One second ...

Yesterday after story time with Chloe we headed to Target. While we were getting out I unbuckled her and helped her down. As I moved her to the side and began to slide the door shut I felt the door bounce back. I didn't even have to wonder what it was...I just had that fatherly feeling that it was Chloe. I saw her draw her hand back and do the silent scream before crying. You know as a parent first thing is you instantly go into fix it mode. No time to panic. All the while your stomach is sunk to the bottom of your feet. When I looked at her little wrist it was red and had a bit of broken skin. I wanted to throw up and felt like Father of the Year. We rushed into Target straight for the first aid section. We bought bandages (Hello Kitty because that is what she wanted) and instant ice packs. Hurrying to the check outs and to the restroom to wash and bandage. Ice pack on the little hand and tear on cheek she seemed OK. Of course she wanted a "Coffee" (Organic Vanilla Milk) which Daddy bought her without thinking twice.

All is well and OK now but she still says "Daddy you won't shut my hand in the door no more???". That helps the old gut.

Here is the question I pondered: How can these parents in the world abuse children? How do they have no care or remorse? How can someone that brought a child into the world be so evil? All over the world today there are children with tears in eyes. Yet somehow they still love those parents. The still look up and say "Daddy/Mommy you won't hurt me no more???".

God please protect our little ones out there that can't protect themselves.

Bitter and Sweet??

Today I have been getting emails and Facebook updates about the new dollar coin. Apparently there has been a change to where the dollar coin has In God we Trust on the edge instead of on the front. This has unleashed a barrage of information and thoughts as to what is next. I see it as bitter sweet.

First let me be totally clear. I believe this nation was founded on Christian principles. I know that doing things like this is a "slippery slope" and that we have no idea what is next. I see why some may think it is a cause to be alarmed.

Now with that out of the way... As a Christian I see money spent in more filthy, vile and disgusting ways than for good. That money doesn't even deserve to have our Lord's name on it. As a matter of fact in those cases I wish it didn't. So where does that lead us? Well I say that we need a nation founded on the principles of God. A piece of metal or paper doesn't make this country a Christian nation. It is like an unsaved person wearing a Christian shirt. It may claim it on the outside but the inside is full of deception. When Jesus explained looking at a coin to give Caesar what was Caesar's. He wasn't looking at a coin that had his name on it. He was looking at a coin with the face of a man that was tolerant of Christians and Jews not accepting of their faith.

So Christians ...yes we have the right to voice our views on anything in the United States. But for me we have a bigger fish to fry. We need God in the hearts of our country and leaders before it will ever affect our money. How can we do that? Live the life we are called to live, pray without ceasing, stand up for our faith, grow in understanding of His word and never compromise. This country needs a savior not just "In God we Trust" on a coin.

Micah our son...more importantly a child of God.

This Sunday was a great day for the church. We entered the new sanctuary that God provided for and raised the roof in praise and a wonderful message. You could feel the Holy Spirit in the room. As I sit there I thought what could be better than this really? Then during the message I see my son trying to keep up with the sermon scriptures used. He would flip quickly from one book to another attempting to hit every verse that was provided. I had to tear up for a second because I am seeing a little man grow up into a great Christian each day. I am sure proud of the person he is turning into and this was just a sample what is to come.