As I sit here waiting for church to begin, running through my mind all that I have left to do and all that is going on around me, I find myself comforted by the presence of God....
My grandmother lies in a hospital bed, dying, and while the rest of my family is there at her side, I am here, caring for my pregnant wife and eagerly waiting for the arrival of our son. I don't resent that I need to stay; I just wish I could be in two places at once. But I know that this is where she would want me to be.
I always knew logically that God does not leave us in times of turmoil, but rather is there every step that we make. But now....I can feel it. I am overcome with a peace that I cannot understand. I understand what that means now.
The peace that I feel now is not something that comes from a routine. I didn't do anything to earn this peace. This peace isn't a result of my cultural upbringing or habits that I have or haven't developed. I'm not at peace because I give a certain percentage of my income or because my attendance record is exemplary. I am at peace because I BELONG TO CHRIST. And every second I spend in His presence is a second spent closer to heaven. My relationship with Him has brought me to this peace, because I go to Him with my burdens, and He comforts me. Even if it isn't by giving me exactly what I want, He still comforts me.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Keep Soaring,
B
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Boykin Family Coat of Arms
As a pre-fatherhood present, Mandy bought me a copy of Raising a Modern Day Knight by Robert Lewis. The book talks about how to teach your son to be a man that is honorable and and chivalrous in the way he lives and acts, not just towards women but towards God and everything else. In the book, he suggested creating a coat of arms for your family that represents the ideals you want to teach your son. Given my artistic hobbies and an interest in all things medieval, I thought it would be a good teaching tool to use as Brayson grows (and I hope that happens slowly!!) Here's what I came up with:
The eagle represents nobility of character--in other words, someone who honors his commitments and accepts responsibility. The allerions (clawless, beakless eagles) represent strength of will--someone who is able to control his impulses. The fess (the green bar across the shield) represents readiness--someone who is willing and able to act when it is necessary. The phrase Soli Deo Gloria is Latin for "Glory to God Alone." When I sat down and thought about what a man of God looked like, these are the traits that came to mind. And I hope and pray that as Brayson grows and matures (again, as slow as possible!!!), I'll be able to teach him these things, as both my earthly and heavenly father have taught me.
Less than a month left to go before my little man gets here. Thank you Jesus for blessing us with him.
Keep Soaring,
B
The eagle represents nobility of character--in other words, someone who honors his commitments and accepts responsibility. The allerions (clawless, beakless eagles) represent strength of will--someone who is able to control his impulses. The fess (the green bar across the shield) represents readiness--someone who is willing and able to act when it is necessary. The phrase Soli Deo Gloria is Latin for "Glory to God Alone." When I sat down and thought about what a man of God looked like, these are the traits that came to mind. And I hope and pray that as Brayson grows and matures (again, as slow as possible!!!), I'll be able to teach him these things, as both my earthly and heavenly father have taught me.
Less than a month left to go before my little man gets here. Thank you Jesus for blessing us with him.
Keep Soaring,
B
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