A THANK YOU NOTE

When we come into this world, we come in unique in every way from temperament to physical abilities to whatever. Some things are natural to us, where many things we have to learn. All of us come in selfish, look at our first words. No. Me. Mine. Give me! No normal child has to be taught to be selfish. It's in him. It comes with the package.

But am I wrong when I say no child enters the world grateful. Thankfulness, gratitude, appreciation have to be learned. And in order to be learned they have to be taught, and taught at an early age when their mind is a sponge for learning..

Selfishness and self-centeredness are like gravity. Always with us, and always pulling DOWN! That's why "an attitude of gratitude" has to be developed, learned and constantly reinforced. Gratitude makes for happiness.

To form the attitude of gratitude takes a lifetime.

I'm surprised at how many kids aren't thankful! I'm surprised at how many do not appreciate what they have or who they are or ... who's they are.

Many parents don't understand why their kids don't respect them and appreciate them. (Some parents are so dumb!) Kid's have to be taught to respect their parents.

Go to several old folks homes, as I have, sit with an old lady, bring up the subject of their children ... and soon there will be tears. "My son lives near here, but he never comes to visit me ... maybe on Christmas. My daughter and my grandchildren live a short distance away ... but they never visit me!" Tears. Mama you never taught them to love and respect you! Here's a Kleenx.

Rest assured the flowers along with thankfulness, will kick in ... at your funeral.

Teach your kids to be grateful!

YOU THINK LIFE SUCKS?

Little four year old Josue was tragically burned in a car fire so Mexico Life Flighted him to Shriners Burn center.

70% of his body was burned.

He's a living miracle. His hair, eyebrows, ears and nose were literally burned off; his hands burned into fists. Even now Josue goes across the border regularly, where top cosmetic surgeons do their best. Many, many, painful trips. We've followed him with visits, gifts, and encouragement along the years ... his brothers and sisters are very good looking!

Josue is older now, and a faithful working part of our team of ten teenage boys. Half of these boys are handicapped in one way or other.

I came in the other day to see the boys all seated with their Bibles open listening to Lucas teach. So encouraging.

Josue has had a rough life, in many cases he's had to fight his way through. At every stage schooling was rough and he learned to be quick with his fists. We encouraged him to stick it out.

Now he has a group of buddies that don't look at him as odd but for who he is. Josue is quiet, polite and very helpful even though he has no hands, just burned fists. The years of growing up, stretching skin and muscles, have him still traveling to Shriners on a regular bases.

Soon the skin around his eyes will be worked on. Glasses needed.

But, there are still those dark moments where he feels worthless and he searches for the meaning of all this. Why me? It's hard convincing Josue of a loving God. Your prayers are needed and very much appreciated.