pre-birthday challenge for C&D......

I guess this is a pre-birthday challenge for Caleb and Daniel as 22 years is coming tomorrow. I have written two other posts here and here along the same lines and I so enjoy coming upon scriptures as these to keep before them and challenge them to keep praying, keep trusting, keep laboring for the Lord as they prepare for their futures, aka wife and land!!! Also I can keep writing things like this because the scripture says, To write the same to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. (Phil.3)

I have been reading in I Kings and particularly starting in chapter 6 when Solomon begins building the temple. Several thoughts jumped out towards, really all of our children but as Caleb and Daniel move forward in seeking through prayer, their futures. Of course the very first thought is, they can trust the Lord for provision, God provided for Solomon. This verse was the basis for my thoughts;

Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father

I like the "concerning this house," now when I think of this, its not their literal house, the walls, boards and such as they will build, its the house of when they will get married, receive children, the truths of scriptures they will put into work that will hold their house together. First, and I think they know this but we have to keep exhorting one another, but to "walk" in the ways of the Lord, following his principles, his words as we go about our everyday lives. Do this my sons, concerning this house. I read this verse as well, So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the Lord. And Solomon brought in the the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the Lord, (8:6) I challenge Caleb and Daniel to take within their house and dedicate unto the Lord the truths and principles that Terry, their own father has kept as precious to his heart, that are truths to embrace and apply. I feel confident that they will. One treasure to take within thy house, is to trust the Lord with children, to seek a wife who desires to be a keeper of the home,who honors the Lord with modesty and one with a meek and quiet spirit, to bring into your home music that glorifies the Lord, his character, his person, to trust God for provision and stay debt free, to be the leader of your home, teaching your children, protecting, providing and upholding your wife and washing her with the Word. Take these treasures and more of what your father has taught you in to your house! Another verse, "concerning this house," is for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord, (8:11) May the Shekinah glory be upon your home. The verse here says, so that thy children take heed to their way, that they walk before me as thou hast walked before me, (8:25) Concerning your house, as your dad has demonstrated his faith, may you exemplify your faith and may the Lord grant generations of faith until the appearing of Christ. Also in 8:43, and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name. That others would know, that you would be a witness as you go, that your house is built of the Lord and on His name, his truths. And lastly as I read, this verse seems to sum it up as "concerning this house", there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant, (8:56) God is faithful, his promises will hold you through all that your journey will entail. That is one thing your dad does so well with me, he continually reminds me of what God hath done, so I can rest assured the promises that are ours for what He will do!!

Now .....go forward with the Lord, Concerning this house, your house !!!!!

And now for some fun......pictures......(remember all these pics are with a "back then camera!!"

*points to know- C&D did NOT like having their picture taken
- they were so much fun and WORK!! we were novices!!
- I know, I know, Terry and I look pathetic!!!!
- someday, I might brave it and post some absolutely ridiculous ones of me, like GIANT glasses!!

Caleb (left) and Daniel, hospital birth, Pine Bluff, AR

Caleb (left) and Daniel, 1st birthday, PB, AR

Youth Choir Tour August. '89, Terry was on staff as youth director, in PB Ar, Bethany is 2 weeks old, Caleb and
Daniel are 22 months
who would take a 2 week old baby on a trip???? oh, the stupidity
of youth and a new mom!!!

Caleb (left) and Daniel, at the park, PB, AR, 3 years old

Daniel (left) and Caleb, 3 1/2 yrs, AR.

Caleb (left) and Daniel, going to OK State Fair, 6 yrs old
(our first Fall in Oklahoma, '93)

Caleb (left) and Daniel, in the country where we live now
(8 yrs. old)

Caleb (left) and Daniel, 16th BD party

Caleb (left) and Daniel, 19 yrs.

I have no idea why Caleb is always on the "left." Funny, he is left handed......