FATHER'S DAY!

This coming Sunday, June 21, is Father's Day!  It is a special and wonderful day to honor our fathers!  As this special day approaches, I like to walk back down memory's lane and think of how very blessed I am to have had a wonderful father who loved God, loved His Holy Word, and honored His Holy Day!  It is heart-breaking to think of the many little children today who have no father in their home.  If you have a godly father, you are very blessed!  He is worthy of you honor on this very special day set aside to especially remember and honor him!
 When I think of the very troubled times in our nation and world today, of think of how the fathers need wisdom and courage to be the leaders of their homes that God intends for them to be.  I trust that this poem, entitled, 'The End Of The Road Is But A Bend In The Road',  by Helen Steiner Rice will be an encouragement to you this Father's Day!

     "When we feel we have nothing left to give
And we are sure that the 'song has ended'  ---
      When our day seems over and the shadows fall,
And the darkness of night has descended ---
      Where can we go to find the strength
To valiantly keep on trying ---
      Where can we find the hand that will dry
The tears that the heart is crying ---
      There's but one place to go, and that is to God,
And dropping all pretense and pride ---
      We can pour out our problems without restraint,
And gain strength with Him at our side!

      And together, we stand at life's crossroads
And view what we think is the end ---
      But God has a much bigger vision,
And He tells us it's Only A Bend ---
      For the road goes on and is smoother,
And the 'pause in the song' is a 'rest' ---
      And the part that's unsung and unfinished,
Is the sweetest, and richest, and best!
      So rest and relax and grow stronger ---
Let Go, and Let God share your load,
      Your work is not finished or ended ---
You've just come to 'A Bend In The Road'"!

And on this Father's Day, I want to especially thank the Lord for my three boys -- Randy, Jonathan, and Joel; my son-in-law, Tommie, and my grandson, Adrian!  I hold you in my heart, and pray that God will help you to be strong and courageous leaders, fathers who are fully surrendered to God --
fathers who can say to my precious grandchildren and great grandchildren -- "Follow me, as I follow Christ"!