Jennifer’s Bible

Dear readers,

I would like to share something very precious with you. I know some of you do not personally know our family, but I hope this will be both a challenge and a blessing to you all. You probably need to know that I am very emotional right now. After spending the last two nights with my newest grandson (again, thanks Mom – now I KNOW what you did for me!!!), I’m a bit weary. Add to that the overwhelming joy and thrill of another grandson entering safely into this world, and hopefully, you will understand! Once again, this verse has had its meaning renewed in my heart: A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. John 16:21

I am sharing with you the inscription on my daughter’s first Bible. It was given to her on her first birthday. It’s not a cute little white “Baby’s First Bible,” but an Old Scofield King James! My dear husband wrote the inscription as follows:

To – Jennifer Ingrid MacAvoy on your first birthday: 9/30/86

From – Daddy and Mommy

Jennifer-

To my little princess (or ‘dumplin’, as Aunt Ruth would say) –

I wanted to give you this Bible because you my prayer for you is to be saved at an early age and that you will find God’s will for your life and do it.

A few days ago, I was pulling up the floor in the kitchen and you stood up (on your own) behind me and grabbed my back. You still can’t walk, but you’re getting close. No teeth yet! – but lots of beautiful hair from the day you were born.

You are a great joy and blessing to your mother and me. You remind me so much of your mother – you’re my “little Spunky,” (Since I married “big Spunky,” that’s a compliment!)

Last year we were so glad that the Lord gave us a little girl. You’re on loan from God to us. Although God allowed us to be your parents, you belong to Him first. That’s why finding His will for your life is so important.

I pray that I’ll be the Daddy you need. Please don’t ever hesitate to come to me for help.

I love you!

Daddy

My husband and his brother are both Baptist pastors (that’s another story!), both first generation Christians. Between the two families, we have seven children and all of them have or will be marrying godly spouses. By the end of the year, there will be fifteen children in the next generation – the third generation. Will they all have a heart for the Lord – we all certainly pray that way; but I write this to say it takes more than just hope and a prayer – it takes dedication and an example. One of my favorite quotes from my brother-in-law, which he shared with us early on in our parenting, was this: YOU MUST BE DESPERATE FOR YOUR CHILDREN!

The letter above is just a small glimpse into our family, but I hope it will be a challenge to you: Young people – you will not marry a godly spouse unless you are godly! Wear out your Bibles! Young parents – take a tip from Nike: just do it! Don’t settle for good children – go for godly! The best gifts you can give your grandchildren are godly parents! I wish you could see this Bible. It was Jennifer’s only Bible until she was thirteen. I’m taking it to Master Club tonight as a challenge to my students, giving them a glimpse of what it takes to be godly! Grandparents – keep pouring yourselves into your children and grandchildren, and remember: it’s never too late to change a bad habit/example! (I’m speaking from experience J) Live a godly example before them. Our world is dying for a good example from us all!