June 2010

This picture is one of my family taken at Christmas time 2007.

Slow To Anger


An important lesson my dad taught, me early in my life, was to think before speaking. There have been far too many of my students (during the 30 or so years that I was in the classroom), who truly needed to learn that lesson, but for one reason or another they had failed to learn it; usually they lacked a support system (living in a one parent household), or the family they had wasn’t Christ centered (other effects from these society woes, are better left to other blog enteries). Life’s lessons (how to live a Godly life) can not be taught in the classroom. They need to be instructed in the home. Each individual needs to have three strong pillars (mental, physical, and spiritual), this also holds true for small units in a society (family units), as well as communities in general. To cause someone to be angry because of unintended words, or to compound your own anger by eliciting a response from another by your own word or deeds, is often avoidable by carefully thought out responses to perceived negative behavior.

Proverbs 16:32 “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”- King James

It is the person who carefully considers their response, as they determine what would be most constructive and pleasing in God’s eyes (I use to love those bracelets; WWJD), who is often considered most wise.

James 1:19-20 “My dear brothers, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”- NIV

In closing, I encourage you to think every time before speaking.

Proverbs 12:18 “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

May (Mother's Day) 2010 #2

I almost left the blog without posting at least one picture of my wonderful late mother.   She will always be remembered for her great love for her family, for others, and for the Lord Jesus Christ.   Here is my mom with my children.

May (Mother's Day) 2010

Can’t tell ya if it was my mother’s patience with me, her strong and continuous love of the Lord, or her ability to love others even when deeply oppressed which was my mom’s greatest gift. The obvious thing is that I was greatly blessed to have my mom for over 50 years. My parents helped me to understand that there are three pillars in everyone’s life- the physical, the mental, and the spiritual. I may have mentioned this before, but my mom would make sure that I attended church with her every Sunday (attached is a picture of me in my normal Sunday garb). Mom was the one who realized just how important my college graduation was and was there at that time to support me. It was my mother who was my greatest fan, it didn’t matter which sport I was participating in she seemed to always be there to support me; my number one fan.

Anyone who is even thinking about becoming a parent needs to realize that once you are a parent it is vital that you no longer place yourself anywhere near the top of your priority list. So many times today, I see young men and women leaving their spouse and unfortunately their children for greener pastures. Friends the grass always looks greener on the other side; even if you think it smells better, don’t be fooled. Satin is the great deceiver. First, remember the vow you took on your wedding day; before God and man. Second, if you have your priorities right, your children should come way before your own desires; think about, what is going to be in their best interests. Third, if you are being plagued with doubts, talk to your pastor or another Christian friend, before approaching your spouse again. Here is where Christian counseling is often useful in opening the chain of communication within a relationship.

Talking to me between classes one of my students asked me (last week), how long I had been married. My response seemed to shock many of the students standing around; “I have been married to the same women for 35 years, and we dated for 5 years before that”. The student’s responses were remarkable. One student commented “see it is possible”. Another chimed in with, “you must have been high school sweethearts”. The first comment made me feel good as a role model, and the second has me feelin good for my age. This also reminds me of just how blessed I have been to have had Debbie to help me raise three wonderful daughters (attached is a picture of my family).

Now at the end of spring, we celebrate Mother’s Day. Let me encourage each of you to show the mother’s in you life just how special they are to you. For without the mom’s in my life neither I nor any of my family would have the strength of mind , body, or spirit that we have been gifted with today. Happy Mother’s Day 2010.