. Let God lead you in everyday life and purpose time to call someone, or share a message. After all, time is the best gift ever!
~ Sparkie
Family growing up was four of us. My dad, my mom, my brother and I. My dad died in his early 50's. My brother at 37 and my mom at 83. I missed them all and memories seem to flood my soul at Christmas time. My brother died on Christmas dad and then several years later, my mom feel on Christmas morning never to be the same again. I have been married for over 40 years and two great kid/adults. They have children of their own and now I'm a grandmother, but better known as Grammie.
Colossians 3:13 New International Version (NIV)Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
FAMILY of GOD ~
My daughter (Tracy) was invited to a church in Napa in her teen years and later invited her brother. They both loved it so much that my husband and I started going there. We serve in ministry there for over 17 years and feel so blessed to be part of this family. The thing about church is this, not everyone believes the same or agrees, but we learn to get along. We learn to agree to disagree on something, but the all mighty power of God remains the same. God is still a miracle works and I've witness this with my own eyes. I love to encourage others and even get encouragement myself. We work together to make life better and develop great friendships. That friendship can become a family-ship too.
FAMILY ~ FORGIVES
I have someone in my past that said, "I will never forget you". I had someone else pointed out how disappointed they were in me. Things that crushed my spirit and the facts weren't facts at all. I had to learn to overcome words of others and press forward. I have a very great family and one that sticks together through it all. There are things we just don't understand in life and may never understand it. We must learn to let go and let God change us from the inside. Knowing God is able to raise us up from wrong words, hurts and disappointments. Not everyone will think like you do or act like you do. You were created to be unique and fully capable to handle this day.
Psalm 139:14 New International Version (NIV)I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
FAMILY ~
Maybe you are the one who will lead your family to God. My husband was only a teenager when he asked his mom to church. The next day he asked his dad to church. Both were in need of Jesus and they both gave their hearts to God. Everything changed within their home as a family. Both parents stopped drinking alcohol and took the other kids to church too. His parents never drank again after that day of surrender to God. I find that to be a true miracle of God. Terry (My husband) has a heart to serve God through it all. He stands strong in faith and leads his family by God's word. He messes up at times, but don't we all in some way.
FAMILY ~
My church is a health church. Our Pastors lead with truth and caring hearts. A huge volunteer team and people who care about people. If you don't have a home church, please attend mine if you live in the Napa area. Hillside Christian Church 100 Anderson Road, Napa Ca. Check out our website and join us in one of the tree services, 9am, 11am or 6:30pm.
My prayers continue for you, your family and friends. Please remember that family messes up too at times, but forgiveness is a must. Let God lead you in everyday life and purpose time to call someone, or share a message. After all, time is the best gift ever!
~ Sparkie
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