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Key Bible Verse: May God … give you grace and peace. Every time I think of you, I give thanks to God (Philippians 1:2-3). Bonus Reading: Proverbs 23:22-25

How many of us thank God every time we remember our parents? Almost everyone has negative memories of his childhood. But you can balance this with positive memories of your home. Here are pump primers to get these positive thoughts flowing:

• Where did your parents take you on vacation, and what did you do?
• What did you most enjoy doing with your dad? With your mom?
• What was your favorite family tradition?
• What were the family jokes?
• What special phrases or nicknames did your family invent?
• What was your favorite Christmas? Your favorite birthday?
• What problems did your parents help you through when you were a teenager?
• What values from your childhood home are you trying to pass on to your children?

As you think about these questions, thank God for the positive memories and their power to give your own home strength and stability. Write some of your thoughts down and send them in a letter to your parents. It's a tangible way to let them know you wish them "grace and peace."

—Dennis Rainey in Moments Together for Growing Closer to God

My Response: What are the positive childhood memories I'm grateful for?

Thought to Apply: The real histories of families aren't the records of births, deaths, and marriages. They are the stories told after dessert.—FREDERICK WATERMAN (writer)

Adapted from Moments Together for Growing Closer to God (Regal, 2003) by permission.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, I realize that honoring my parents is a part of fully honoring You. Help me to lovingly fulfill this obligation.

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