Blessing Sydney

Graduations are just around the corner. Give your graduate a special blessing that conveys all you hope and pray for them, and invokes God's favor and protection. 

I wrote this blessing for my niece, Sydney, and read it at her college graduation celebration. 

Howdy! As the proudest member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2014, congratulations on your graduation from Texas A&M University! Whoop!!

Paul exhorted Timothy, his son in the faith, to be an example to believers in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity. In the presence of friends and family, I encourage you to live a life worthy of your calling. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength; and love others as Jesus loves you.

I bless your speech with life-giving, gracious words, always giving thanks to our God. May your words be gentle, kind, encouraging, loving, truthful, and wise.

I bless you to seek wisdom, live sensibly, righteously, and godly as you run your race with endurance. And remember, Aggies do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those that do. 

Because the LORD has good plans for you, I bless you to reach your full potential in Him. May you use your God-given spiritual gifts to passionately serve the Body of Christ. May you possess a spirit of hospitality and generosity. 

Sydney, from infancy, you have known the Holy Scriptures. May God's Word continue to be a lamp to your feet, a light to your path, and richly abide within you. 

I bless your light to shine brightly in the darkness. I bless you with courage to stand firm in your faith. May you keep your heart pure, do what is just, love mercy, walk humbly with God, and be devoted to prayer.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. I love you, Sydney! Gig 'em, Aggies!

December 19, 2014

The Day the Crayons Quit: April "Book of the Month"

Our youngest granddaughter, Sparkles, loves to draw and color. That's why The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt, is the perfect choice for April's "Book of the Month."

 Duncan discovers letters of complaint written by his crayons. All, but Green, have issues. Red is overworked, while Pink feels neglected. Gray is tired; and coloring outside the lines distresses Purple.  Orange and Yellow are in a snit because each claims to be the sun's true color. How will Duncan ever make them all happy and work together again?

This humorous story encourages creativity. I believe it can also provide opportunity for parents and children to discuss how to express feelings honestly and respectfully.

The crayon pictures, by Oliver Jeffers, are appealing. I know if I were a little kid, this book would send me running for my crayons and sketch pad.

The Day the Crayons Quit, published by Philomel Books, is the winner of the 2015 Texas Bluebonnet Award.


What is your favorite crayon? Mine's Blue. And, I like Purple, too!

The "Good" about Good Friday

Good Friday commemorates Jesus Christ's crucifixion, a horrible and brutal death. Scripture tells us Jesus, sinless Son of God, was betrayed, arrested, tried, beaten, mocked, nailed to a cross, suffered, shed his blood, and died (Matthew 26- 27).

So what's good about Good Friday?

All people have sinned, and our sin separates us from God. God is just and required punishment for the sins we have committed. But God showed His love for us by sending His only Son to die for us (Romans 3: 21- 26; John 3: 16-17; Romans 5: 8). The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness (Hebrews 9: 22: 1 John 1: 7- 9).

Good Friday is good because God loves us, and His Son sacrificed Himself for our sins. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead.  His tomb remains empty. He is alive forever (Matthew 28; Revelation 1: 18).  Whoever believes in Him has the promise of eternal life (John 3: 15- 16).

Will you believe?


Father God, you are righteous, just, and loving! Thank you for proving your love for all mankind by sending Your only Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins! We have sinned against you. When we confess our sins, you are faithful and righteous to forgive us. Thank you for your grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Help us to believe and trust in Jesus.  In the name of Jesus, our risen Lord and Savior, amen.