It's (not just) the Thought that Counts

For all of you out there who have moms (which, if I'm not mistaken, is just about everyone) I would like to say this: it's not just the thought that counts, it's the action which spawns from that thought. For example, today, I had the thought that I should call mom today and wish her a happy mothers day, and say how much I wish I could be home for this special day. But if that's as far as I go, then she will never know! I have to actually call her and tell her those things for the thought to count. Which I did. Even though I dropped the ball on getting her gift mailed to her by Mothers Day, she knew that I was thinking of her, and that's the important part. She could go out and buy my gift just about anywhere that sold electronics, but it's not the fact that I saved her money that makes her feel loved, it the fact that I took the time to think of what she would enjoy, and then acted upon that thought (though perhaps a little tardy on the acting part).
So go give you mom a good night hug, and remember, with out her, there would be no YOU!
~Paul

Chivalry in the little things.

"Oh, thank you!" She said as I nearly did a face plant stumbling over the door stopper to open the door for wheel chair confined lady. No joke, those things (door stoppers) are dangerous!
I was milling some parts at the local machine shop. and I had walked across the hall to get a different bit, and she was just about to try opening the door, while holding some long unwieldy things in her arms. So I stepped out of my comfort zone, reached out, and (without falling) opened the door. She seemed somewhat surprised, But was grateful non the less. Then I went back to drilling away on my part, with the satisfaction of helping someone else out.
It's the little things in life that can really make a difference.
~Paul

Your Greatest Ministry

Probably one of the most overlooked opportunities for ministry, and not just to unbelievers, but also to those who are already saved because we still need to be fed, is your family.
My brother and I were given the great privilege of spending the weekend with the Botkin family. I've listened to a lot of the material that they have produced, so getting to actually meet them, and see how they live day to day, was an invaluable experience. They are an amazing family, and I hope we get the chance to visit them again. Which makes me wonder, how do you develop a family culture like that? It's something I'll be pondering.
~Paul

Awesome Bumper Sticker

Ross and I are on our way to Tennessee, and we saw a car with a bumper sticker which read

I (heart symbol) my Wife

Now there's a bumper sticker that I would (will) put on my car one day.
~Paul