Kids and their Strength

Yesterday I took our oldest, Nora,  to her annual doctor's appointment and what this one "special" was she got 4 shots--yes 4 total.  So, leading up to her appointment we didn't say anything about the shots intentionally to not scare her.  When we arrived at the office and the nurse checked her out and we were waiting for the doctor I started talking to her about the shots and what they were going to do and that she would feel a "pinch" in her arm.  Well, the time came and the nurse brought in a tray with four needles  and my heart was pounding and at the same time trying to help keep Nora calm.  The nurse jumped right in and gave her two in one arm and two in the other and Nora was amazing...no crying, no wimpering it was awesome.  She was so brave and strong and I was very proud of her. 

After we left the doctor's office we headed for a celebration dinner at McDonalds and then off to the Zoo Lights for a daddy-daughter date night.  We had so much fun looking at all of the lights and walking around the zoo.  I am a very proud daddy of Nora, and we had a great date night together!

What are some of your stories of how your kids have made you proud by showing their strength and courage?

Looking at Your Past for Help

Could you imagine facing a man 9 foot tall in full armor garb getting ready to destroy you as a teenager?  Everytime I read the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) I try and put myself in his shoes.  Still can't quite get the magnitude of his situation and we will probably never truly grasp the pressure and daunting task of walking onto that battle field to fight.

But what allowed David to take those steps toward Goliath?  What pushed him to approach the King of Israel and say 'he was going to fight the giant?'  A lot had to do with two things, first was a reliance of God for protection and strength but it is the second that I want to focus on--it was David's past experiences that gave him courage to step onto the battle field with Goliath.

God had delivered and protected David from a lion and bear while watching over his father's sheep in the past and it seems somewhat surreal to just gloss over that comment...a lion and a bear.  I don't know about you but those are two animals that I really don't want to encounter at any time in my life.  But both times God gave David the strength to take them down and kill the lion and the bear.

Taking that past experience gave David confidence to approach the king and go to battle with Goliath and his past gave him strength and courage for the future!

How has your past experiences helped you to be courageous and have strength to take risks and fight your giants?