Keep Moving

Life is such that an individual cannot stop all together. Advancement is necessary.

There are many who stand along the side and cheer instead of participating. Some of these even become critical of the participant's activities.

Here's a quote from Theodore Roosevelt:

"It's not the critic that counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so his place shall never be with those cold and timed souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


What do you long to achieve? In the end, I simply want to hear "well done, good and faithful servant!"

Wrong Way

The media is leading the American people down a wrong road when it states reasons for abortion. We are continually being told that the majority of abortions are as a result of rape or incest. [In 2010, we know that the media no longer uses this as an excuse because they have succeeded in influencing our culture to believe that a child is a "choice".]

Look at the true facts: According to a recent survey of 1,900 women which had abortions, here are their reasons:

3% for mother's health
3% for baby's possible health problems
1% for rape or incest

93% for birth control or social reasons
of these:
-16% because of the change that a baby would cause in the mother's life
-21% not ready to accept the responsibility
-21% could not afford to raise the baby
-12% blamed a relationship problem with baby's father
-11% not mature enough
-8% already have enough children
-4% other reason

According to these statistics, it looks like there are several selfish and irresponsible people.

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad

Flesh and Spirit

"Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. My flesh and my heart faileth; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever. " (Psalms 73:25-26)

"Ye cannot do the things that ye would" Galatians 5:17

There is a terrible, unceasing struggle in my soul. Being born again by almighty grace, I believe a new heart and a new will, a new, heaven-bent nature created in me by the Spirit of God. I long for and seek after righteousness. Above anything in the world, I want to be perfectly free of sin and conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the desire of every saved sinner. But I cannot do the things I would. I find a law in my members that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. I find in my soul iniquity, transgression and sin far more hideous and ignominious than the profane acts of ungodly men. Lying, theft, drunkenness, adultery and murder are only isolated acts of evil. But my sin is ever before me! I want to pray, but there is too much selfish lust in my prayers to call them prayers. I want to worship God in the Spirit, but there is too much pride in my worship to call it worship. I want to be completely free of all earthly care, trusting God in all things, but there is too much unbelief and selfish resentment towards God's providence to call my faith faith or my submission submission. I want to love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and my neighbor as myself, but there is too much concern for self to call my love love.

Like all believers in this world, I am a man with two natures, two principles, warring against one another continually; and those two natures are the flesh and the Spirit. The flesh is evil, only evil, and ever seeks evil. The Spirit is righteous, only righteous, and ever seeks righteousness.

This constant warfare between the flesh and the Spirit makes me do three things: (1) I denounce all personal righteousness, for I have none and confess my sin. (2) I trust Christ alone for all my righteousness before God. And (3) I live in hope of that day when I shall drop this robe of flesh and be like my Savior, holy, blameless and unreproveable before God.

Grace for Today, Don Fortner, January 22

Anniversary of Moral Decline

Today marks the 20th anniversary [now 37th anniversary] of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on the Roe v. Wade abortion legalization. What a sad day in the history of this great nation of ours.

I'm afraid that through liberal politicians and media, the general public has accepted these practices. That; however, doesn't make it right.

There can be no argument that abortion cheapens the sanctity of human life. When we take action that cheapens life, we are contributing to an overall decline in our society's moral values.

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


"Abraham Lincoln recognized that we could not survive as a free land when some men could decide that others were not fit to be free and should therefore be slaves. Likewise, we cannot survive as a free nation when some men decide that others are not fit to live and should be abandoned to abortion or infanticide." ~ Ronald Reagen

For thou didst form my inward parts: Thou didst cover me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks unto thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Wonderful are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well. My frame was not hidden from thee, When I was made in secret, And curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see mine unformed substance; And in thy book they were all written, Even the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was none of them. (Psalms 139:13-16)

The Big F-I-V-E!!

January 23, 2005

To my dear grandson, William:

I never thought that the excitement and joy that I experienced when my son, Michael, was born, but you have already brought me the same as being my firstborn grandson. Born on a bitter cold day, you have given warmth to my heart.

You are a gift from above. The Lord has been so gracious to me in so many ways and now He has given me another healthy offspring. Oh, what a blessing!

You are also blessed in being born to a set of great parents, who will love and raise in a firm but fair way. This has been proven already in the way they are raising your big sister. You've been given the name, William, that means "strong." The historic meaning indicates one who is valiant protector or guardian. A strong individual! This does not necessarily mean physical strength as much as it does in personality and firmness of conviction in right and wrong. To follow this meaning, as you grow older and have understanding, you must be determined to remain firm in what is honorable, regardless of the cost. You have a challenge to follow at least two for whom you've been named after your Dad and Grandfather. If you follow their examples, you will grow up with the same steadfastness and firmness necessary.

As you grow older, you will discover the large and loving family that you've been born into. Your parents, sister, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and many cousins will give you lessons to learn. You can learn the meaning of hard work and devotion to completing task from your Mom and Dad. You can learn of the discipline and sacrifice that they are making to make your life better. Learn the appreciation for art and music from your grandmothers. Learn the ability to cope with and live with other siblings from your uncles and aunts on your Dad's side of the family. You can learn how to have fun in life and make the most of it from your Uncle Michael. You are fortunate to have all four of your great grandparents on your Mother's side of the family. Not too many people can say that. Even though they are getting older and loosing their health and/or minds, I hope that you will get to appreciate the love that they have given to your Mom. Listen when someone talks of them and their devotion to their family and devotion to God and His service. It will do you good to follow their footsteps.

Learn from your sister the friendliness toward others. Learn of her sincere interest in gathering knowledge. There will be times when she will cover you with too much protection and overshadowing of her dominance, but remember as the two of you grow, you will eventually be bigger and stronger. It will be your responsibility to look over her. I hope that the two of you will always be best of friends. Be as close as your Mother and Uncle Michael.

Also, remember that your Nana and I will continually be praying for you and be there when we can. Though there are miles between us, you are only a brief thought away. As grandparents, we have the right to spoil you and will do so within limits, but be assured that we seek your best.

Thank you for making this man a most happy and proud one.

Love you!
Popaw

Beautiful Hymn

This is a beautiful hymn. Click here to listen or download it to your desktop.

Conflict Resolution

Disagreements and conflicts will always exist when there is a relationship. Whether it is husband/wife, boy/girl, parent/child, friend/friend, or between co-workers. These conflicts are a part of life.

I heard on the Christian radio station the other day some good advice. There was in Acts 15 a division between the apostle Paul and Barnabas. The lesson to learn:

1. When in a disagreement, work hard at seeing both sides, not just your own.

2. When both sides have good arguments, seek a wise compromise.

3. If conflict persist, care enough to work it through and not run.

It takes maturity to work out the conflicts which arise in relationships.

I realize that I need to take a dose of my own medicine. I'm seeking God's grace to enable me to heed to this advice.

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


Mighty God,
I humble myself for faculties misused, opportunities neglected, words ill-advised,
I repent of my folly and inconsiderate ways, my broken resolutions, untrue service, my backsliding steps, my vain thoughts.
O bury my sins in the ocean of Jesus' blood and let no evil result from my fretful temper, unseemly behavior, provoking pettiness.
If by unkindness I have wounded or hurt another, do thou pour in the balm of heavenly consolation;
If I have turned coldly from need, misery, grief, do not in just anger forsake me:
If I have withheld relief from penury and pain, do not withhold thy gracious bounty from me.
If I have shunned those who have offended me, keep open the door of thy heart to my need.

Fill me with an over-flowing ocean of compassion, the reign of love my motive, the law of love my rule.

O thou God of all grace, make me more thankful, more humble;
Inspire me with a deep sense of my unworthiness arising from the depravity of my nature, my omitted duties, my unimproved advantages, thy commands violated by me.
With all my calls to gratitude and joy may I remember that I have reason for sorrow and humiliation;
O give me repentance unto life;
Cement my oneness with my blessed Lord, that faith may adhere to him more immovably, that love may entwine itself round him more tightly, that his Spirit may pervade every fiber of my being.
Then send me out to make him known to my fellow-men.

"Humility in Service" from Valley of Vision

Abide With Me

Abide With Me
(words by Henry Francis Lyte, 1793-1847)

Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide
When other helpers, fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, abide with me

Thou on my head, in early youth didst smile
And though rebellious, and perverse meanwhile
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee
On to the close Lord, abide with me

I need Thy presence, every passing hour
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, abide with me

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, tears lose their bitterness
Where is thy sting death? Where grace thy victory?
I triumph still, abide with me

Hold Thou Thy cross, before my closing eyes
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, Lord, abide with me.

Concentration on Goals

Everyone is beginning together. The 1993 journey is underway.

Many will falter and fail during the year - some early, others later. Some will succeed! Meet their personal goals and objectives.

What makes the difference?

I read the following quote which I think is the answer to the question,

"Singleness of purpose is the essential factor in greatness - for the man of genius differs from ordinary men, not in the innate quality of the brain, but in the aims and purposes on which he concentrates and in the degree of concentration which he manages to achieve."

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad

Happy New Year!

(originally dated January 4, 1993)

Happy New Year!

This is a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. It is a time to refresh our minds and bodies for the long year ahead. It is a time when people make "New Year's Resolutions."

Have you made any?

Getting started right certainly goes along way on life's journey.

Review 1992 and shoot for a successful 1993.

Have a good day!
Love,
Dad


The Life Look

O God,
I bless thee for the happy moment
when I first saw thy law fulfilled in Christ,
wrath appeased, death destroyed, sin forgiven,
my soul saved.
Ever since, thou hast been faithful to me:
daily have I proved the power of Jesus' blood,
daily have I known the strength of the Spirit,
my teacher, director, sanctifier.
I want no other rock to build upon than that I have,
desire no other hope than that of gospel truth,
need no other look than that which gazes
on the cross.
Forgive me if I have tried to add anything
to the one foundation,
if I have unconsciously relied upon my knowledge,
experience, deeds, and not seen them
as filthy rags,
if I have attempted to complete what is perfect
in Christ;
May my cry be always, Only Jesus! Only Jesus!
In him is freedom from condemnation,
fullness in his righteousness,
eternal vitality in his given life,
indissoluble union in fellowship with him;
In him I have all that I can hold;
enlarge me to take in more.
If I backslide,
let me like Peter weep bitterly and return to him;
If I am tempted, and have no wit,
give me strength enough to trust in him;
If I am weak,
may I faint upon his bosom of eternal love;
If in extremity,
let me feel that he can deliver me;
If driven to the verge of hope and to the pit
of despair,
grant me grace to fall into his arms.
O God, hear me, do for me more
than I ask, think, or dream.

(from Valley of Vision)