On Vacation

I will be on vacation for this week. Look for more "THOUGHTS" next week.

Father's Day

Sunday is Father's Day. A day set aside to honor dad. To some just another "Hallmark Holiday" For most a time to be thankful and show appreciation to our dads. Maybe your dad is "The World's Greatest" Take the time to let him know it. Maybe your dad wasn't. Maybe you need to forgive him. Maybe your dad lives far away. Give him a call. Maybe your dad has passed away. Cherish the memories.

Being a dad is one of the hardest jobs there is (second only to being a mom) It is all on the job training. We make mistakes. We do our best. Sometimes we fail. Thankfully we have the example of our heavenly father to teach us how to be a great dad.

So kids, give your dad a break. He's doing his best, for you. And dads go easy on yourself. Remember you don't have to go it alone. God is right there with you.

Have a very blessed Father's Day!

Lewis, will you be quiet? /The Longest Two Hours of my Life

We have a Daschound named Lewis. He loves to bark. I guess being so small and low to the ground he wants you to know he is there. He barks when people come AND go. A bit strange. Early this Monday morning about 4:15 am I was awakened by his barking. After a few minutes when he didn't stop I went downstairs. He was on the couch barking at the window. The door was ajar and I could hear my wife's voice. Who was she talking too? My first thought was why was she talking to our son Mike outside? (He had gone out earlier for a post graduation bonfire) Did they not want me to hear? As I opened the door I didn't see Mike but an Ohio State Highway Patrol officer. As I listened I quickly found out that Mike had been in a very serious single car accident. My heart dropped. After getting some info we quickly prepared to head to the hospital. I quickly sent out a prayer request email with the little info I had. "Unconscious and a helicopter". Then we prayed and left. I made the 40 minute drive even longer by missing the exit. When we finally arrived at the ER where we were told Mike was already in ICU. It was roughly 1 hour since he left the scene. We knew nothing. The thoughts run wild. Death, paralysis, brain dead, organ donation. Would I be having his funeral instead of a graduation party? It was hard and a real test of our faith. After traveling through what seemed like a maze we finally arrived at the ICU only to have wait a little longer. Finally we got to see him. As we approached the bed all I could see was Mike lying there on the ventilator with a neck collar covered by a sheet. Scary was an understatement. It was now 2 hours later. The nurse quickly relieved my anxiety when she told us he was responsive and moving everything. To that point it was the longest 2 hours of my life.

I am happy to tell you that Mike has quickly recovered and is home now with relatively minor injuries. Friends God is real and is still in the miracle working business. Prayer works. He is no respector of persons. Do you have a story of God's miracle working power? I'd love to hear it.

Blessings,

Paul