Lovely memories in a time of upheaval? Yes!

A couple more pictures of Germán with grandkids...and Silly String...and laughs and fun.  (How come Eli didn't get any on him? Only Abuelito and Liliana were hit.)

 Noe got more of a head-full!

Looking through pictures of our five cute grandchildren, we remember that in spite of all the political and moral upheaval going on in the U.S., our family, with our shared faith and values, is a God-structured anchor to true reality.

I found numerous Bible verses that I thought would be very pertinent to a description of Trump.  The temptation was there to add them here...but I decided I should not stoop to his level!

Just a couple of suggestions for him, things to keep in mind:

"What you say flows from what is in your heart." (Luke 6:45)

""A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered."  (Proverbs 17:27)

""Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity."  (Proverbs 21:23)
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But...you know what?  It's not only Trump who should be much more careful what he says (and how he says it).  Especially when considering our interaction with our young children and grandchildren, we would do well to remember the above verses ourselves. Would we have any right to criticize his ethics, insults and massive ego if we don't watch our own ethics, refrain from insults, and remember that, as true followers of Jesus, we should be humble?  It's not always easy, but we have Someone ready to help us with His strength.  (Too bad Trump doesn't know Him the same way.)

"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips."   (Psalm 141:3)

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They're crazy!...and I love them dearly!

One thing I really appreciate about our family is that no one is afraid to act a little loony sometimes! (Well, Dan didn't join in with a silly face, but I think he was too busy laughing at the other four!)  

The grandkids know how to be a little crazy, too.  (A little?)  What a joy to have all five of them in the same place for two weeks during the holidays, so we could interact personally.

  (If I'd had a picture of Steve and Debbie being "locos", I would have included it!)

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We are so grateful to God for our children, children-in-law and grandchildren, that this verse resonates in our heart:  "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.'"  (Psalm 126:2)

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Philosophizing millennia ago, Solomon mused, "I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.  That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil - this is the gift of God."  (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13)

True joy is a gift of God, and is best absorbed and processed when we have a personal relationship with Him.  "You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Yes, there are times when we can't quite find His joy, but we can be sure that it hasn't disappeared.  In sadness and trials, we can remember what Job's friend told him about God: "He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.'"  (Job 8:21)

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Thank You, Father, for giving us your Joy...and our family!