Topic(s): Children, Mother

Her writing career spanned three decades, from the mid-1960s through the mid-1990s.

She wrote 12 books and received 16 honorary doctorate degrees. But three years before she died of cancer in 1996, popular humorist Erma Bombeck told an ABC TV interviewer that no matter how many columns she had written, her legacy would be her three children. “If I did a bad job with them,” she said, “then everything else [I] do isn’t very important.”

Bombeck had riches and fame and the goodwill of millions of readers, but she realized that her top priority was taking care of her children.

Although no parent can be guaranteed that his or her child will turn out to be a godly model citizen, those of us who are parents must start with Erma’s attitude. Our motivation is to provide spiritually, physically, and emotionally for our children. They will be our legacy. This means introducing them to the Savior, providing spiritual guidance, praying for them, and encouraging them to find mentors who can guide them in godly living. Sometimes it is a battle. Often it is expensive in time and toil. But the value of a child overshadows it all. —Dave Branon

“Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well.” —2 Kings 4:26

You Gotta Know Where to Look . . .

Topic(s): Humor

When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied “I’m not sure.” “Look in your underwear, Grandma,” he advised. “Mine says I'm four.”

The Ground That Wasn’t There

Topic(s): Faith

As a teenage smart aleck, I often thought I was above the laws of God, man, and physics. One night, two friends and I took the 1940 Cadillac of a friend’s father for a joy ride (aka: we stole a car).

Both of my buddies had driven before, even though they, like me, were only 14. But I had not—and this car needed coordination between the clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals, as well as a “reach-out-and-search for” shift lever. I guess I did pretty well when it was my turn to drive—at least I drove this mobile weapon three blocks, even if it was entirely in first gear. Fortunately, the front room of a lovely couple’s home stopped me before I hurt anyone. I didn’t stay for introductions.

Running for my life, I headed for the woods. Leaping over a railing on a municipal stairway, I glimpsed a large bush in front of me and leaped for its sanctuary. Unfortunately, the bush was growing out on the ledge of an embankment—the ground I assumed was there wasn’t. After a few seconds of aerobatics and forty feet of empty air, I hit the ground in a heap. As you can see, I lived. But that’s another story.

What I thought was a firm foundation and a sanctuary was actually an illusion. So it is with so many in the world today. They believe all they have to do is take shelter in their things, their careers, their families, their diversions, their hobbies, their clubs, their portfolios, or in themselves. There they can hide from the laws of man and God. Fools they are! These foundations are gossamer fabric. —adapted from John Gillmartin

“Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God standeth.” —2 Timothy 2:19

Marriage is Good For You

Topic(s): Marriage

Did you know that a higher percentage of married people wake up each morning satisfied with life than their single counterparts? According to the Journal of Marriage and the Family, 40 percent of married people wake up feeling good about their lives—as compared to fewer than 25 percent of singles.

Waking up feeling good affects your whole day. People who are satisfied and happy in their marriages tend to be happy and satisfied in their jobs, friendships, and parenthood.

Here’s another eye-opening fact. Having fun with your spouse is good for your physical health. Pleasant experiences improve the functioning of the body’s immune system for up to three days!

A negative event has the opposite effect—but only for the day on which the event occurs. So what can you do today to add to the fun factor in your marriage?

Consider these fun enhancers:

• Clip articles or cartoons you know he/she would like. Mail them.
• Forget that quick “hello” peck. Next time give your spouse a real kiss!
• “Kidnap” your mate. Without warning, announce that for the next hour, you have fun plans.
• Share a milk shake with two straws.
• Play your favorite board game.
• Give each other back rubs.

Together make your own “fun list.” Post it by your bed so you will see it the first thing in the morning. It will help you continue to wake up feeling good. Remember marriage is good for your mental attitude, and a fun marriage is even good for your health.

“Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.” —Proverbs 5:18

Grandparent Humor

Topic(s): Humor

A grandmother was surprised by her 7-year-old grandson one morning. He had made her coffee. She drank what was the worst cup of coffee in her life. When she got to the bottom, there were three of those little green Army men in the cup. She said “Honey, what are these army men doing in my coffee?” Her grandson said, “Grandma, it says on TV, ‘The best part of waking up is soldiers in your cup!’”