Remember The Sound of Music in which Maria taught the children to sing using “do-re-mi?”
The following is one of many articles my dad (Arne Thomassen) “clipped and saved.” Here is a take off on the musical scale. As I have mentioned, music was an integral part of his life. I imagine he saved this one because of the musical notes. But more than that, he was a man who put this “scale” into practice. For example, I saw him many times work on this one: “So (Sol) Sow the seeds of love, friendship, empathy, and helpfulness. These hardy seeds take root in the crustiest ground.” And, because he did, he won many people to himself, first, and then to the Lord, his ultimate goal.
Sad? Try the musical degree: LA
Climbing the Musical Scale
DO – Do not worry about things that may never happen and even if they happen, worry will not help. Do count your blessings before you count cares.
RE – Radiate good will and a spirit of benevolence. Like laughter, it is infectious and makes yourself, as well as others, feel better.
ME (MI) – Mete kindness, understanding, tolerance, and forgiveness generously. You reap as you mete.
FA – Far-reaching are the therapeutic benefits of spiritual thinking. You become as you habitually think. Resentment, hatred, spite, envy, and vengeance pack radioactive fall-out that gnaws at your vitals. They are self-consuming.
SO (SOL) – Sow the seeds of love, friendship, empathy, and helpfulness. These hardy seeds take root in the crustiest ground.
LA – Laugh at yourself now and then. He who can laugh at himself is les apt to be at war with himself. Laugh at yourself, even if you don’t feel like laughing.
TI – Teach yourself awareness and appreciation of all the wonders of nature. Thank God daily for the precious gift of life. Genuine gratitude and discontent are never found together.
DO – Do not expect someone else to open the door to happiness for you. You must do it yourself. You alone have the key. Turn it.
--Source unknown
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Saturday, July 7, 2007
There has to be a song!
There has to be a song—
There are too many dark nights,
Too many troublesome days,
Too many wearisome miles,
There has to be a song—
To make our burdens bearable,
To transform our successes into praise,
To release the chains of past defeats,
Somewhere—down deep in a forgotten corner of each man’s heart—
There has to be a song—
Like a cool, clear drink of water,
Like the gentle warmth of sunshine,
Like the tender love of a child.
There has to be a song.
Written by Bob Benson
This poem is one of the many pieces dad collected and used in his sermons, devotionals, radio broadcasts, or writings. If anyone had a song in his heart, it was dad. He sang all the time. He probably forgot more songs that I have learned….and I know quite a few!
One of the evidences of person’s walk with Jesus Christ is that he/she will have a song in their heart. The Bible says that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. I often think of Psalm 40 in which the psalmist, David, describes how God hears the cries of the sinner and brings him/her “up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; and He (God) sets my feet upon a rock, making my footsteps firm. And he put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many shall see and fear, and will trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 1-3)
Psalm 118:14 says “The Lord is my strength and song and is become my salvation.”
Dad sang his whole life. When he got to the point he could not speak, except for a few words, he could still sing. We live in another state from dad, so I spent a lot of time on the phone with him even though I knew he could not talk. He could only “jabber.” I would talk to him and he would try to respond….but only “gibberish” would come out. It had to be frustrating for him to want to express what he was thinking. The effects of the strokes and the Parkinson’s hindered his communication.
But….then I would say, “Dad, do you remember this song?” And I would start singing any one of countless hymns….and he would sing along, clearly enunciating every word! Whether it was “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me” or “To God be the glory great things He has done…” or any other one I started, he would singing along. In fact, I could quit singing and he would keep on going! And he knew all the verses, helping me if I stumbled on a word or two.
On Father’s Day, two weeks before he passed away, I called him and we sang at least 6 different songs. Now I wish I had kept a record of what we sang. But, even when his body was weak and his voice was weak, his spirit was strong. Jesus, His Song, came through! Now, dad no longer has a weak voice. I am sure that in heaven right now he is boldly and loudly singing “a song of praise to (his) our God.”
Yes, there is a song!
There are too many dark nights,
Too many troublesome days,
Too many wearisome miles,
There has to be a song—
To make our burdens bearable,
To transform our successes into praise,
To release the chains of past defeats,
Somewhere—down deep in a forgotten corner of each man’s heart—
There has to be a song—
Like a cool, clear drink of water,
Like the gentle warmth of sunshine,
Like the tender love of a child.
There has to be a song.
Written by Bob Benson
This poem is one of the many pieces dad collected and used in his sermons, devotionals, radio broadcasts, or writings. If anyone had a song in his heart, it was dad. He sang all the time. He probably forgot more songs that I have learned….and I know quite a few!
One of the evidences of person’s walk with Jesus Christ is that he/she will have a song in their heart. The Bible says that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. I often think of Psalm 40 in which the psalmist, David, describes how God hears the cries of the sinner and brings him/her “up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; and He (God) sets my feet upon a rock, making my footsteps firm. And he put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many shall see and fear, and will trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 1-3)
Psalm 118:14 says “The Lord is my strength and song and is become my salvation.”
Dad sang his whole life. When he got to the point he could not speak, except for a few words, he could still sing. We live in another state from dad, so I spent a lot of time on the phone with him even though I knew he could not talk. He could only “jabber.” I would talk to him and he would try to respond….but only “gibberish” would come out. It had to be frustrating for him to want to express what he was thinking. The effects of the strokes and the Parkinson’s hindered his communication.
But….then I would say, “Dad, do you remember this song?” And I would start singing any one of countless hymns….and he would sing along, clearly enunciating every word! Whether it was “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me” or “To God be the glory great things He has done…” or any other one I started, he would singing along. In fact, I could quit singing and he would keep on going! And he knew all the verses, helping me if I stumbled on a word or two.
On Father’s Day, two weeks before he passed away, I called him and we sang at least 6 different songs. Now I wish I had kept a record of what we sang. But, even when his body was weak and his voice was weak, his spirit was strong. Jesus, His Song, came through! Now, dad no longer has a weak voice. I am sure that in heaven right now he is boldly and loudly singing “a song of praise to (his) our God.”
Yes, there is a song!
Friday, July 6, 2007
99th Infantry Battalion (Separate)
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On July 3rd I mentioned that my dad, Arne Thomassen, was a member of the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate), Norwegian-American Ski Troops during World War II. Dad was one of the founders of a reunion that the 99-ers have had for years. How true the words written by Yngvar Stensby in "An Ode to the 99th" "A bond of brotherhood was formed that knows no parallel; and every year we reunite, out stories to retell." Several of the 99-ers, including Harold Hanson and his son, Harlan, came to dad's funeral.
If you would like more information about the group, you can contact Harold K. Hanson and his son, Harlan, and subscribe to their fine newsletter. e-mail: hk7hanson@sio.midco.net
The articles above are from "My Military Memoribilia" by Arne Thomassen: "An Ode to the 99th;" a brief history of the 99th; brief listing of WWII activities of the 99th and a poem dad carried with him while in Europe. In order to enlarge the various articles above take your mouse and click on the particular article and it will enlarge for easier reading.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Under His Wings
Yesterday I shared the story of dad (Arne Thomassen) asking the Army chaplain if he had any books he could read. He found “Under His Wings” by O. Hallesby, published by Augsburg Publishing House. “I started reading the book and then put it into my barracks bag.” Dad’s life was saved when the truck he was riding in hit an anti-tank mine.
Dad often related that story, whether in a sermon, in one of his radio talks, or in the devotionals he wrote. He said that the Lord protected him and kept him “under His wings.” This is a reference, not only to the title of a book, but originally from Psalm 91. The picture is that of a mother hen protecting her chicks under her wings. The Lord does that for all who will trust Him and say, as the Psalmist said, “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust.’”
Psalm 91
Security of the One Who Trusts in the LORD.
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!"
3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.
8 You will only look on with your eyes
And see the recompense of the wicked.
9 For you have made the LORD, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
10 No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.
11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.
12 They will bear you up in their hands,
That you do not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.
14 "Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
15 "He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 "With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation."
Here is the hymn written based on these words. This was a favorite of my dad.
Under His Wings
Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.
Refrain
Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.
Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.
Words: William O. Cushing
Music: Ira D. Sankey
Have you learned to trust the Lord and live in the safety He gives? Read Psalm 91 again. Ask God to be your refuge and fortress. Give your life to Him. You can trust Him. Then you will be able to say with the hymn writer:
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.
Dad often related that story, whether in a sermon, in one of his radio talks, or in the devotionals he wrote. He said that the Lord protected him and kept him “under His wings.” This is a reference, not only to the title of a book, but originally from Psalm 91. The picture is that of a mother hen protecting her chicks under her wings. The Lord does that for all who will trust Him and say, as the Psalmist said, “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust.’”
Psalm 91
Security of the One Who Trusts in the LORD.
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!"
3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.
8 You will only look on with your eyes
And see the recompense of the wicked.
9 For you have made the LORD, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
10 No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.
11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.
12 They will bear you up in their hands,
That you do not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.
14 "Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
15 "He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 "With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation."
Here is the hymn written based on these words. This was a favorite of my dad.
Under His Wings
Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.
Refrain
Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.
Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.
Words: William O. Cushing
Music: Ira D. Sankey
Have you learned to trust the Lord and live in the safety He gives? Read Psalm 91 again. Ask God to be your refuge and fortress. Give your life to Him. You can trust Him. Then you will be able to say with the hymn writer:
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.
Thank you, John Johnson from Bergen, North Dakota!
It is good to say thank you!
On this day as we celebrate the birthday of the United States, we also pause to remember the many men and women who have given their lives for our nation. We remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their life for the cause of freedom. We also desire to give thanks to many who have sacrificed time and energy in their country through the military, but also in every level and branch of government. Countless millions of others selflessly serve others through community service. To each of you we say “Thank You!”
Although Dad (Arne Thomassen) lived to be 85, he was willing to give so others could have freedom. This “willingness” is what is important.
The following are dad’s words which he wrote in a book my mother compiled about his World War II experiences entitled, “My Military Memorabilia.”
Psalm 92:1-4 “It is good to say ‘Thank you’ to the Lord, to sing praises to God who is above all gods. Every morning tell Him, ‘Thank you for your kindness!’ And every evening rejoice in all His faithfulness. Sing His praises, accompanied by music from the harp and lute and lyre. You have done so much for me, O Lord. No wonder I am glad! I sing for joy.”
I would like to tell you why I am thankful to the Lord. Everyone’s life experiences are different. Our backgrounds are different. Our bringing up was perhaps different. Things have happened to us that we never dreamed would happen. I never dreamed I would experience the things I did. Had I known beforehand what was going to take place when I went into the Army, I would have wondered how am I ever going to get through this….But…the Lord is faithful, and what I am going to share is my continued thanks to Him for His faithfulness.
…I was sent to Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and discovered that I was part of a unique group in the Army. Most of the men were of Norwegian descent.
We stated at Fort Snelling for about a month and a half and then we moved to Camp Hale, Colorado, for mountain training. We found out that we were formed to take part in the invasion of Norway and work with the Norwegian Underground. We went overseas in August of 1943. Plans were changed and in June of 1944 we crossed the English Channel to France. We went ashore on June 22nd after having been battered by a storm and nightly fighter plane raids.
In the month of August, while in a staging area, I asked our chaplain if he had any books I could read. He said, “Look in my field desk and take whatever you want.” I found a book entitled “Under His Wings” by O. Hallesby, published by Augsburg Publishing House. I started reading the book and then put it into my barracks bag. We were given orders to pull out the next day. We loaded into trucks and were sitting on our barracks bags instead of wooden benches. I was sitting next to a man from Colfax, Wisconsin, by the name of Orin Semingson. We hadn’t gone very far down the narrow dirt road when without warning the truck blew up. We had hit an anti-tank mine. Confusion reigned. Every one was trying to help each other. We managed to get everyone out of the truck, but all did not survive. My friend Orin had been wounded and did not survive. Eight were injured and three died. I received a broken ear drum and some bruises and half of my head felt numb. One of the sergeants asked me how I was. I told him that half of my head felt numb. He replied, “Well, that’s normal for you.” The sergeant was a lot bigger and stronger than me, so I just let the remark pass.
On another occasion I was sitting across from a fellow cleaning his gun (which was not supposed to be loaded) and a bullet whizzed by my head. Then we were taking a break during a march and the man who was sitting next to me said, “Watch, I’ll bet I can lift the 45 revolver from Simon’s holster and he won’t know it.” (That gun was not supposed to be loaded). He took the gun and pointed it to the ground…and bang…the bullet struck a bag leaning against my right foot and tore a hole in the bag.
In the month of December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, we got a call that one of our men had been wounded. About six men went out to get him. On the way back, we came to a stone fence which had to be crossed. I was helping to carry the litter. I was in the right front position, my friend John Johnson from Bergen, North Dakota was behind me. John and the other men in the rear positions jumped over the fence, so now I was in the rear. We hadn’t gone very far before we heard gunfire. We all hit the ground. When the firing stopped, John was dead. If it had not been for the stone fence we had to cross, I would not be here to tell you this story.
I cannot help but say…Thanks to the Lord for giving me the chance to live and to dedicate my life to the ministry. The Lord has been faithful to me and I pray that I may always be faithful to Him. As the Psalmist said in the 92nd Psalm, “You have done so much for me, O Lord. No wonder I am glad. I sing for joy.”
A book had been sent to John Johnson and it had been given to me since I was with him when he died. The book was “God’s Word for Today,” by O. Hallesby, the same author as “Under His Wings.”
On this 4th of July, we say Thank You, Lord, but we also say thank you to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives so other could live.
Along with Dad, our family says Thank you, John Johnson from Bergen, North Dakota, for making the ultimate sacrifice. Yes, Dad was faithful to the ministry God gave him…for over 50 years!
On this day as we celebrate the birthday of the United States, we also pause to remember the many men and women who have given their lives for our nation. We remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their life for the cause of freedom. We also desire to give thanks to many who have sacrificed time and energy in their country through the military, but also in every level and branch of government. Countless millions of others selflessly serve others through community service. To each of you we say “Thank You!”
Although Dad (Arne Thomassen) lived to be 85, he was willing to give so others could have freedom. This “willingness” is what is important.
The following are dad’s words which he wrote in a book my mother compiled about his World War II experiences entitled, “My Military Memorabilia.”
Psalm 92:1-4 “It is good to say ‘Thank you’ to the Lord, to sing praises to God who is above all gods. Every morning tell Him, ‘Thank you for your kindness!’ And every evening rejoice in all His faithfulness. Sing His praises, accompanied by music from the harp and lute and lyre. You have done so much for me, O Lord. No wonder I am glad! I sing for joy.”
I would like to tell you why I am thankful to the Lord. Everyone’s life experiences are different. Our backgrounds are different. Our bringing up was perhaps different. Things have happened to us that we never dreamed would happen. I never dreamed I would experience the things I did. Had I known beforehand what was going to take place when I went into the Army, I would have wondered how am I ever going to get through this….But…the Lord is faithful, and what I am going to share is my continued thanks to Him for His faithfulness.
…I was sent to Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and discovered that I was part of a unique group in the Army. Most of the men were of Norwegian descent.
We stated at Fort Snelling for about a month and a half and then we moved to Camp Hale, Colorado, for mountain training. We found out that we were formed to take part in the invasion of Norway and work with the Norwegian Underground. We went overseas in August of 1943. Plans were changed and in June of 1944 we crossed the English Channel to France. We went ashore on June 22nd after having been battered by a storm and nightly fighter plane raids.
In the month of August, while in a staging area, I asked our chaplain if he had any books I could read. He said, “Look in my field desk and take whatever you want.” I found a book entitled “Under His Wings” by O. Hallesby, published by Augsburg Publishing House. I started reading the book and then put it into my barracks bag. We were given orders to pull out the next day. We loaded into trucks and were sitting on our barracks bags instead of wooden benches. I was sitting next to a man from Colfax, Wisconsin, by the name of Orin Semingson. We hadn’t gone very far down the narrow dirt road when without warning the truck blew up. We had hit an anti-tank mine. Confusion reigned. Every one was trying to help each other. We managed to get everyone out of the truck, but all did not survive. My friend Orin had been wounded and did not survive. Eight were injured and three died. I received a broken ear drum and some bruises and half of my head felt numb. One of the sergeants asked me how I was. I told him that half of my head felt numb. He replied, “Well, that’s normal for you.” The sergeant was a lot bigger and stronger than me, so I just let the remark pass.
On another occasion I was sitting across from a fellow cleaning his gun (which was not supposed to be loaded) and a bullet whizzed by my head. Then we were taking a break during a march and the man who was sitting next to me said, “Watch, I’ll bet I can lift the 45 revolver from Simon’s holster and he won’t know it.” (That gun was not supposed to be loaded). He took the gun and pointed it to the ground…and bang…the bullet struck a bag leaning against my right foot and tore a hole in the bag.
In the month of December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, we got a call that one of our men had been wounded. About six men went out to get him. On the way back, we came to a stone fence which had to be crossed. I was helping to carry the litter. I was in the right front position, my friend John Johnson from Bergen, North Dakota was behind me. John and the other men in the rear positions jumped over the fence, so now I was in the rear. We hadn’t gone very far before we heard gunfire. We all hit the ground. When the firing stopped, John was dead. If it had not been for the stone fence we had to cross, I would not be here to tell you this story.
I cannot help but say…Thanks to the Lord for giving me the chance to live and to dedicate my life to the ministry. The Lord has been faithful to me and I pray that I may always be faithful to Him. As the Psalmist said in the 92nd Psalm, “You have done so much for me, O Lord. No wonder I am glad. I sing for joy.”
A book had been sent to John Johnson and it had been given to me since I was with him when he died. The book was “God’s Word for Today,” by O. Hallesby, the same author as “Under His Wings.”
On this 4th of July, we say Thank You, Lord, but we also say thank you to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives so other could live.
Along with Dad, our family says Thank you, John Johnson from Bergen, North Dakota, for making the ultimate sacrifice. Yes, Dad was faithful to the ministry God gave him…for over 50 years!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
A watch, a radio, and a flashlight
I have chosen July 3, 2007 to launch my blog so I can honor the memory of my father, "Pastor T,"
Arne
Thorodd
Thomassen.
Today marks the first anniversary of his funeral held at Cornerstone Assembly of God in New Richmond, Wisconsin. Burial with military honors was at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in St. Paul, Minnesota. Dad was a member of the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate), Norwegian-American Ski Troops during World War II. Those years in the army shaped his entire live. But, we can talk about that at another time.
Let me give a window into his life from his watch, his radio and his flashlight.
The watch….dad was never without his watch. Even in the nursing home when he could not speak but a few words, he continually looked at his watch. He wanted to make sure every one knew it was time for him to be wheeled to the Dining Room! Dad was a man who was on time. You could count on him! He honored his commitments. If he said he’d be there at 9:00 a.m., he was there and usually early. His watch accompanied him everywhere. I remember for a while he carried his dad’s pocket watch. He was very proud of that. Even today I am continually reminded of that watch for the last one he possessed is on the file cabinet in my office which is closest to my desk. It sits next to his coffee cup from the 99th’s 50th Reunion in Denver in 1995 and next to the picture of my brothers George, Curtis and me holding the flag given to us during military honors at the grave side in Ft. Snelling. This watch is a real treasure because it is a symbol of a real treasure: Dad! Now that treasure is timeless!
The radio…was never far from dad. As a child I remember seeing a small black radio on a night stand on his side of the bed. After a long, busy day of his work as a pastor, he loved to lay in bed listening to London or broadcasts from other parts of the world on his short wave radio. He wanted to know what was happening in the world. Dad first of all loved God, loved his family and loved people. Those were his priorities throughout his 85 years of life on this earth. His concern for people is legendary. For example, there are countless numbers of people, from high school students to prisoners who have enjoyed his generosity of the doughnuts he’d bring them! In fact, our son, as a young boy, used to call him “Poppa Dono” because every time Grandpa came to the house to visit he brought doughnuts! People were his priority. That radio kept him informed as to what was happening with people.
The flashlight…next to the radio in the bedroom was the flashlight! You don’t go to bed without it near by. You never know if you have to get up in the middle of the night! What if the electricity goes out? With the flashlight, you’ll find your way. It was one of the first things packed in the suitcase on a trip. When you are sleeping in a strange place, you need that light to help you find your way in the middle of the night! Even today, my family has picked up the flashlight habit! My wife, my son…both like to know where “the flashlight is.” Thanks to Dad we keep the light near by.
I was reminded of another light he always had at hand: God's Word. As I have been thinking of Dad today, it was like he was speaking to me as I read Proberbs 3:
“My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;
For length of days and years of life,
And peace they will add to you.
Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good repute
In the sight of God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
It will be haling to your body
And refreshment to your bones.
Honor the Lord from your wealth,
And from the first of all your produce;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
My son, do not reject the disciple of the Lord,
Or loather His reproof,
For whom the Lord loves He reproves,
Even as a father, the son in whom he delights.”
(Proverbs 3:1-12 New American Standard Version)
Thanks, dad, for the watch to keep me on time and remember my commitments to people!
Thanks, dad, for the radio to keep me informed about people and the world around me.
And, thanks, dad for the flashlight to help me through the dark world in which we live. For I am reminded of a verse you often quoted: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Your life has shown me the way. I love you, Dad. Thanks for the memories.
Roger
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