25 Years

Cornerstone Church is 25 years old. Twenty-five years goes so quickly. I start wondering, "What am I doing today that will make a difference 25 years from now?"

In 1983 these were popular songs: Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cindy Lauper, God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood, Jump by Van Halen, Mr. Roboto by Styx, Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top, She Works Hard for the Money by Donna Summer, and Thriller by Michael Jackson. These were popular movies: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Flashdance, The Right Stuff, and Scarface. Television was filled with these timeless classics? TJ Hooker, Cagney and Lacey, Mama’s Family, Dynasty, Fall Guy, Newhart, Knight Rider, and Hill Street Blues. What difference does it make?

The only thing that will make a difference 25 years from now will be what we do for people. We express our love for God by loving people. 1 John 4:7 - 11 (NKJV), "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Ten Things I Want My Kids To Know

There are ten things I want my kids to know, before I cut them loose into the world. My daughter is nearly out there on her own now at almost 21. My older son just graduated high school. So, he's on his way. Several years ago I questioned myself as to whether I had done everything to prepare my children to be successful in this world. I came up with this list of ten things.

1. Put God first
2. Always do right
3. Treat everyone well
4. Choose your friends wisely
5. Try new things
6. Don’t be afraid to fail
7. If you fall down, get up
8. Help people, especially those who cannot repay you
9. Ask questions and listen to answers
10. Honor your father and mother

Happy parenting!

Peace,

Stan

Father's Day

Father's Day reminds us of many things. We live in a day when men sire children, but fewer father them. What does it mean to be a father? There are three things which fathers should remember.

1) Children are gifts from God. Psalms 127:3, "Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward." Children should be treated as precious and special gifts from God.

2) Children are a stewardship from God. A steward is one who manages another's property. Children should be considered God's possessions. They should be raised according to God's plan for them. Edith Schaeffer, wife of Francis Schaeffer, answered the question, “What is a family?” by stating, “It is a perpetual relay of truth!” Fathers have a responsibility to pass on God's truth and values to his children.

3) Children must be trained. Noone is born knowing what to do in order to succeed in this world. Each must be trained to walk with integrity. Children need to be taught how to work hard and the value of money. Children need to be trained to use their words to edify not to destroy. Etc.

The best way to train children is by example, more than words.

Peace,

Stan

Father's