Michael Harrison's e-devotion

Proverbs 7:24  NLT So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. Today is an important day as our last born, youngest child, will cross the platform and receive his high school diploma.  We could not be more proud of this young man and his accomplishments over the last 17 years. Ryan came along after we moved to Virginia.  He has two older sisters that he watched play and fight, love and excel at so many things.  Learning from them has been sweet.  All three of our kids loved marching band for which we are so grateful for those years, those trips, those late nights and the friendships. School was a struggle for Ryan in the earlier years.  In middle school it was tough getting him to apply himself.  Seems like I remember my dad sharing a story like that about me.  High school has been a different case. His grades and his work have been so good.  Learning and being part of school was something that he has done well, at least until th...

Today’s post is more personal than most. From time to time I share about our family, our joy and the blessings of God.  Today is one of those. We are so excited to be headed to the college where our middle child has spent the last 2 and half years getting her degree.  Ruth has made her mother and I extremely proud.  She is the second of our children to complete her college degree and to do so in great fashion. Ruth, your hard work and all our prayers have paid off.  Thank you for being strong.  You are smart.  We are so proud of you!  Congratulations on your graduation from the College of William and Mary!!! As I said Ruth’s mother and I are so proud of her.  Alone I would be in trouble.  I have a partner in crime, a travel companion, a friend and so much more in my wife, Julie.  She is the epitome of Mother’s Day.  I am grateful for her and her hard work....

Psalm 127:3  NLT Children   are a   gift   from the   Lord ; they are a reward from him. Today and this weekend we celebrate our daughter Ruth.  Today is her last day of college, and tomorrow she officially graduates from the College of William & Mary (though she will walk at graduation in the spring). I couldn’t be more proud of a father than I am of Ruth.  She has worked hard and achieved a goal that she set for herself. Overcoming obstacles and trials, hard classes and life decisions, and so much more through this journey that began a couple years ago.  She will receive her bachelor’s degree from a great and very challenging school. Everyone of our children are different.  One is quiet and one is louder.  Another is very social and another is an introvert.  Another or two have played instruments and done well while the other twirled flags and rifles.  They ar...

Proverbs 16:9   NASB The mind of man plan s his way, But the Lord direct s his steps. We make plans, but God is the one who opens or closes paths.   What we have to come to realize is that the will of God is always right.   Do we want what God wants?   It’s a tough question. God’s plan is not to manipulate us or to make us do whatever He wants.   His plan is to love us and help us be the possible best we can be.   The more we get to know God, the most we grasp His love for us, the more we understand how incredible His way is for us.   That is what I want, and I pray that is what you want too. Because of our daughter Ruth’s graduation, preparing for college and all the happenings going on around us we have been thinking about what steps and plans are ahead.   Planning isn’t easy.   It isn’t easy especially when there is money involved and other people or processes that are hard. Move forward.   Get stronger.   ...