stephen R Harrison

I used to have a habit of journaling. It included some highlights, prayer requests, and praise moments from my day. This is my attempt to start that back.

Best Memory of the Day: I got to send the whole day with family at Lake Hamilton for Labor Day. We tubed, swam, and had a fish fry. After Tate poured a cup of 55 degree cold water on Abby near Blakely Dam , she drug him out of the boat and held him under for a few seconds. Oh, how they love each other. Haha. We laughed

Praise Moment: I woke up with my mom on my mind. I remembered the time I got in trouble in the 6th grade band for disrespecting my band director. She came to school, made me apologize, and told me I had to respect others, especially adults. I almost quit the band because of it, but she wouldn’t let me. She told me I’d regret it because I was doing it because I was mad. Mr. Anderson was a great band director and I learned a lot the next couple of years till he retired. A few years ago, while preaching one Sunday, I looked out into the crowd and there was Mr. Anderson in a wheel chair. By this time, 30 years later, he was unable to talk well because of a stroke, but he told his granddaughter he wanted to come hear me preach. I’m thankful my mom made me stick with the band and apologize that day. It led to preaching the gospel to Mr. Anderson and I pray he responded in faith that day.

Prayer: I’ve been praying for more peace. I get really anxious over finances. However, God has always come through. Wedding expenses for my oldest, senior year for my middle, braces for my youngest, a transmission for my truck, two girls driving, property taxes, etc. my goodness. But God is faithful! I increased my tithe this last month, gave to a family that’s adopting, and invested in my church staff. The antidote to greed is generosity. Thank you Lord for supplying all we need through your riches in Christ Jesus. May we hold everything loosely in this life and use it all for your Kingdom.

Scripture: I’ve had Matthew 6:22-23 on my mind all day. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.” I wrote that in a devotional yesterday for my upcoming parenting book and it has stuck in my head. I’ve intentionally fixed my eyes today on many things. I looked at my son on the boat ride for about 30 minutes, thanking God for him. I looked at my daughter at dinner and did the same. I looked at my wife and was overwhelmed with how God has blessed me with her by my side. I looked at the Bible this morning and was amazed by His Word’s of love. I looked at my home and thanked God for his provision. I looked at my neighborhood this evening and saw a mission field. I “bounced my eyes” today to avoid sin. Lord, give me a pure heart. I know it starts with my eyes – the windows to my soul.

Personal: I led two people to Christ Saturday. I’ve been praying for them today. I text one of them this morning and encouraged him to get in the Word, specifically a book on Proverbs he was reading. That gave me a boost in my evangelism desire. Help me Lord to share the gospel with someone tomorrow.

Marriage: I’m thankful for my wife. I tell her every morning I love her before I leave the house. I’ve been praying for God to make me more kind and servant hearted to her. I’ve got some practical steps in mind for this in the days to come. Lord, help me show her how much I love her and serve her like you would.

Parenting: I was so thankful to have all three of our kids home Sunday. We watched “The Forge” movie at Tinseltown and ate cajun chicken pasta we cooked at home. I was cherishing the hours spent together. Kylee’s at school and really developing a great life in Conway. While I miss her being around, I am so proud of the woman of God she is growing into! Abby is loving her senior year and almost always has something going on with friends after school and work. I love that. She has so many great friends who love Jesus. Tate has mastered the 6th grade in only two weeks. He lost two teeth last night and tried to trade a $25 gift card under his pillow for cash. Well played. I did give him $20 for jumping into the cold water at the lake today and for the teeth. We finished Luke this summer and started reading Mark last week. I have always loved reading the Bible with my kids. I have no greater joy that to hear that my kids are walking in the truth.