[04ctd]

this is the best one he has written, you need to read it twice to grasp it all.

I hope my children can say this about me:
He had a reputation for integrity and fairness

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Memories of My Father


My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments. (Proverbs 3:1)
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. (Proverbs 4:1)

It is only in the passing of time after death that we understand the value of a life well lived. That is certainly the case with my Dad. He went to be with Jesus in September 1975 and every day as I grow in my faith, I see more of the impact of his life. So, this FatherÔÇÖs Day is a special one to me. Yes, I remember the day our son was born when I became a father for the first time.

Being a father is a special gift and having a father is something that each of us should cherish for a lifetime. I pray that God will help me be a great Dad that my children will remember and that my love for them and God will go forth in them. I ask for forgiveness for the things I did or didnÔÇÖt do and any failure in this responsibility that God gave to me.

My Dad was a Pastor of a small holiness Church and he loved God with all his heart and he not only spoke about his salvation but lived it for everyone to see. There are many who are forever grateful for DadÔÇÖs flexibility and sensitivity to GodÔÇÖs leading. Many lives have been changed by his obedience to God and remember DadÔÇÖs encouragement, prayers, and gifts at just the right time.

He had a reputation for integrity and fairness and was always there when someone in our neighborhood needed prayer, a box of food, or a helping hand, no matter whom, no matter when.

Dad was generous to a fault. While never spending much on himself he loved to give to others. He would quietly give to family members, widows, pastors, missionaries, and those in need that he encountered. He would rarely share this even with his own children, but would give silently behind the scenes to many.

He made his relationship with Jesus and his family a continual priority. He taught all of his children the value of hard work, giving, spending wisely, and most of all his love for God. Dad loved for God caused him to spend many hours in GodÔÇÖs Word in preparation.

Dad never lost his hunger for GodÔÇÖs Word. Cancer may have taken his health but nothing could take his love for God and family. He had a joy and a laugh even up until his last days. He finished well and left a tremendous legacy for his children, grandchildren, and his many great-grandchildren.

A life well lived! What a gift to all of us in the family on this FatherÔÇÖs Day. On FatherÔÇÖs Day my Dad is with his Heavenly Father. That is the greatest gift that any father could ever receive. I am thankful for his life, his legacy, and his influence on my life. I just pray that I will be able to impact those in the future generations as my Dad has influenced me. Thank you, Dad, for modeling to me a relationship with our Creator who is the best Father of all.

To all of you out there with a dad don't waste time. Tell him you love him and give him a big hug and a kiss. Don't wait until he's gone to understand him better. Take the time to understand him now. That's the best gift a dad could ever get.


HAPPY FATHERÔÇÖS DAY TO ALL FATHERÔÇÖS