Every man is enthusiastic at times. One man has enthusiasm for thirty minutes, another has it for thirty days - But it is the man that has it for thirty years, who makes a success in life.

...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1

Measure wealth, not by the things you have, but by the things you have for which you would not take money.

...for a mans' life consists not in the abundance of THINGS which he possesses.
Luke 12:15
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Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it, but that applies to us all. Daily, we do things, or have actions, or comments, that do not deserve love form anyone. Yet God loves us ALL the time. He even sent Jesus to die for us, at a time, that most, surely did not deserve it.

Do you suppose, that God knew there would be unlovable times in our lives? Sure He did, but He showed us then, as He shows us daily, that we still have His love, weather we deserve it or not.

Do you know anyone that fits this bill? (Don't look in the mirror for ideas) Yes, we all know of, and are, people that fit this bill. Love is, or should be, a never ending, or limited emotion. We should love as God loves us, but more important, we should love God. Without God, there is no love, because God is LOVE. With God we have and can love.....Love each other as I have loved you. Heard that before?

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for you, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
Ephesians 5:1,2
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We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God. It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every session of congress begins with a prayer by a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid by the taxpayer since 1777. Fifty-two of the 55 founders of the Constitution were members of the established orthodox churches in the colonies. Thomas Jefferson worried that the Courts would overstep their authority and instead of interpreting the law would begin making law a form of government in which the ruling power belongs to a few persons, the rule of few over many. AMERICANS SHOULD SELECT AND PREFER CHRISTIANS AS THEIR RULERS. How, then, have we gotten to the point that everything we have done for 220 years in this country is now suddenly wrong and unconstitutional?
It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore, it is very hard to understand why there is such a mess about having the Ten Commandments on display or "In God We Trust" on our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance. Why don't we just tell the other 14% to SIT DOWN and SHUT UP!!!

But you have neglected the more important matters of the law - Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness.
Matthew 23:23
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If a man cannot be a Christian in the place where he is, he cannot be a Christian anywhere.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

DID YOU KNOW?
As you walk up the steps to the building which houses the U.S. Supreme Court, you can see near the top of the building, a row of the worlds' law givers and each one is facing one in the middle, who is facing forward with a full frontal view..... it is Moses and he is holding the Ten Commandments!!
As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door. As you sit inside the courtroom, you can see the wall, right above where the Supreme Court judges sit, a display of the Ten Commandments is there! There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington, D.C.
Now that you know all that, if you didn't before, ask yourself, why have THEY tried to remove God from our government and everyday lives??
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Men, for the sake of making a living, forget to live. What is life, if not the enjoyment of Gods' creation.
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If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives.

...It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Acts 20:35

You know, while we mostly agree with that Scripture, we do at times get our feelings hurt, by the lack of acknowledgement in events that make up our lives. We usually find those kind of hurts, were not intentional, but merely an oversight. They are soon healed, by the oversight being remembered. Then, we feel foolish, for letting our emotions take over our life. We all enjoy a present or gift, from time to time, but actually we like to give, more than receive. Which brings us back where we started, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Something about seeing the eyes of a child or adult, light up and get as big as the moon, and the expression of delight, that fills their face, makes us fill all warm and satisfied with the fact that we just gave someone such a gift, that would inspire this type of reaction.
Can you imagean how God must have felt, when He gave His Son for our sins!!!! and many did not know or except Jesus, for the wonderful gift that He was. Never the less, God G A V E - and in time, incluging the present, people excepted and are excepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. God sees the expressions on our faces and in our eyes and in our hearts, thus, it is better to give, than receive, UNLESS, you are the receipeant of Gods' gift of eternal life. IT DOSEN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT. We can not out give God, nor should we try. Just give, anywhere, anytime, to anybody, God will see and acknowledge, for He knows all and He knows our hearts.
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HAPPY FATHERS DAY........DADs

Children are our most valuable natural resource.

Children are a heritage of the Lord....
Psalm 127:3

A young branch takes on all the bends that one gives to it.

Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

Yes, children are our most precious responsibility. It is wounderful to see how they turn out, especially when one recalls all that happened during their up bringing. The times you woundered, if they or you, would even make it. Children are fun, interesting, challenging, and our greatest joy. They do not come with an instruction book, but there is a guide book, the Bible. If we talk the talk, we should walk the talk, God's Word is a light unto our feet and the inlighting on the path we are to take. Read Gods' Word, pray often, seek Gods' will for your life, He will guide you in your endeavors to be a parent. But, you must stay in touch with God and stay alert to His voice.
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Children miss nothing in sizing up their parents. If you are only half convinced of your beliefs, they will quickly discern that fact.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering...
Hebrews 10:23

We as parents, often think that we have the wool pulled over our childrens' eyes. We teach, do as I say, not as I do. Well that kind of thinking just doesn't get it, it never did. We were only fooling ourselves. Children have always had the uncanny ability to pick up on, exactly what we did not want them to.
Have you ever heard your child say something a bit off color, and wonder....NOW where did they hear that!! Hmmm. It's what we say, that is more than likely what they pick up. So, we not only need to preach a certain way, but we must live that way as well. Teach - Do as I do, and say what I say. When we live, say and act the way we should, then we set an example, not only for our children, but for ourselves and others. Hold fast our faith and belief without wavering. Remember, someone is always watching, wheather it be our chlidren or someone we don't even know. We should always set the best example we can....Our God is always WATCHING.....
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If it is desirable that children be kind, appreciative and pleasant, then those qualities should be taught - not hoped for.

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is the light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.
Proverbs 6:23

Teaching your children these qualities, should be taught at home. If they are to gain such qualities, home is the only place they will ever be exposed. Certainly not in our school systems, where alternate life styles, politically correct, greed, self indulgence, disrespect, individual rights without compassion for others and an opposite teaching about history, and evolution, prevail. We can not expect, with the amount of government control in our country today, that our children will be taught anything of moral, christian or quality values.
We are not to blame the teachers, but ourselves. We have stood by and watched our country go down hill. If we do not turn around and regain control of our government and place God back in our schools, pledge of allegiance, government, constitution, and on our currency. Then what can we gain by teaching our children to be kind, appreciative and pleasant?
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My Dad and I hunted and fished together. How could I get angry at this man, who took the time to be with me?

Honor thy Dad....
Exodus 20:12

I know, that as a Dad, I did not spend as much time with my son as I should have. Seems like making a living and providing food, clothes, school needs and a roof over his head was more important. Well, it wasn't and it took me along time to realize that. Thank God, we did have some good times, just he and I, and as a family, we also had some memory making times. I guess my son learned from this experience. He spends a lot of time with his kids and always goes on a family vacation at least once a year, but goes on outings, camping week-ends, etc. often. He honors me, by caring for his family the way he does. He is a good Christian man, and spiritual leader of his household. I don't think I could ask for anything better than that from my child. I love him and what's more, he loves me. If you can't say that about yourself and kids, then you are missing out on the finer things of life.
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Yesterday, was our 41st Wedding Anniversary, and I just wont to say Thanks to my Lovely wife Leslie, for putting up with me all these years. I know it hasn't always been easy, but it has been rewarding for us both. We have a beautiful family, and are Blessed by them all being Christians. Thank You God for that. I am reminded of Proverbs 22:6 - Raise up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Thank you Father. In going along with that thought, I would like to share this story, that I received via email. It is called:
TAKE MY SON
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything from Picasso to Raphael.. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.
When the Viet Nam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle, while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying mr to safety, when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly... He often talked about you, and your love for art. The young man held out the package. I know this isn't much.. I'm not really an artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.
THE FATHER
Opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears.
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home, he took them to see the portrait of his son.
The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many gathered, excited over having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.
On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?...... There was silence.. Then a voice in the back shouted, We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one. But the auctioneer persisted. Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?
Another voice angrily, we didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the REAL bids!
But still the auctioneer continued. The son! The son! Who'll take the son?
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. I'll give $10 for the painting... Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.
We have $10, who will bid $20?
Give it to him for $10. Lets' see the masters.
The crowd became angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.
They wanted the more worthy investments for their collection.
The auctioneer pounded the gavel. Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!
A man sitting on the second row shouted, NOW lets' get on with the collection!
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. I'm sorry, the auction is over.
What about the paintings?
I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting, would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son, gets everything!

God gave His Son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: THE SON, THE SON, WHO'LL TAKE THE SON?

SOME PARENTS BRING UP THEIR CHILDREN ON THUNDER AND LIGHTNING, BUT THUNDER AND LIGHTNING NEVER YET, MADE ANYTHING GROW.

...you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others.... Most of all, let love guide your life....
Colossians 3:12,14

KEEP COMPANY WITH GOOD MEN AND GOOD MEN YOU WILL IMITATE.
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17

THE GREAT MAN IS HE WHO DOES NOT LOSE HIS CHILD'S HEART.
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers...
Malachi 4:6

AN OUNCE OF LOVING ROLE MODELING IS WORTH A POUND OF PARENTAL PRESSURE.
In everything set them an example by doing what is good.
Titus 2:7

GOD SENDS NO ONE AWAY, EXCEPT MAYBE THOSE WHO ARE FULL OF THEMSELVES.
...for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1 Peter 5:5

AUTHORITY WITHOUT WISDOM IS LIKE A HEAVY AX WITHOUT AN EDGE, FITTER TO BRUISE THAN POLISH.
...the authority the Lord gave me was for building you up, not for tearing you down.
1 Corinthians 13:10

DAD, WHEN YOU COME HOME AT NIGHT WITH ONLY SHATTERED PIECES OF YOUR DREAMS, YOUR LITTLE ONE CAN MEND THEM LIKE NEW, WITH TWO WORDS - "HI, DAD!"
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love...
Philemon 7

PERHAPS ONCE IN A HUNDRED YEARS A PERSON MAY BE RUINED BY EXCESSIVE PRAISE, BUT SURELY, ONCE EVERY MINUTE SOMEONE DIES INSIDE FOR LACK OF IT.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29

TO BECOME A DAD, IS NOT HARD,....HOWEVER, TO BE A DAD IS.
Get all the advice you can and be wise the rest of your life.
Proverbs 19:20

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEANINGFUL COMMUNICATION BETWEEN DADS AND SONS, MUST BE CREATED. IT IS WORK TO ACHIEVE.
To every thing, there is a season, ...a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.
Ecclesiastes 3:1,7

BIG PEOPLE MONOPOLIZE THE LISTENING. SMALL PEOPLE MONOPOLIZE THE TALKING.
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Proverbs 29:20

MANY A MAN SPANKS HIS CHILDREN FOR THINGS HIS OWN DAD SHOULD HAVE SPANKED HIM FOR.

Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
Proverbs 23:13,14

THE FIRST DUTY OF LOVE IS TO LISTEN.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear...
James 1:19

HE THAT WILL HAVE HIS SON HAVE RESPECT FOR HIM AND HIS ORDERS, MUST HIMSELF HAVE A GREAT REVERENCE FOR HIS SON.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give prefrence to one another in honor.
Romans 12:10

NO PERSON WAS EVER HONORED FOR WHAT HE RECEIVED. HONOR HAS BEEN THE REWARD FOR WHAT HE GAVE.

...the righteous giveth and spareth not.
Proverbs 21:26

YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE

When you walk through a storm,
Hold your head up high
and don't be afraid of the dark,
At the end of the storm is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart,
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never walk alone!

YOU CAN'T DO MUCH ABOUT YOUR ANCESTORS, BUT YOU CAN INFLUENCE YOUR DESCENDANTS ENORMOUSLY.

...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15

EVERY DAD IS THE FAMILY ROLE MODEL, WHETHER HE WANTS THE JOB OR NOT.

...in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, that you might follow our example.
2 Thessalonians 3:9

CHILDREN ARE LIKE CLOCKS; THEY MUST BE ALLOWED TO RUN.

Dads,....do not be hard on them (children) or harass them; lest they become discouraged...
Colossians 3:21

THE BEST TIME FOR YOU TO HOLD YOUR TONGUE IS THE TIME YOU FEEL YOU MUST SAY SOMETHING OR BUST

Don't talk so much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow!
Proverbs 10:19

LAUGHTER IS THE SHORTEST DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE.

The light in the eyes (of him whose heart is joyful) rejoices the hearts of others...
Proverbs 15:30

IF YOU KEEP TELLING YOUR SON SOMETHING'S WRONG WITH HIM, SOONER OR LATER HE'LL BELIEVE IT. FOLLOW EVERY, "THATS WRONG" BY SAYING WHAT'S RIGHT.

And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge....
Romans 15:14

THE SUPERIOR MAN...
STANDS ERECT BY BENDING ABOVE THE FALLEN. HE RISES BY LIFTING OTHERS.

And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men.
1 Thessalonians 5:14

CHILDREN SPELL "LOVE"
T-I-M-E.

Don't be fools; be wise; make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good.
Ephesians 5:16

IT IS BETTER TO BIND YOUR CHILDREN TO YOU BY A FEELING OF RESPECT, AND BY GENTLENESS, THAN BY FEAR.

...thy gentleness hath made me great.
Psalm 18:35

ULYSSES S. GRANT

"OUR GREAT MODERN REPUBLIC. MAY THOSE WHO SEEK THE BLESSINGS OF ITS INSTITUTIONS AND THE PROTECTION OF ITS FLAG REMEMBER THE OBLIGATIONS THEY IMPOSE."