Family

A Tale of Two Brothers

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Younger brother was lazy and spoiled could be

While the older worked hard to just earn his keep

They walked different roads ending up far apart

And neither could know that they broke father’s heart

The youngest just partied and lived the wild life

Sleeping in every morning – staying up every night

While his brother just labored from dawn to the dusk

Barely pausing to rest because he felt he must

So when father forgave when the younger just asked

While the older was still finishing up his day’s tasks

He got angry and shouted “Dad what about me.”

Think how brother was shaming our whole family

But father grew quiet and with tears in his eyes

Put his hand on his shoulder then he made this reply

Son, if you forgive and leave that up to the Lord

You’ll see life’s greatest joy in a family restored

A Tale of Two Brothers by Peter Caligiuri © 2020 All rights reserved

All He Has is Ours!

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And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. Luke 15:31

What most of us love about the parable of the prodigal son is the love and acceptance he receives when he returns home. His father had the servants bring him the best robe, sandals and a ring, and then ordered a celebration with music, dancing and lots of food!

When his older brother heard the news he didn’t exactly rejoice. In fact he refused to go even in and instead complained bitterly to his father, “Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command” This morning, listen to the father’s reply, “You are always with me and all that is mine is yours.” You see what the older brother hadn’t realized was that he had access to all that his father possessed. He had not received that position because of his years of work. After all there had been servants in the household who had worked harder and longer but were still not owners of anything. The reality was that just like his younger brother he had missed out on his relationship with his dad all those long years.

Though it is easy for us to criticize the older brother’s hard hearted response, we aren’t really that much different than he was. We attend church, read our Bible, go to work, and try to be good neighbors. Yet God doesn’t love us because of our hard work. He accepts us because of His grace. So today, whether you are far away or right in the same house, you will still be missing out until you begin to embrace Him like a son and not simply work like a servant.  Why waste one more day ? Our Father is waiting for us to join Him for a celebration knowing that all He has is ours!

The Home School Option

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The debate over the reopening of schools has been intensifying here in Florida as I am sure it is around the country. Tempers have become heated, words exchanged and the battle has sadly been generating more heat than light. So for parents wondering about school in the middle of this corona crisis maybe take a breath and consider that Home School may be a great option. Home schooling is not something new and it definitely play out differently in the city

Than it will in a rural area:

But for those who feel called and excited about trying home schooling; able here is a simple video from Tiny Notes From Home which is a fun family Vlog (try saying that 3 times fast!). I hope that their presentation gives you some encouragement and practical ideas that will help you not only keep you children safe but also invest in ensuring that they are getting a good education. May God bless you parents out there facing the what to do about school decision in a few weeks.