A Couple of Random Thoughts from California

Random thoughts from California where we are on home ministries during September:

Some one who once was a missionary kid exclaimed that as missionaries we really do ask a lot of our children. Our lifestyle asks a lot of them just because they are part of our family. Here are just a few of ours from home ministries. How many of us......

Ask our children to live with a different family every few days all with slightly different rules and patterns of living. The cups and toilet paper are never in the same place; every faucet seems to operate differently. Just how do you get the right amount of hot water for your shower?

Sleep in a different bed – maybe just on the floor – in a bedroom - or the living room or wherever there is an extra place changing every few nights. Maybe mom and dad don't even know where you will spend tonight.

Live on the road without a home, out of a suitcase with just a backpack full of toys for six months.

Leave home and country for six months to accompany parents while they work.

Live with just their family and without close friends nearby.

Eat lunch with other adults.... and then sit and wait while their parents talk for two hours afterwards... not just once , but three days in a row.

Stand up or speak in front of groups of strangers...sometimes asked to say a few things at a moments notice.

Another random thought:

All he had spent his whole life working for had ended when he retired. When he retired he was replaced at work, his programs wrapped up, and the company moved on almost like he had never been. There was little except retirement to show for the years of his life. He had not been involved in a church for years until recently. It was empty and he had realized that. How sad to spend your life working for that that doesn't matter and will not last.

The one who prays has faithfulness and love to show.
The one who gives has sacrifice and generosity.
The one who goes has also sacrificed and loved.
There is nothing given that will not be noticed by the Lord.
No minute nor penny he does not see.