The Learned

Forgiveness is always the key, and not for him, but for you. Laughing at your dad's misfortune is going to make you feel guilty. I suggest against it especially if he is reaching the end of his life. And you want this to end well. People change.  If your mom still spoke well of your dad growing up, she did the right thing because having a dad is something all kids need.  I know he wasn't perfect but the truth is, many dads don't pay much attention to their kids. Sometimes we seek the ideal but the reality is that men are men. Of course, there are some sparkling examples which are difficult to come by but the truth is, he is just being a guy. And most guys are like that to be entirely honest. Don't expect too much.. it's not the ideal but it's the stats. I'm not saying he is blameless. I am saying, he is just a drop in the bucket. It's unfortunate, it is. But being disappointed is not helping yourself or your conscience, so don't hold anything against...

What's the use of knowledge without understanding, experience without maturity, words of wisdom without the substance of integrity, strong will without depth in character, godly values without godly fear, practicality without faith, and love that is conditional? - Anna Grace Low, 2009 I should add in a few more: What's the use of mercy without forgiveness, courage without hope, joy without first knowing sorrow, beauty without appreciation, directions without realizing you're lost, freedom without passion, friends without time, and life without purpose.

I believe the heart for stories come from stories. A couple of good books should do the trick. If he doesn't like reading, start with telling bedtime stories. I turn off the lights and come up with my own stories. When I was 6, my sister played a game with me. She would start a story with a sentence and have me continue it. We'll take turns. This gave me the confidence to write stories. I realized that anything could happen in a story and that the more I wrote, the more I knew what the story was about. Try it and include a couple of kids in one game. They can sit in a circle and take turns.

 "Train the child in the way she should go." She doesn't have to go now. It means you have to teach her at home first. And cultivate that desire to know Him, and to hear His voice and to be with Him. It's not about whether or not she goes to church. That's not the point of the verse. It literally means you teaching her, not sending her to someone else to be taught.

1. She has to clean up 2. No access to art supplies 3. Full attention required at all times. Difficult but true. You basically have to tie her to yourself.

He's in a better place. Talking and screaming to God is definitely ok. I hope u don't get to that place but if that's all that comes up, then it might just have to do because God hears and He listens. He knows and He is with you right now. Turning you into a widow is definitely not the plan. And not everything bad that happens is God's fault. But all things work out for good to those that love Him and are called according to His purposes. And He will turn your sorrow into joy. He will turn things around for you. I'm sure of it.