The life we live, and the things we pass on...

A Letter to the sons, daughters, and daughter-in-laws whom God has given me the privilege to be part of my life.

Note: The picture on the left is the most recent I have (Hint. Hint) but only part of the quiver the Lord has given me.

For quite some time my thoughts and prayers have been with you daily and have burdened me much.

I'm writing this to you who are witnesses of the grace God has so richly given you and to whom God has given to be over others and influence their lives.

As a dad this is my appeal to you. Take care of the family God has entrusted you with. Watch over them willingly, not just because it's your responsibility. Watch over them not because of what you will get out of it, but because I know you are eager to serve God and show it by the life you live. Lead your family by your good example.

While you are young and have the opportunity, you need to give respect and listen to those that are older than you. Submit yourselves to them as hard as it may sometimes seem. Put the needs of others before yourself in your family and extended family. Do this with a knowledge that what you have in life is not because of what you or others may have done, but because of what God has given you and is working through you. Try to attempt to look at your life as God might. In God's timing, which is perfect, God will honor you for it!

God wants us to give whatever worries we have to Him BECAUSE He cares for us.

Life doesn't always go the way we plan, but you need to be careful you don't give up or give in when it doesn't. Always be on the alert! These are times that Satan our real enemy, is actively looking for someone that just "lets go". When times get tough, or our pride makes us think that we've got it all together. God commands us not to just let things happen, we need to actively take a stand against him.

You've been raised in the knowledge of the Lord and you've all made professions of faith. Be strong in that faith God has given you. If you start feeling sorry for yourself, know this, that there are Christian brothers and sisters ALL OVER THE WORLD going through the same kind of problems you are. So you're not alone!

God didn't have to, but He loved us so much that he called you to put your faith and trust in His son Jesus Christ. And get this, He did something that is "amazing", unfathomable, and undeserved....! After you've suffered for a little while God Himself will make you "strong, firm, immovable, and not subject to change". The comfort for us as Christians is knowing that ALL POWER is God's not just for a little while, but FOREVER!

I'm writing this because of the encouragement His Word has given me. My purpose is to try to encourage you and give you the assurance that God's grace is with you NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS!

Love, Dad

I Peter 5 - paraphrased