Roots: The God of Abraham!
Walk into the Book of Genesis and meet Abraham--man of God, man of faith, who followed God wholly and supremely. And God was with him--daily, through the years, bringing him purpose and blessing, a plan for his life far beyond his own expectations, forever implanted in the heavenly heart of the God he loved.
Today I walk back in my book of memories to Pennsylvania--and to Grandpa, my dad who supremely loved His Savior first, then his family and five church families he pastored. He was a man of prayer, a man of the Word--an example of godly, faithful Christian living. His roots went deep--right into the heart of God. Vision-challenged, he memorized and could quote large portions of Scripture; he proudly, with a partner-preacher for a wife (my wonderful mom), led his two girls into the never-failing love and life of the Lord he loved....roots for the NEXT generation...
More Roots: The God of Isaac!
Keep walking through the Book of Genesis and you'll meet Isaac, child of promise, faithful man of God. Isaac most likely learned about God and came to know God through the godly living and training of his parents, Abraham and Sarah. No doubt many times they told him the story of his miraculous birth...and a seed was planted to be nourished and to grow into the man of God Isaac would become. That man needed a wife--and God brought Rebekah to his side. Together they served the Lord they loved...more roots for the NEXT generation...
Fly into Springfield, Missouri, open the book of memories, and you'll find a tale so long and so miraculous, you'd never get to college reading it! Peggie, raised in a pastor's home in Pennsylvania; Joe (professor at Evangel University), from a loving California home--and where east is east and west is west, and you're not supposed to meet, God found a wonderful way to do it, and for 22 years we have served Him together through many adventures, chuckles and tears. Delightful stories our sons have heard and LIVED over and over telling of God's goodness--to bring us together, to give us two wonderful and WACKY sons, and to grace us with His presence in good times and bad times...all roots for the NEXT generation...
Roots 'n Wings: The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
Fly back in time to the Book of Genesis once more and meet Jacob--the rascal schemer--and Esau, his brother. What rivalry there must have been in that home; two boys so very different, each vying for the blessing of their dad. Jacob, scheming his way; Esau, farming his way--both raised in the nuture and admonition of the Lord by their parents. Each made a choice--good and bad--as each took wings into the world. God loved them both...they each had their opportunity to place down their roots in Him before they took wings...they WERE the next generation!
Fly back into Springfield, once more (if you can get there from where you are!), and find two little boys, at Grandma and Grandpa's knees - either on them praying, or sitting on them for a hug--and know that they were loved and prayed for long ago. Watch them enter the home now called the Bohanon Zoo, and see them fighting over toys and territory, listening to Bible stories, learning to make their beds and do their chores (sure!), living to bless others with God-given talents. AND real rascals at heart--they've made our home a real zoo here, believe me!
Jason's still "a little bird" of 15 and A HALF - don't forget the HALF - and he's not yet leaving the nest. He'll be "in charge," so he thinks as his big brother soars into the sunrise.....so get out your binoculars as we zero in on Joey, the "big bird" leaving the nest on Saturday, August 26, 2000!
He's 18, he's my little boy...and I give him wings! Our Joey is a knowledge-filled wonder who never ceases to amaze, amuse and advise us....He knows everything, he can do everything and he can be anything he wants, within God's--and MOM'S--limits, of course...grin! Those limits include not coming home too late, eating your vegetables, cleaning your room, doing your chores...limits he will soon leave as he sets his OWN!
Yes, it's time, Joey, for you to spread your wings--and along with those 12-pack CokeĻ, please take with you everything you've learned, everything you've experienced, and every bit of love and pride we can give you. Forget the worst in us, remember the best in us--and above all, stay true to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The future holds great promise for you--so go ahead--soar--we watch you, through our tears, with great joy and pride--as you fly into the center of God's Will for YOUR life...for you ARE the next generation!!
A Hurting Word...