Graduation Day for Tigers (to Wolves)

Today was not just another Thursday. Our son, Jacob, became a Wolf cub scout from orange to yellow/black. His Pack 94 graduated on the last meeting day until Fall. I remember Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts when I was Jacob's age but I shared "graduation" days with my brother Mike who blazed the trail for me to follow (like a good mentor). Mike shared his scripture, word and prayer today so I share it with you. It awakened the Wolf in me to help me fight the discomforts from acquiring a cold virus the past few days. I dreaded my medical team's assessment because I was afraid they were going to tell me I might have the flu! (I didn't want to become the first one in PA to be confirmed infected with the Swine Flu.) Today my belly discomforts were worse than my stuffy nose. I had some labwork done and I will get results tomorrow.

Sincere thanks to my brother, Tom, for bringing our mother up to help us this week while Cindy worked. And of course, thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers (and keep your hands washed). Love, Frank and family

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain" (John 12:24, NKJ)

TODAY'S WORD

We all face difficulties and challenges in life. But you have to remember, as a believer in Jesus, you have the life-giving seed of Almighty God on the inside of you. When you go through disappointments or tough times, you may feel like you’ve been buried. You may feel like you’re in a dark, lonely place. You may feel like it’s the end, but in reality, it’s only the beginning. The fact is, you haven’t been buried; you have been planted. That means you’re coming back. And not only are you coming back, but you’re coming back in increase, better and stronger than before.

In those tough times, you’ve got to draw the line in the sand. Make a declaration, “This difficulty is not going to bury me. This loss, this disappointment, this injustice is not going to cause me to give up on my dreams. I refuse to live in self-pity. I know I am a seed. That means I cannot be buried. I can only be planted. I may be down, but it’s only temporary. I know I’m not only coming back, I’m coming back even better than I was before!”

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for filling me with Your life-giving seed. I choose today to focus on the potential for my future. I know that I will overcome every obstacle by Your power that is at work in me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Michael Drummer