The Winner

August 16

We've had a summer long fishing competition going on here at Shiloh amongst the grands.  We had to keep a bottle of lemon fresh dove soap in the boathouse to help remove the stink from the grownup handlers' hands!  These little blue gills are going to miss their daily kernel corn buffets.  The poor fish in this photo didn't even get to swallow his corn.

This five year old, with the coaching help of his father who is quite the fisherman, barely topped the tally board.  His reward...this photo on boojoyful!

While I am a firm believer in competition and how it spurs us on to be our best, I'm thankful that anyone who accepts Christ is a winner!  No matter how many rewards we have awaiting us in heaven, the rewards will be sufficient for our eternal elation!

"For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then
recompense every man according to his deeds."  Matthew 16:27

Day Sixteen

"And the LORD God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.'” (Gen. 2:18)

God says that it is not good for man to be alone. But the way some women criticize their mates, the husbands may long for solitude. Be careful today not to criticize your mate, but look for ways to encourage him personally and publicly.

Speaking of communication, does your husband communicate with you? God has made you a companion and helper for your husband, and part of being "one flesh" with him is the privilege of sharing and discussing personal needs and concerns. Thank God for that wonderful gift. Thank your husband for communicating with you.

If your spouse does not communicate as you wish, look for ways that he communicates that are normal for him: smiling at you, nodding his head, even a pleasant grunt, and then thank him for letting you know that he cares. Perhaps he needs to be lovingly taught how to communicate. Be patient with him . . . and listen when he does speak.

Journaling Thoughts: I'm thinking about the country song lyrics which say, "Occasionally, I'd like to talk about me."  Our pastor shared how he dreads it when his wife says, "We need to talk."
Who does your communication focus on?  You, your spouse, the kids, the house...
Is the bulk of the conversation encouraging or critical?  For me, so often it's concerning a "to do list" which no one looks forward to.