Pride vs. humility HUMILITY…is a hard pill to swallow. You have heard the term ‘humble pie’. I’ve experienced a lot of it over my lifetime. It’s often used in the phrase—‘eat humble pie’. It is a figurative serving of humiliation usually in the form of a forced submission, apology or retraction. I’ve noted that most, […]
Reflection ANNIVERSARIES…are a time of remembrance, reflecting back on what has gone before, what has brought one to this time and place. And I believe the longer the period, the more revered it is. We have had many over the life of our nation, and more keeps getting added. 4th of July, Pearl Harbor, D-Day, […]
Be PRESENT CHRISTMAS…is a time of giving. Jesus personified this as he gave his life so that those who believe the gospel will have life, abundant and eternal. That gospel is “Christ died for my sins and rose from the dead.” (I Cor. 15.1-5) It was freely given. As a fact of matter, he was […]
Cleaning the mess MOMS…are the ones who always used to get the “Hi Mom” on TV from the guys on the bench at college football games. The only signs about dads I used to see were: “Dad, send money”. Irma Bombeck, a hilarious comedian, said she didn’t know her name wasn’t “But Mom” until all […]
A letter from Roy Angel A Many of you reading these life lessons support the ministry of Abiding Fathers in various ways. And from time to time you deserve to receive a taste of the fruit you are helping produce. I get to experience it every week at Hutchins State Jail and other venues. This […]
Role of a father MEN…are the male species of mankind. Is that all? Far from it! But somehow in our strangely confused culture, some don’t realize the significance of being a man. And it is really showing up in families. The man’s role as the father is slowly being abdicated to a third party, mainly […]
John the Baptizer and John Richard “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.” Allow me to stretch that introduction of John the Baptizer in John 1:6 into a description of my father, John Richard. The latter entered his heavenly reward for his earthly labor 17 days short of his 95th birthday […]
A poem from prison Below is a poem written by one of the dads in our curriculum at Hutchins State Jail where I teach each Wednesday. Since I have written poetry most of my life, I was encouraged by Dustin S. and his ability to grasp a subject and express it poetically. Us ‘rhymers’ stick […]
Someone special Will Daniel Ellerman is turning 19 on the 15th. Our fourth of five grandchildren and he was uniquely born with Down Syndrome. Before you say, O, I’m so sorry, DON’T! The only reason you would be led to think or say that is because you have never met him. For those who have, […]
Perfect happiness BEATITUDES…are defined as supreme blessedness or a state of utmost bliss. It is more than just being happy; lots of things give you earthly happiness. They are exalted happiness. The origin in Latin means perfect happiness. You get the point; it’s an awesome, life altering experience. But what can cause such blessedness? Well, […]