As we prepare to leave Wisconsin we leave with great memories of a beautiful place here on earth ( but not in the winter). I am amazed at the height of the corn this year - up to 12 feet in height and full of cobs. The fields of corn and soy beans are ready to harvest, second crop hay has been baled, (maybe a third crop this year?) and the farmers markets are overflowing. A bountiful year for sure. As we head back t Arkansas, we look forward to the fall season there, a few weeks behind Wisconsin but just as bountiful. We ask the Lord to guide us on this next step of our journey, lead us to the home he has chosen for us, and show us where we can be involved in ministry.
Respecting their religion, I did not take a picture of them or the front of their buggy.
Fairly decent weather this past week - a few storms but the rain is helpful for the farmers, along with the sun and heat.
My sister-in-law, Susan, and I took a short road trip to a fabric store and a few other shops on Thursday. Lots of fun at the fabric store, checking out the sales, and picking up a few pieces of fabric to finish two quilts I have in progress, as well as a few pieces that I may need sometime sooner or later!
Vance's sermon (which we watched online this morning) was structured towards families with children, but parts of it could pertain to us older folks. Our church, as well as many others, form a partnership to raise our children. It Is necessary to carry on the Word of the Lord from one generation to the next. This has always been God's wish. Satan loves to divide and conquer, so if there is conflict in families, he is behind it. "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged". Colossians 3:20-21. Satan has caused much diversion in the world today. Set your hearts on the right path. God is talking about transformed hearts in Christians. Parents, don't let yourselves be divided. Satan will tear apart your marriage and family if you do. If parents are united, it will be reflected in the children. Set your hearts on things above and not of the world. Satan tries to draw the hearts of the children against their parents and parents against their children. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honor your father and mother - which is the first commandment with a promise - so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth". Ephesians 6:1-3. God has put a structure in place for order. Kids, honor your parents from the heart and resist rebellion. Be obedient because it brings a blessing. Paul was writing to Christian parents. He was not saying to obey your parents if they were doing something wrong. He was not saying that it was ok to accept abuse. Obedience shows your love for God when obey your parents. This sets up children to obey authority. It causes unity and peace in the family. Your cooperation sets the tone for the family. Young people are not the church of tomorrow but the church of today. Because of the parents relationship with God, they can parent in a godly way. Do not drive your children away by relationships. Do not discourage them. Bring them up in the structure of the Lord. You can be too hard or too soft. By being too hard, too many children were brought up in church legalistically - too many rules and not enough love. Being too soft you can confuse their hearts. Be their parent first, then their friend. Parents today are too distracted by outside influences. We have to break the cycle of distraction. Our children have to listen to us and not to Satan. We have to be on high alert and give up some of our "private time" to engage with our kids. Encourage your kids to be intentional in their relationship with their elders. Encourage your church to partner with you in this.
Most of this is for younger parents, but we as parents of older, mature kids can also find helpful hints here.
Pease pray for the White family as they have lost both of their parents within 24 hours from COVID. The Whites were chaplains with CRM and served in the Valley for many years.
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