“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 1 John 1:4

Well there he is! And what a picture he makes… standing there with mom and dad, fresh out of Coast Guard Boot Camp. It wasn’t that long ago we watched the boy come to our Bible Study (FLAP) and ask questions. We watched as before our very eyes He received Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He didn’t know what he was going to do, but he was determined.

Watching Zach wrestle with decisions of when and when, what and how reminds me of my own experiences. With my journey being long and hard, it just kind of happened, as 1 thing failed and another try was forced. When it came to raising my kids I was determined that, as much as I could help it, I’d try to help make their transition to adulthood a little easier. I’m not sure I succeeded!

Moments like Zach’s become wall pictures for a reason. Our hallway is lined with pictures like this one, Graduations, weddings, babies… all events that mark the milestones of life and give us a smile. When we are facing difficulties, we can look and remember, and carry on with hope. Remembrances remind us of victories won, encouraging us to keep going in the face of difficulty.

One picture that hangs before God’s eyes at ALL times, is the one that, if you look closely, hangs around Jon’s neck. It is a picture of The Cross! A symbol of horrific circumstances that overcame incredibly evil odds but, by which purchased eternal joy for those who embrace it, and then make it their compass. Seeing this picture gives me a HUGE reason to keep hanging in there with Jesus.

We prayed for Zach as his parents worried for him. But we all KNEW he would be ok. Now the boy has become a man, with purpose and direction… and a Savior who will give Him every ounce of Spirit needed to make it to the next wall picture. And even beyond. We continue to pray for Keri as she battles cancer, and for the whole Allen Family. We pray too for others in our Church Family.

Are YOU keeping your eyes on Jesus and trusting God to grow you, use you and then get you home?