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time with family

This will be the only devotion this week as Julie, the kids and I are spending time with my family in Oklahoma and having a great time.

Proverbs 23:25 (NLT)
So give your father and mother joy!  May she who gave you birth be happy.

Ephesians 6:2 (NLT)
"Honor your father and mother." This is the first commandment with a promise"

On Sunday we pulled it off.  My brothers and I set up a celebration for my parents 50th anniversary.  They were surprised in big ways.  There were new friends and old friends who came to celebrate with us.  Some of the people I have not seen in decades.  It was amazing in so many ways.

As I reflect on the almost 40 years these people have been my family, I see that i am so blessed.  Not only am I blessed with my precious wife and kids.  But my mom and dad and brothers are incredible people.  I don't get to spend as much time with them as I look.

Around that room there were people who have poured into my life.  Some of them rocked me when I was a baby, some taught me when I was small, others helped formed me when I was a teenager and even watched as I entered ministry.  Wow.  Those memories flooded my mind and even at times on Sunday brought tears to mind because of the amount of respect I have for them and how much they mean to me.

This is a time to honor my parents.  They are gifts from God.  They have made a difference in my life in many, many ways.  I have always wanted to please them and make them happy.  I also want others to know how special they are to me.

Tomorrow is their anniversary.  50 years since they drove from Temple, Texas to Hugo, Oklahoma to get married and then back drove through Paris and Italy, Texas for their honeymoon before my dad had to be at work that night.  Why Oklahoma? There was no waiting period in Oklahoma but a 3 day wait in Texas.  The world changed that day.  For me it changed.  Changed for my brothers.  Well, none of us were around yet, but both my brothers are much older than me.

Happy anniversary, mom and dad.  I love you both!

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