Have yourself a very merry Christmas

Published on: December 10, 2013

I love this time of year and even though we don’t have two sticks to rub together this Christmas,  somehow the closeness of it all makes it worth it.

I have never been so close to my family and my kids than I am right now and for the first time in my life I actually have spent quality time with my family. That statement sounds so bad, but Dad’s tend to work and bring home the bacon and then pass out. That was me. But during the last three months I have been helping both of my boys do their homework every single day.  After a meeting with the teachers, I decided to take on a “hands on” approach.  While I work as a part time CEO,  and then serve on Wednesday and Thursday I still made it a point to spend an hour from 5-6PM doing just homework. It was hard, but what a change it has made in their lives.

Both of my son’s are beginning to look forward to doing homework and I am rewarding them with any A’s that they get.

That was a LOOOONG shot from throwing books, breaking pencils, and hating school. M y boys are in 2nd and 4th grade and let me tell you this is the age to ride them, spend time with them, and get them through the school work. One son excels at reading and writing but hates math and my other son loves to draw and read but cant write to save his life. Both are improving with prayer and time with Dad and Mom.

This year God has been dealing with me on another issue, unforgivness.  It’s a big one for me. This year I have learned to forgive people;  even those that lie and try to cause me harm.  This year I have learned that people will blame you for their iniquities and often times they will also say anything and do anything for a dollar. Its becoming more common, but gone are the days of honor and integrity in this new generation coming up,  and I am so thankful that I don’t have to live my life that way.

It’s so hard to turn the other cheek and be humble when they continually take from you, and it’s so tempting to want to teach them a lesson, but there is a peace that comes over you when you forgive people like this. I want those of you that know what I am talking about to know this was a hard lesson to learn.

Even so, my wife and I are spending time in prayer, having family bible studies at night, and enjoying being together.  It’s like were getting to know each other again.

Ya know, this just might be the best Christmas we have ever had.

Brother Phil