February 2010

I've just returned from a few days with my 94 year-old auntie. Since my dad has already passed on, her stories about our family's history will be lost forever if I don't take time to sit and hear them. Over the last century her life's been full of experiences, and world events, from horse and buggy days, famines, survival, the Great Depression, WWII, the Dust bowl days, priceless childhood stories, and fun family memories. This is how I discover the character, and the characters, who've been a part of our family tree.

Your families are no different. Wiill you slow down and make it a point to spend time with those elders while there's time and memory left to allow the stories to come forth? What a great way to honor those who came before us and keep those interesting stories moving forward to bless the next generation. 

Psalm 105:43 The Message: Remember this! He led his people out singing for joy...

January 2010

Something old, something new...both are part of a new year. January is the perfect month to set out new goals and family plans. Envision the year ahead as a blank slate waiting to be written on. Some things we know will happen, like a high school or college graduation. Other things will catch us by surprise. What will the celebrations look like? Will a new pet be added to the family? If so, what responsibilities will that require? Will there be a career move? Talk. Dream together. Ask each family member to come up with one or two things they are looking forward to doing or having in 2010. Create a wall chart to track the progress of each idea.  

Isaiah 43:19 NIV See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up...