the hinge

A door opened can introduce one to a whole new world. A door closed can provide safety and protection. But have you ever given much thought to the hinge? 

Someone once said,

"A teacher is the hinge on which all teaching hangs."

Dear Teacher, 

       Whether you were in the classroom, your living room, or on a stage in an auditorium; whether you had eighteen faces looking to you from behind their desks, one child at your feet, or hundreds at the edge of their seats...YOU set an example, perfected your storytelling, inspired a generation, poured knowledge, shared wisdom, pointed the right direction, allowed creativity and individuality, trained in righteousness, asked the questions, stirred emotions, modeled diligence, directed a symphony, choreographed life's dance, introduced shades of color to budding artists, coached what it meant to be a team player, you opened countless doors and closed those necessary.  Because of who you were day after day, I am all that I was meant to be today. You were the hinge on which all of that teaching hung. You allowed Jesus to be the doorpost frame on whom you were fastened.

Sincerely,

a student who once sat at your feet

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8

a comfy sofa

Looking for an investment piece for your home?

I highly recommend a comfy sofa. This single piece of furniture welcomes guests to linger a while longer, and it's the best Sunday afternoon napping spot.

The profit from this investment? More investment. 

Our comfy sofa has held a daddy napping with little ones - until they grew too big! It cradles a mom with her children on either side for reading books and having early morning quiet times.

Our comfy sofa has the been the plopping spot for a young ladies Bible Study every Wednesday night for over three years. Gathered around God's Word, hot coffee (sometimes tea) in hand many tears were shared - some from heartaches, the rest from laughing and sharing joys.

Our comfy sofa has cushioned many missionaries as our family gathered to hear stories, learn from those serving in hard places, and pray with them.

Our comfy sofa has been the hang out spot for the "twenty something" crowd, aka the Big Kid Youth Group, where we dress outrageous, don't take ourselves too serious, and laugh a lot.

Our comfy sofa has welcomed soon to be husband & wife couples, where tough questions have been asked, sweet stories shared and young love abounds!
It's where the neighborhood children gather to play the wii, get a snack, and just be kids!

Our comfy sofa is audience seating for countless, special performances by our children, their cousins, and friends.
It's where life is shared.
This investment is more than a piece of furniture - it's inviting others into our home and into our lives. The real profit of more investment is priceless.
Be wise with your spending, get an investment piece. Are you inviting others into your life?

sometimes, it's just too heavy

Have you ever noticed that children are the best question askers? They do not beat around the bush, they just ask it! Favorite question around our home..."but why?"
I simply cannot jump on the band wagon of "because I said so," especially to the "BUT WHY's?" to the serious, hard questions. Yet there are times when the WHY is just too heavy.

No doubt you have, if not you will, receive the "but why" when it comes to decisions that you make as parents that affect your family -whether it is relocating, downsizing, or a moral question where the answer is simple, but the weight of it heavy.
So recently when a decision of change came into our family and the "but why?" followed, I drew from the wisdom of another parent. Corrie Ten Boom's father, his response when she asked a question that at her tender age required too heavy an answer:

"And so seated next to my father in the train compartment, I suddenly asked, "Father, what is sexsin?"
He turned to look at me, as he always did when answering a question, but to my surprise he said nothing. At last he stood up, lifted his traveling case off the floor and set it on the floor. Will you carry it off the train, Corrie?" he said. I stood up and tugged at it. It was crammed with the watches and spare parts he had purchased that morning. It's too heavy," I said.
Yes," he said, "and it would be a pretty poor father who would ask his little girl to carry such a load. It's the same way, Corrie, with knowledge. Some knowledge is too heavy for children. When you are older and stronger, you can bear it. For now you must trust me to carry it for you."  excerpt from The Hiding Place

Be encouraged that when the difficult questions come, God will give you the right words. Sometimes our words may need to be few so that we do not give our children such a heavy load to carry. 

Oh, and that heavy bag that you and I, as adults, try to carry...our heavenly father wants to carry that for us too!