Happy Home

Warning: Religious topic. Move on to the jokes if you’re not in the mood.

I picked up my grandson from school the other day. He was dressed sharply and every strand of his hair was in its proper place. He carried a small pouch just big enough to carry his notebook, pen and cell phone. He was very proud of himself because he was among the select few who had gone on a field trip for Leadership training. What a surprise.

I stared with admiration as we walked towards the car. The potentials of this little guy was already observed at such an early stage of his life. And, when I thought about it, he has always been a responsible kid. He is often the first one to wake up a half hour ahead of everyone in the morning and he is the alarm clock of his family. He’s the little policeman who makes sure everyone follows the rules. He isn’t the tallest but when he plays basketball, he charges fearlessly into the painted area and is sometimes the highest pointer even when he plays with the older kids.

He isn’t the egghead. His older brother is. His brother doesn’t spend as much time studying because he easily picks up mathematical and scientific concepts. He’s the one who plays chess, basketball and has an analytical mind. He admits that he has no interest in being the leader … why burden yourself with responsibility when you can just enjoy the moment, right? He’s carefree but smart.

Driving them home from school, I observed their interaction from my rear view mirror and they were laughing at some video on their phone. They genuinely enjoy each other’s company. They swim and Taekwondo together. I can imagine the two of them protecting their month old baby sister as she grows up.

Their sister smiles and laughs in her sleep. She’s a happy peaceful baby. Mom and Dad have stable jobs and love and support each other. Family pictures and the boys’ crafts adorn their walls. They go to church unless they have a basketball tournament. Their faith is strong. By the grace of God, they have a loving healthy home.

It’s these little things that make me look up to God and wonder why I deserve being part of this beautiful family. In these troubled times, God is protecting their little bubble. Their home is not unique. I’m sure many of you can relate. How long will this last? Will their bubble burst when my boys turn into teenagers? Yikes!

The Book of Joshua
At the end of the book of Joshua (against all odds) General Joshua had conquered many of their enemies. He is now old and he knows the adventure is just about to begin for the next generation. Surrounded by the whole tribe of Israel, he gives a final speech with a warning not to return to their old ways but to serve the Lord God.

“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:14-15

Dear Lord, please continue to protect our family … continue to protect ALL our families. I know we are already blessed beyond what we deserve but I know you don’t mind us asking for more. I’d like to ask for more wisdom to discern what is right in your eyes, hope when trials pull us down, and increase our faith day by day. There are evil men with evil agendas out there, please protect our nation. Help us through the storm. Help us be a blessing to the world. For we ask this all in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

TGIF people!

Raoul

Willy Wonka: “But Charlie, don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted.”

Charlie: “What happened?”

Willy Wonka: “He lived happily ever after.”

— From the last scene of the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Brian K of CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, CA

Thanks to Garie of Paranaque, Philippines

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with this.

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All the Pretty Followers

A few months ago, I got a huge compliment from one of my subscribers who thanked me for my insight regarding the wandering Jews who wasted 40 years in the wilderness because of their lack of faith in God. God said “GO! and take the land of Canaan” but the majority of the cowardly Israelites didn’t think God was serious. The majority said “the reason for the size of these humongous grapes and crops we stole was because they feed humongous mouths! We are nothing but ants!!” [paraphrased].

Do you know what happened in the 40 years that followed? The population of unbelievers died off and their children grew up — essentially replacing their parents.  Moses had just passed away and Joshua picked up the leadership baton. One of the first things he decided to do was owe his full allegiance to God: “I don’t know about you guys, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” Joshua’s real strength was his unwavering loyalty and discipline to follow God to the minutest detail. Joshua only had one defeat and it was not because of what he did but what a guy named Achan did. God instructed the people to demolish their enemy completely — including all the spoils of war. Achan, decided to pilfer some of those goodies and hid it in his tent. “It’s just a small thing … God wouldn’t mind,” Achan thought. Because of this selfish deed, the Israelites lost their next battle. Joshua eventually figured out what happened and Achan was stoned to death. [Hey! That’s how they did it then]. After purging the impurity in the camp, it was one victory after another. Long story short, within 5 years Joshua led the Israelite army to conquer the land of the “humongous” giants. In retrospect, they could have been standing on the same land 35 years earlier.

Now here’s the deal, The God of Moses, the God of Abraham, the God who created the universe…  is the same unchanging God we have the opportunity to worship today. Let that sink in.
Sure God loves us and promises us an undeserved contract of blessings. But there is a fine line in the contract. The fine line is what Joshua and his family signed: “… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

How are things in your household? Do you believe in God? If you do, are you serving Him or yourself? Achan thought he could get away with a “little indiscretion.” What’s your indiscretion?

Don’t believe in God? Whether you believe Him or not, doesn’t change the truth. You may not believe in gravity but let’s face it, you’re stuck on earth like the rest of us.

The Bible offers a beautiful intertwining of history, spiritual truths and the character of God … such as the story of Joshua.. If you’ve never read it, you’re missing a lot, Dude. Of course, this is just me … at least this is what I believe.

TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Funny Short Video

The Silly Welder (It Pays to Think Ahead)

Shared by Jackie of Whittier, CA

Parting Shot

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC who shared this:

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