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(A Father’s Day Tribute, To The Men That Left Their Mark In My Life)
I was born what now seems to be a long time ago in a little town in central PA. Born the son of a local policeman and housewife, with very humble beginnings economically. My parents were great providers, and learned to accomplish great things with the blessings God provided.
As far back as I can remember, we always had enough to get by, and in some cases enough left to share. God provided blessings, many blessings, His hand was always present in my life, and eventually I began to see that. I grew up as an extremely strong willed child, creating great challenges and pain for my parents, but that is another story for another time. They both had the love of music, both played in the High School band of their respective High Schools. They were married June 14th, 1958 in a little coal town in central PA, in a Christian Missionary Alliance Church. Their parents, all four were born again Christians that lived the life they proclaimed. My Grandparents were all faithful followers of Christ, strong God fearing people that lovingly and willingly shared the gospel with their family and unsaved grandchildren. It was through their prayers, guidance, correction and diligence that I have the mind to write these things today. For it was by those faithful prayers that I too became a born again Christian. The influence grandparents have on their grandchildren is phenomenal, when done right God brings fruit out of that influence. Grandparents can impact the development of their grandchildren by teaching Faith, Discipline, Scripture Memorization, the art of Praying and balance of head knowledge and heart knowledge. Grandchildren will more times than not put a little more stock in what Grandma and Grandpa have to say then other folks in their life. I was a perfect example of a young person that placed great stock in what those wonderful older people had to say and listened intently to the advice they had to offer, even though painful at times.
My Dad’s folks were strong faithful people, and they instilled in me the desire to be close to God, and His gift to us in His Son’s ministry and life. They also provided life balance lessons for me in the early years (memories of 4 years of age to the mid teens). Grand-dad was firm in his belief and convictions. He loved me very much, and actually told me that once or twice verbally, which was kind of unusual for that generation. He showed me his tender hearted side as well. Sitting on the edge of my bed while I said my prayers, reinforcing my Grand-mothers working with me to learn scripture, he taught me to play music on an old Hammond organ in their home. He had significant stock in an extended family camp with cabin; we would visit frequently in my younger years. It was a quiet place with trees all around and a small meadow that we had campfires in. It was at camp that Grand-dad taught me to respect the earth the Lord has given us, and to take only that from the earth and the wild which we needed and could use. He taught me to shoot a single shot .22 rifle; we shot cans, tin plates, paper targets and occasionally a snake that wondered to close to the cabin. Until I started this project I had lost some of these memories, now I remember Grand-dad taught me the respect of firearms, and how to safely use them at an early age. Early lessons of responsibility and accountability, I wonder where those things’ are being taught to today’s youth.
I spent many summers and weekends with my Grandparents. I loved them greatly a bond that my siblings were not quite as fortunate to experience. As a small boy, Grand-dad was a giant of a man, yet reflecting back on those years, he was tender hearted, gentle mannered, yet he was firm in his correction with me when I was out of line. He showed me the meekness of Christ, gentle strength under control, willing to share the very essence of who he was with those that came in contact with him. He knew he possessed the inherited royalty of the very King that gave him life, an adopted son, willing to share that inheritance with family, friends and strangers alike. Grand-dad filled my heart and mind with so many wonderful memories, the pain is that it took 40 years to rediscover the majority of them. Sin will take so much farther than you want to travel, and that rugged journey takes you to where you can’t see those that mean so much to you. They become distant memories that become buried and bogged down with the daily troubles of life. The secret Grand-dad knew; that when you are of the elect of the Father, He will lead you back home. Grand-dad exercised God’s patience, and shined in Christ’s undying love to the point of sacrifice. Yes, Grand-dad I remember who’s hand to grab when the storm roars, who’s breast to rest in when I am weary beyond words. The very one you are with today.
Grand-dad was extremely knowledgeable in Theology, Christology, Hebrew, Greek and Church Doctrine to the point of being very dogmatic when I was much younger. He studied at great length every morning before work. I would also catch him from time to time sitting on the living room sofa reading his Bible after dinner. Many evenings when he came home he would dig back into his Bible and studies. He was great man, he loved Christ with all of his being, and he shared the gospel story with me many times when I was younger. Grand-dad always had time to answer bible questions, and made sure you had the references to answer your question so that you wouldn’t forget. My grandparents started the First Baptist Church in their home. A licensed minister, Grand-dad was the rock of my doctrinal upbringing. I was so fortunate to witness first hand hundreds of hours of his prayer and Bible study while living with him for a short time in my youth. He was such a Rock, he loved the Lord so much, and he taught me sacrifice thru his unending service to the Lord in the church. He taught the adult Sunday school class, he served on the Deacon Board and provided spiritual mind and heart exercises for untold Pastors thru in-depth discussions and conversations. His only wish for me – was to see me as a minister in his life time. Brokenheartedly I must say he never realized that dream, because I became too self centered and prideful. I walked away from everything he had taught me at one point, and my conscience was rubbed raw by the very sight of him. Then after a while; that old devil “Satan” callused my heart so deeply it didn’t bother me anymore.
Now looking back, I am sure that those tough years brought him great pain. He gave so much, and I took so much from him in spiritual and emotional terms. Yet the times I did make it back to visit, he had nothing but smiles and tears of joy, he exemplified the Christian walk with his Loving Lord and Savior, He always put Christ first. Oh Dear Lord, please give a big thank you to my loving Grand-dad. My Dad's parent's house was extremely modest, small three bedroom two story that was quite old. It was comfortable, a little drafty in the winter, but it was home. It was just five blocks from the elementary school down town which was just a few minute walk. It was only a block and a half from down town, half way up a steep hill which made the view down into town pretty neat for a kid growing up. On Friday or Saturday nights Grand-dad would bring the car out, and we would ride down town and park in front of the old Five & Dime store. They would take me in, and the routine was to look at the toys, then go look at the fish and stop at the snack counter on the way out and buy a bag of cashews. Then we would go out and sit in the car with the windows down and just watch the people walk by. I have so many wonderful and endearing memories of my Grandparents home and times with them; they never ran out of patience or love. They have let an image of Christ’s Love in my mind and heart.
My mom’s folks were devout Christian Missionary Alliance members, and like my Dad’s folks believed if the Church doors were open, your behind had better be in one of the pews. My Grand-Pap loved the great outdoors, he loved to fish and when I was 11 years old, he began taking me on some of his fishing trips when I stayed with them in the summers. Somehow that dear man always found answers for my endless questions, and satisfied my unending desire to tinker and tear things apart. Grand-Pap was a layman’s genius, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or figure out.
When I was younger, I always thought of Grand-Pap as a gentle giant of a man. He worked on the railroad, which was a tough job, and he had several harrowing experiences on the trains. He was strong, coal black hair and a huge smile when you were fortunate enough to catch one. Grand-Pap was kind and gentle with his grand-kids, but there was no question that you were to listen when at his house. I could spend hours and hours telling stories of adventures I would have at their home in the summers. It was a great place on the out skirts of an old coal mining town. Some of the old coal stripping mines were just a short hike up over the hill from their house. There were loads of blueberries to pick on your way up the hill and along the railroad tracks. Grand-Pap taught me the Love of Christ through his loving service and tender heart. He served in his church as a Deacon, and many years as Treasurer. When I was just 10 years old I watched my grand-dad give his tearful testimony, giving God all the credit for the massive change in his life. In knowing his testimony, a man of many vices before he knew Christ, cigarettes, booze, cussing and the works, made his transformation all the more impressive. The very night Christ brought him from death to life spiritually, he dropped every vice he had. In my knowing that fact validated the genuineness of his changed life and my placing him as the only man that I willingly and wholly accepted advice and criticism from – because I trusted his heart. If Grand-Pap told me I was messing up, I stopped and listened, and never, ever was suspect of his advice and promptings.
I never heard a cuss word or unkind word from this man’s lips. He devoutly read his Bible every night in the big chair in the living room. They had a small 19” black & white TV in their living room. If the show on the tube wasn’t Gun Smoke, Bonanza, The Big Valley, a Church Program (Billy Graham) or the local news the tube was switched off. Parental control through loving Christian Grand parenting – they used the moral conviction Christ gave them to filter what was decent or not to watch on TV – and this was back in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
These are the shoulders that I stand upon today, trying to Love and Serve the Lord as they so wonderfully taught me. A Spiritual Legacy that I can’t let die, for now at 50+ years of age I understand better, and love more. This work is a labor of love first to my biggest Hero, Christ himself. Who while I understand the academics and doctrine of His Love and Promise, my Heart can’t seem to put together the love of the un-lovable that He has for me. For I along with Him know the secrets of my heart and past, ugly and unworthy I stand in the midst of the Father’s mercy, and His Son’s grace. He loved me when I was yet living in the bonds of sin, because of that glorious sacrifice, I now stand before the Father wrapped in His righteousness – justified by His Blood.
I grew up with two younger brothers and a younger sister. Yes, I was the oldest son in the family of six. My mother and father had a tough time keeping things going when we were all in grade school to junior high. My brothers and I would walk along some of the streets and roads close to home looking for pop bottles. After collecting couple six or eight bottle cartons, we would take them to the local mini-grocery store and cash them in for bread or milk. Occasionally we would take them down and buy a bag of penny candy. My brothers and I got along good when we were younger; we all liked the hot toys of the time. Major Matt Mason, and the Thunderbirds, and our bikes – oh my, without our bikes we would have been lost. I had forgotten how much time we spent together back then, and we actually had a ton of fun. The brother behind me was extremely athletic; a good looking kid that the girls figured was a bit of eye candy. Later, he became quite the charmer. The only one out of the three boys to have blonde hair, my sister had blonde hair as well. Quite interesting actually, Dad had pitch black hair, Mother was a red head and my youngest brother and I had brown hair.
In our teen years, my brothers and I had our normal squabbles – but for the most part, in our own ways we knew we loved each other. The second born son, ended up getting an appointment to VMI, which lead to a commission in the US Marine Corps. Today he is serving in Iraq as part of the command structure for the U.S. Marine Corps Expeditionary Group as a Colonel. He married a lovely military girl, and they have a very talented son, who loves music. He and I were close while at home, we spent a lot of time on Tussey Mountain, and the fields of Rock Springs. He is sure to get a smile when remembering the snake at the farmers pond, nearly scared me out of my shoes. He always let me in if I was too late getting home at night. The years since we have left home, have robbed us of that closeness, but not enough to see the fine man he has become. His achievements are remarkable and long running. I am extremely proud of my brother and he is always in my thoughts and prayers.
This Father’s Day - Tonight, this good and honorable man sleeps in harm’s way in Iraq, MIZPAH dear brother; I love and miss you Goob!
My youngest brother was the tender hearted one out of the bunch. No matter what he was doing, or had going on, he always found time for his family – no matter what the need. He used to help keep my love of cars fixed, by allowing me to hang around his body shop. He had this gift of taking total junk and making it look like a million bucks. He did it all, body work, engine work, cars, truck and bikes. Hisser took better care of his family and friends than he did himself. Brilliant young man with his hands and good ole’ American ingenuity, he had to get that from my Mother’s side, her Dad was that way too. As he grew older – that became his trade mark, he had a heart the size of Texas which made him a very successful business man. He has one of the largest custom bike dealerships in the state, and has been recognized nationally for his sales and product. He still has a big heart, but business savvy has tempered his discernment of who is deserving of that big heart and who is not. He looks after my mother and father quite a bit. There is no question in anyone’s mind of his loyalty and love for his parents. He has become a fine businessman, and he is a great brother. I love you Hisser! You will always hold a very special spot in this old salt’s heart.
As I have already stated, all four of my grandparents were wonderful mentors of the faith – and lived His Love out every day to me and those around them. I am forever grateful and indebted to their Love and Sacrifice for me, but I had other influences in my life as well. I had two other mentors in this life; one in business the other in Christ. My Boss; CEO & President of the company I work for in Central PA, taught me many lessons in conducting business. He expects those of us that represent him and his company to conduct ourselves in such a way that it commands respect from the customer and community. He will settle for nothing less than pure integrity, an honest day’s work, and more than gracious reward for that effort. If you earned his trust and lived your business life with integrity and honor, pulling your own weight and occasionally that of others – he was quick to praise and reward. I am sure he didn’t realize he was mentoring me all these years, but God used his leadership to reshape my character after dedicating my life to Christ at 35 years of age. This man I affectionately call “boss” has portrayed a firm moral foundation, and he has been a rock solid mentor. I love this man dearly, and to use an old Marine Corps phrase, “I’d take a bullet for the man”.
Five plus years ago, I realized that for the department that I headed up as Director to grow at the same pace our company was growing, I would have to look at stepping aside, to bring in business talent that could provide new vision and experience to the table. My boss and I had several conversations concerning this concept; he was very considerate and accommodating through the whole process. Looking back, it was an awesome experience and I am so glad we took the path we did. While I felt somewhat uneasy about this new venture, I knew it was what needed to happen. Neither my boss nor I have looked back; it’s been a great ride. The man we brought on just happens to come from Washington DC, which is where my wife and I spent the first 18 months of our married life. So that gave us some common ground, but the real connecting dot was – he was a Christian. This man much like my Pastor walks grace better than most everyone I know. He is a bit of a peacemaker, which when in the right arena has become quite a gift. He has tons of experience in the business world, and I am always teasing him about the “gray” in business that he seems to navigate so well. He’s a good man, and while he isn’t the first one to tell you his testimony, he definitely reflects Christ’s way.
The closest friend I have in this world next to my dad and my Pastor is my brother in Christ, brother T. While we found out that we have some common blood several generations back, we really have no immediate kin to claim today as family to one or the other. However; you would never know that if you followed us around. He and I have been by each other’s side for over 14 years. At times we have been inseparable! We met shortly after I had rededicated my life to Christ. There were still a lot of rough edges, but somehow, God gave him this uncanny way of seeing past all the stuff I put in the way. He can always see deep into the heart, maybe better than any other person on this planet. He knows when I am hurting, even before I have admitted to myself that I am having trouble. We connect on so many different levels, I could write a whole chapter on just those facets of our relationship. However; we both know it all starts with Christ, and the power of His Love and influence in our lives.
We have watched as God molded both of our lives, and taught us Spiritual submission and the joy of service. I truly believe if we were not married to our wives, or have homes to manage, he and I would be in a ministry of some sort together. Who knows where, but we would be serving the Lord in a real ministry of service, serving God is our focus. Recently both of us have been dealing with full plates of life, Satan taking every free shot he can get in on us, but those fiery darts no longer penetrate. He and I have learned to dawn the Full Armor of God, and we intuitively have learned to carry each other’s burdens to the Cross. I truly love my blood brothers with every ounce of my being, and I can only hope that my brothers will someday get on their faces with God, and give it all to Him. I want to have the closeness, the companionship, the bond and walk with them I have learned to cherish with my brother T.
We have richly enjoyed Unconditional Love, Unconditional Acceptance, Unconditional Support, and Unconditional Loyalty, that type of Love is missing in the world today, and when you get a taste of it, you count it a treasure. Brother T, I want to thank you for your undying & unending friendship and devotion over the years. Thank you for helping me to see the importance of building family relationships, and working to keep them viable and intimate. Thank you for teaching me the value in spending quality time with our parents, and showing them their value, and the need for their love to complete us. Thank you for loving this unlovable guy and spending time with me, I truly cherish every moment – you’re an Ace buddy!
My Pastor; Wow, where do I begin to tell you the impact this man has had in my life. Well let’s start with one of his greatest spiritual gifts – he is the most gracious man I know. He doesn’t just preach it, he lives it. He lives with a tender and forgiving heart; at times I tease him and tell him he is forgiving to a fault. Understand that I have a tendency to swing the sword cutting the ear off and worrying about fixing it later. He has taught me Grace through living it and helping me through trials that I didn’t think were possible to even navigate through. He has sacrificed to help me learn lessons; in the early years he endured a terrible unchecked ego that I wouldn’t admit I had. Christ used him, and him alone to connect my head knowledge with my heart. His spiritual leadership has been unshakable and flawless from my perspective.
Thank you Pastor for the tenacious leadership and teaching, you have been a great spiritual mentor. You will never understand the depth of my love and gratitude for you this side of heaven. God used you and your mentoring and discipleship with me to make me the man I am today. Pastor, you helped me identify the spiritual gifts that the Father has blessed me with. The biggest mark you left on me was helping me find Abba Father in our Dear Heavenly Father. While I now understand the different attributes of God’s character (better than when we first met), I have developed a lovingly fear of Him. I have allowed the Holy Spirit to teach me balance, showing me the Liberty in Christ allows me to stand before the Throne of God wrapped in Christ’s righteousness, escaping the judicial side of God’s character, and the wrath He holds for those that have denied His Son.
Pastor, you introduced me to your best friend, Jesus Christ, Messiah, I have never been more alive than I am today. I have found new joy in writing about Him, talking to Him, walking with Him, trusting in Him, and when the Spiritual Battles take their toll, leaning on Him and weeping with Him. My heart is filled to overflowing even in the midst of trials and sadness. All because you submitted to God, took on an arrogant, self-centered punk of a guy and worked with me. You showed me how to Live Christ’s will out thru every day living – showing His ways, tenaciously, tender heartedly, lovingly. While I owe my Eternity to my precious Jesus, I owe you a debt of gratitude for finishing the work that Grand Dads started. Praise God for you Pastor B, may he bless your days, and always Lighten your path. To my other heroes; Paul formerly Saul of Tarsus, thank you for those wonderful letters, and the doctrine that you so tenderly taught. You have taught me to speak the truth in and with love, to speak boldly of Christ with conviction, to be mindful of the foxes and hold the line. You have taught me to love my brothers and sisters in the Church unconditionally. Thank you most of all for helping me understand the restoration of a brother, and then practicing it in Christ when the need was presented.
To King David and Peter, thank you for lessons that were most likely not intended to be such at the time. David, you had a heart for God, and recognized the sin of your heart when you strayed and sought His face. Peter, you taught me to always keep my eyes on Christ in the midst of the storms. You also showed me Christ’s undying love and His ability to forgive through your denial. Thank you Peter for this Church! Yes Peter, thank you for this church that has become my refuge in the midst of the passing storms of life.
To Ronald Regan, by far the greatest U.S. President to ever walk this earth. I served him as a United States Marine, stationed in Arlington, and only 3 blocks from the hotel when he was shot. Only now are we seeing your strides to seek God out in your Presidency. I want to believe He was your Rock, and your wisdom was a gift of the Father. I hope and pray that I see you in Glory Mr. President. You taught me strength in the midst of unbelievable odds, through your quiet might. I was proud to serve under your leadership, and even prouder to have called you my president as a civilian.
My Mother and Father were extremely instrumental in getting me to this point in my life, career and spiritual walk. I wanted to save the most sensitive part of my list till last so that I could keep the keyboard dry. So let me say a little bit about my Mother and Dad. As the Lord has changed my heart, He has shown me the error in my ways. You two wonderful people endured more pain and frustration from this strong willed lunk-head kid’s shenanigans, than any parents should ever have to endure. God bless your strength and steadfastness, thank you for sticking with it when the birth of the new culture of those days was starting to rip away at family morals and values. Thanks for keeping the hippies at bay Dad – (big smile).
Not too long ago, I had told them that somehow the Lord washed away all the tough memories and replaced them with all the great things of my 18 years at home, I realize now that wasn’t entirely true. He brought to light all the wonderful memories that you provided me when I was younger, and those memories dominate my visits back to those times at home. I do however; remember a lot of the times that I wanted my way, and in the process receiving the long arm of the law for my actions. Now I see the pain, frustration and fear in your faces that I couldn’t or didn’t’ see back then. I understand the underlying concern and desire to do it right, thankfully you two had parents in the background that prayed you through. They didn’t pray you out of it, or around it, they prayed you through it, and God blessed those prayers by providing deliverance. Through the process, he put many pieces into motion to bring us to this point. You have four kids that honor you with their achievement, their love of family and some of us keeping the family spiritual heritage alive and well. He has set me free from the bondage of that sin of the strong willed punk kid, but I visit that ole’ pit from time to time to remember that destitute ugliness which He saved me from. I love you both so much, and it is going to take Christ’s interpretation of that love when you get to heaven before you can truly understand or I can truly express it any further. There just are not words adequate enough to articulate that which is in my heart. As long as Christ gives me breath you will never feel unloved, un-needed or uncared for. Your need is my gift to offer, your want is my desire to fill; His love is my heart to give to you. Your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed and certainly it has not gone misunderstood. I have no way of repairing the past; I can only hope that you have seen Christ’s hand in this new son you have acquired these last few years. Heaven knows he has given me new eyes to see my parents with.
Dad, I can’t call you Father anymore; for my Father resides in Heaven, but you’ll be glad to know He gave me a new heart. He gave me a heart that has an endless ability to love a heart that is tender to His voice and tender to your voice. I am so thankful He gave us these years to become close – needing each other. It is wonderful to enjoy each other’s company, learning from each other and praying for one another. My prayer is that He mends the heart of your youth Dad, so that the tender heart you carry today can bridge the gap to your youth. So that when that time comes that He calls you to go home to meet Him and you’re Dad, you will do so with enthusiasm, desire and peace. I wish I could wipe away all your pain from those early years for you and grand-Dad. This I promise you Dad, that he loves you so much, and if he could have figured out how to turn it around he would have. He loved you dad – I saw it in his eyes and heard it in his prayers. He was a rock Dad, he had to be – God needed him to be, and placed him right where he was to fulfill His purpose.
When Great Grand-dad died, Grand-dad knew he was the senior Spiritual Leader of that extended family – and he loved them all as well. Grand-Dad knew that Christ’s second highest of all His commands was to love one another. In the end grand-Dad showed that Love of Christ to me through the last words of advice he had the chance to give me. When I questioned him on my sister’s life choice in her marriage, he said, “Bob, Love your sister with all your heart – that’s what Christ wants you to do, that’s what your sister needs you to do…… you know in your heart I’m right son”.
Dad, I love you with every ounce of my being, and I know now that you have always loved me….. Forgive me for ever doubting that, and know that your Dad loved you just as much or more – because He knew best the author of Love – Christ, that you can take to the bank. Christ has been working in your heart Dad, I see it, I hear and I feel it, let him finish – we all have edges that could be smoother. The bond that has grown between us is generating strength for me. Christ has used you to mold me. I told you once before that He has taught me to look at the whole package when dealing with people at work, and in the church. Once I applied that practice to my own life I better understood my past along with yours and Mothers. I understand a lot of things that you probably thought I would never get, but Christ is now my tutor and mentor. Dad, I will always be here for you, no matter what. I hope this little work is an encouragement to you, because you sure have been for me. Semper Fi Dad, forever and ever.
As far back as I can remember, we always had enough to get by, and in some cases enough left to share. God provided blessings, many blessings, His hand was always present in my life, and eventually I began to see that. I grew up as an extremely strong willed child, creating great challenges and pain for my parents, but that is another story for another time. They both had the love of music, both played in the High School band of their respective High Schools. They were married June 14th, 1958 in a little coal town in central PA, in a Christian Missionary Alliance Church. Their parents, all four were born again Christians that lived the life they proclaimed. My Grandparents were all faithful followers of Christ, strong God fearing people that lovingly and willingly shared the gospel with their family and unsaved grandchildren. It was through their prayers, guidance, correction and diligence that I have the mind to write these things today. For it was by those faithful prayers that I too became a born again Christian. The influence grandparents have on their grandchildren is phenomenal, when done right God brings fruit out of that influence. Grandparents can impact the development of their grandchildren by teaching Faith, Discipline, Scripture Memorization, the art of Praying and balance of head knowledge and heart knowledge. Grandchildren will more times than not put a little more stock in what Grandma and Grandpa have to say then other folks in their life. I was a perfect example of a young person that placed great stock in what those wonderful older people had to say and listened intently to the advice they had to offer, even though painful at times.
My Dad’s folks were strong faithful people, and they instilled in me the desire to be close to God, and His gift to us in His Son’s ministry and life. They also provided life balance lessons for me in the early years (memories of 4 years of age to the mid teens). Grand-dad was firm in his belief and convictions. He loved me very much, and actually told me that once or twice verbally, which was kind of unusual for that generation. He showed me his tender hearted side as well. Sitting on the edge of my bed while I said my prayers, reinforcing my Grand-mothers working with me to learn scripture, he taught me to play music on an old Hammond organ in their home. He had significant stock in an extended family camp with cabin; we would visit frequently in my younger years. It was a quiet place with trees all around and a small meadow that we had campfires in. It was at camp that Grand-dad taught me to respect the earth the Lord has given us, and to take only that from the earth and the wild which we needed and could use. He taught me to shoot a single shot .22 rifle; we shot cans, tin plates, paper targets and occasionally a snake that wondered to close to the cabin. Until I started this project I had lost some of these memories, now I remember Grand-dad taught me the respect of firearms, and how to safely use them at an early age. Early lessons of responsibility and accountability, I wonder where those things’ are being taught to today’s youth.
I spent many summers and weekends with my Grandparents. I loved them greatly a bond that my siblings were not quite as fortunate to experience. As a small boy, Grand-dad was a giant of a man, yet reflecting back on those years, he was tender hearted, gentle mannered, yet he was firm in his correction with me when I was out of line. He showed me the meekness of Christ, gentle strength under control, willing to share the very essence of who he was with those that came in contact with him. He knew he possessed the inherited royalty of the very King that gave him life, an adopted son, willing to share that inheritance with family, friends and strangers alike. Grand-dad filled my heart and mind with so many wonderful memories, the pain is that it took 40 years to rediscover the majority of them. Sin will take so much farther than you want to travel, and that rugged journey takes you to where you can’t see those that mean so much to you. They become distant memories that become buried and bogged down with the daily troubles of life. The secret Grand-dad knew; that when you are of the elect of the Father, He will lead you back home. Grand-dad exercised God’s patience, and shined in Christ’s undying love to the point of sacrifice. Yes, Grand-dad I remember who’s hand to grab when the storm roars, who’s breast to rest in when I am weary beyond words. The very one you are with today.
Grand-dad was extremely knowledgeable in Theology, Christology, Hebrew, Greek and Church Doctrine to the point of being very dogmatic when I was much younger. He studied at great length every morning before work. I would also catch him from time to time sitting on the living room sofa reading his Bible after dinner. Many evenings when he came home he would dig back into his Bible and studies. He was great man, he loved Christ with all of his being, and he shared the gospel story with me many times when I was younger. Grand-dad always had time to answer bible questions, and made sure you had the references to answer your question so that you wouldn’t forget. My grandparents started the First Baptist Church in their home. A licensed minister, Grand-dad was the rock of my doctrinal upbringing. I was so fortunate to witness first hand hundreds of hours of his prayer and Bible study while living with him for a short time in my youth. He was such a Rock, he loved the Lord so much, and he taught me sacrifice thru his unending service to the Lord in the church. He taught the adult Sunday school class, he served on the Deacon Board and provided spiritual mind and heart exercises for untold Pastors thru in-depth discussions and conversations. His only wish for me – was to see me as a minister in his life time. Brokenheartedly I must say he never realized that dream, because I became too self centered and prideful. I walked away from everything he had taught me at one point, and my conscience was rubbed raw by the very sight of him. Then after a while; that old devil “Satan” callused my heart so deeply it didn’t bother me anymore.
Now looking back, I am sure that those tough years brought him great pain. He gave so much, and I took so much from him in spiritual and emotional terms. Yet the times I did make it back to visit, he had nothing but smiles and tears of joy, he exemplified the Christian walk with his Loving Lord and Savior, He always put Christ first. Oh Dear Lord, please give a big thank you to my loving Grand-dad. My Dad's parent's house was extremely modest, small three bedroom two story that was quite old. It was comfortable, a little drafty in the winter, but it was home. It was just five blocks from the elementary school down town which was just a few minute walk. It was only a block and a half from down town, half way up a steep hill which made the view down into town pretty neat for a kid growing up. On Friday or Saturday nights Grand-dad would bring the car out, and we would ride down town and park in front of the old Five & Dime store. They would take me in, and the routine was to look at the toys, then go look at the fish and stop at the snack counter on the way out and buy a bag of cashews. Then we would go out and sit in the car with the windows down and just watch the people walk by. I have so many wonderful and endearing memories of my Grandparents home and times with them; they never ran out of patience or love. They have let an image of Christ’s Love in my mind and heart.
My mom’s folks were devout Christian Missionary Alliance members, and like my Dad’s folks believed if the Church doors were open, your behind had better be in one of the pews. My Grand-Pap loved the great outdoors, he loved to fish and when I was 11 years old, he began taking me on some of his fishing trips when I stayed with them in the summers. Somehow that dear man always found answers for my endless questions, and satisfied my unending desire to tinker and tear things apart. Grand-Pap was a layman’s genius, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or figure out.
When I was younger, I always thought of Grand-Pap as a gentle giant of a man. He worked on the railroad, which was a tough job, and he had several harrowing experiences on the trains. He was strong, coal black hair and a huge smile when you were fortunate enough to catch one. Grand-Pap was kind and gentle with his grand-kids, but there was no question that you were to listen when at his house. I could spend hours and hours telling stories of adventures I would have at their home in the summers. It was a great place on the out skirts of an old coal mining town. Some of the old coal stripping mines were just a short hike up over the hill from their house. There were loads of blueberries to pick on your way up the hill and along the railroad tracks. Grand-Pap taught me the Love of Christ through his loving service and tender heart. He served in his church as a Deacon, and many years as Treasurer. When I was just 10 years old I watched my grand-dad give his tearful testimony, giving God all the credit for the massive change in his life. In knowing his testimony, a man of many vices before he knew Christ, cigarettes, booze, cussing and the works, made his transformation all the more impressive. The very night Christ brought him from death to life spiritually, he dropped every vice he had. In my knowing that fact validated the genuineness of his changed life and my placing him as the only man that I willingly and wholly accepted advice and criticism from – because I trusted his heart. If Grand-Pap told me I was messing up, I stopped and listened, and never, ever was suspect of his advice and promptings.
I never heard a cuss word or unkind word from this man’s lips. He devoutly read his Bible every night in the big chair in the living room. They had a small 19” black & white TV in their living room. If the show on the tube wasn’t Gun Smoke, Bonanza, The Big Valley, a Church Program (Billy Graham) or the local news the tube was switched off. Parental control through loving Christian Grand parenting – they used the moral conviction Christ gave them to filter what was decent or not to watch on TV – and this was back in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
These are the shoulders that I stand upon today, trying to Love and Serve the Lord as they so wonderfully taught me. A Spiritual Legacy that I can’t let die, for now at 50+ years of age I understand better, and love more. This work is a labor of love first to my biggest Hero, Christ himself. Who while I understand the academics and doctrine of His Love and Promise, my Heart can’t seem to put together the love of the un-lovable that He has for me. For I along with Him know the secrets of my heart and past, ugly and unworthy I stand in the midst of the Father’s mercy, and His Son’s grace. He loved me when I was yet living in the bonds of sin, because of that glorious sacrifice, I now stand before the Father wrapped in His righteousness – justified by His Blood.
I grew up with two younger brothers and a younger sister. Yes, I was the oldest son in the family of six. My mother and father had a tough time keeping things going when we were all in grade school to junior high. My brothers and I would walk along some of the streets and roads close to home looking for pop bottles. After collecting couple six or eight bottle cartons, we would take them to the local mini-grocery store and cash them in for bread or milk. Occasionally we would take them down and buy a bag of penny candy. My brothers and I got along good when we were younger; we all liked the hot toys of the time. Major Matt Mason, and the Thunderbirds, and our bikes – oh my, without our bikes we would have been lost. I had forgotten how much time we spent together back then, and we actually had a ton of fun. The brother behind me was extremely athletic; a good looking kid that the girls figured was a bit of eye candy. Later, he became quite the charmer. The only one out of the three boys to have blonde hair, my sister had blonde hair as well. Quite interesting actually, Dad had pitch black hair, Mother was a red head and my youngest brother and I had brown hair.
In our teen years, my brothers and I had our normal squabbles – but for the most part, in our own ways we knew we loved each other. The second born son, ended up getting an appointment to VMI, which lead to a commission in the US Marine Corps. Today he is serving in Iraq as part of the command structure for the U.S. Marine Corps Expeditionary Group as a Colonel. He married a lovely military girl, and they have a very talented son, who loves music. He and I were close while at home, we spent a lot of time on Tussey Mountain, and the fields of Rock Springs. He is sure to get a smile when remembering the snake at the farmers pond, nearly scared me out of my shoes. He always let me in if I was too late getting home at night. The years since we have left home, have robbed us of that closeness, but not enough to see the fine man he has become. His achievements are remarkable and long running. I am extremely proud of my brother and he is always in my thoughts and prayers.
This Father’s Day - Tonight, this good and honorable man sleeps in harm’s way in Iraq, MIZPAH dear brother; I love and miss you Goob!
My youngest brother was the tender hearted one out of the bunch. No matter what he was doing, or had going on, he always found time for his family – no matter what the need. He used to help keep my love of cars fixed, by allowing me to hang around his body shop. He had this gift of taking total junk and making it look like a million bucks. He did it all, body work, engine work, cars, truck and bikes. Hisser took better care of his family and friends than he did himself. Brilliant young man with his hands and good ole’ American ingenuity, he had to get that from my Mother’s side, her Dad was that way too. As he grew older – that became his trade mark, he had a heart the size of Texas which made him a very successful business man. He has one of the largest custom bike dealerships in the state, and has been recognized nationally for his sales and product. He still has a big heart, but business savvy has tempered his discernment of who is deserving of that big heart and who is not. He looks after my mother and father quite a bit. There is no question in anyone’s mind of his loyalty and love for his parents. He has become a fine businessman, and he is a great brother. I love you Hisser! You will always hold a very special spot in this old salt’s heart.
As I have already stated, all four of my grandparents were wonderful mentors of the faith – and lived His Love out every day to me and those around them. I am forever grateful and indebted to their Love and Sacrifice for me, but I had other influences in my life as well. I had two other mentors in this life; one in business the other in Christ. My Boss; CEO & President of the company I work for in Central PA, taught me many lessons in conducting business. He expects those of us that represent him and his company to conduct ourselves in such a way that it commands respect from the customer and community. He will settle for nothing less than pure integrity, an honest day’s work, and more than gracious reward for that effort. If you earned his trust and lived your business life with integrity and honor, pulling your own weight and occasionally that of others – he was quick to praise and reward. I am sure he didn’t realize he was mentoring me all these years, but God used his leadership to reshape my character after dedicating my life to Christ at 35 years of age. This man I affectionately call “boss” has portrayed a firm moral foundation, and he has been a rock solid mentor. I love this man dearly, and to use an old Marine Corps phrase, “I’d take a bullet for the man”.
Five plus years ago, I realized that for the department that I headed up as Director to grow at the same pace our company was growing, I would have to look at stepping aside, to bring in business talent that could provide new vision and experience to the table. My boss and I had several conversations concerning this concept; he was very considerate and accommodating through the whole process. Looking back, it was an awesome experience and I am so glad we took the path we did. While I felt somewhat uneasy about this new venture, I knew it was what needed to happen. Neither my boss nor I have looked back; it’s been a great ride. The man we brought on just happens to come from Washington DC, which is where my wife and I spent the first 18 months of our married life. So that gave us some common ground, but the real connecting dot was – he was a Christian. This man much like my Pastor walks grace better than most everyone I know. He is a bit of a peacemaker, which when in the right arena has become quite a gift. He has tons of experience in the business world, and I am always teasing him about the “gray” in business that he seems to navigate so well. He’s a good man, and while he isn’t the first one to tell you his testimony, he definitely reflects Christ’s way.
The closest friend I have in this world next to my dad and my Pastor is my brother in Christ, brother T. While we found out that we have some common blood several generations back, we really have no immediate kin to claim today as family to one or the other. However; you would never know that if you followed us around. He and I have been by each other’s side for over 14 years. At times we have been inseparable! We met shortly after I had rededicated my life to Christ. There were still a lot of rough edges, but somehow, God gave him this uncanny way of seeing past all the stuff I put in the way. He can always see deep into the heart, maybe better than any other person on this planet. He knows when I am hurting, even before I have admitted to myself that I am having trouble. We connect on so many different levels, I could write a whole chapter on just those facets of our relationship. However; we both know it all starts with Christ, and the power of His Love and influence in our lives.
We have watched as God molded both of our lives, and taught us Spiritual submission and the joy of service. I truly believe if we were not married to our wives, or have homes to manage, he and I would be in a ministry of some sort together. Who knows where, but we would be serving the Lord in a real ministry of service, serving God is our focus. Recently both of us have been dealing with full plates of life, Satan taking every free shot he can get in on us, but those fiery darts no longer penetrate. He and I have learned to dawn the Full Armor of God, and we intuitively have learned to carry each other’s burdens to the Cross. I truly love my blood brothers with every ounce of my being, and I can only hope that my brothers will someday get on their faces with God, and give it all to Him. I want to have the closeness, the companionship, the bond and walk with them I have learned to cherish with my brother T.
We have richly enjoyed Unconditional Love, Unconditional Acceptance, Unconditional Support, and Unconditional Loyalty, that type of Love is missing in the world today, and when you get a taste of it, you count it a treasure. Brother T, I want to thank you for your undying & unending friendship and devotion over the years. Thank you for helping me to see the importance of building family relationships, and working to keep them viable and intimate. Thank you for teaching me the value in spending quality time with our parents, and showing them their value, and the need for their love to complete us. Thank you for loving this unlovable guy and spending time with me, I truly cherish every moment – you’re an Ace buddy!
My Pastor; Wow, where do I begin to tell you the impact this man has had in my life. Well let’s start with one of his greatest spiritual gifts – he is the most gracious man I know. He doesn’t just preach it, he lives it. He lives with a tender and forgiving heart; at times I tease him and tell him he is forgiving to a fault. Understand that I have a tendency to swing the sword cutting the ear off and worrying about fixing it later. He has taught me Grace through living it and helping me through trials that I didn’t think were possible to even navigate through. He has sacrificed to help me learn lessons; in the early years he endured a terrible unchecked ego that I wouldn’t admit I had. Christ used him, and him alone to connect my head knowledge with my heart. His spiritual leadership has been unshakable and flawless from my perspective.
Thank you Pastor for the tenacious leadership and teaching, you have been a great spiritual mentor. You will never understand the depth of my love and gratitude for you this side of heaven. God used you and your mentoring and discipleship with me to make me the man I am today. Pastor, you helped me identify the spiritual gifts that the Father has blessed me with. The biggest mark you left on me was helping me find Abba Father in our Dear Heavenly Father. While I now understand the different attributes of God’s character (better than when we first met), I have developed a lovingly fear of Him. I have allowed the Holy Spirit to teach me balance, showing me the Liberty in Christ allows me to stand before the Throne of God wrapped in Christ’s righteousness, escaping the judicial side of God’s character, and the wrath He holds for those that have denied His Son.
Pastor, you introduced me to your best friend, Jesus Christ, Messiah, I have never been more alive than I am today. I have found new joy in writing about Him, talking to Him, walking with Him, trusting in Him, and when the Spiritual Battles take their toll, leaning on Him and weeping with Him. My heart is filled to overflowing even in the midst of trials and sadness. All because you submitted to God, took on an arrogant, self-centered punk of a guy and worked with me. You showed me how to Live Christ’s will out thru every day living – showing His ways, tenaciously, tender heartedly, lovingly. While I owe my Eternity to my precious Jesus, I owe you a debt of gratitude for finishing the work that Grand Dads started. Praise God for you Pastor B, may he bless your days, and always Lighten your path. To my other heroes; Paul formerly Saul of Tarsus, thank you for those wonderful letters, and the doctrine that you so tenderly taught. You have taught me to speak the truth in and with love, to speak boldly of Christ with conviction, to be mindful of the foxes and hold the line. You have taught me to love my brothers and sisters in the Church unconditionally. Thank you most of all for helping me understand the restoration of a brother, and then practicing it in Christ when the need was presented.
To King David and Peter, thank you for lessons that were most likely not intended to be such at the time. David, you had a heart for God, and recognized the sin of your heart when you strayed and sought His face. Peter, you taught me to always keep my eyes on Christ in the midst of the storms. You also showed me Christ’s undying love and His ability to forgive through your denial. Thank you Peter for this Church! Yes Peter, thank you for this church that has become my refuge in the midst of the passing storms of life.
To Ronald Regan, by far the greatest U.S. President to ever walk this earth. I served him as a United States Marine, stationed in Arlington, and only 3 blocks from the hotel when he was shot. Only now are we seeing your strides to seek God out in your Presidency. I want to believe He was your Rock, and your wisdom was a gift of the Father. I hope and pray that I see you in Glory Mr. President. You taught me strength in the midst of unbelievable odds, through your quiet might. I was proud to serve under your leadership, and even prouder to have called you my president as a civilian.
My Mother and Father were extremely instrumental in getting me to this point in my life, career and spiritual walk. I wanted to save the most sensitive part of my list till last so that I could keep the keyboard dry. So let me say a little bit about my Mother and Dad. As the Lord has changed my heart, He has shown me the error in my ways. You two wonderful people endured more pain and frustration from this strong willed lunk-head kid’s shenanigans, than any parents should ever have to endure. God bless your strength and steadfastness, thank you for sticking with it when the birth of the new culture of those days was starting to rip away at family morals and values. Thanks for keeping the hippies at bay Dad – (big smile).
Not too long ago, I had told them that somehow the Lord washed away all the tough memories and replaced them with all the great things of my 18 years at home, I realize now that wasn’t entirely true. He brought to light all the wonderful memories that you provided me when I was younger, and those memories dominate my visits back to those times at home. I do however; remember a lot of the times that I wanted my way, and in the process receiving the long arm of the law for my actions. Now I see the pain, frustration and fear in your faces that I couldn’t or didn’t’ see back then. I understand the underlying concern and desire to do it right, thankfully you two had parents in the background that prayed you through. They didn’t pray you out of it, or around it, they prayed you through it, and God blessed those prayers by providing deliverance. Through the process, he put many pieces into motion to bring us to this point. You have four kids that honor you with their achievement, their love of family and some of us keeping the family spiritual heritage alive and well. He has set me free from the bondage of that sin of the strong willed punk kid, but I visit that ole’ pit from time to time to remember that destitute ugliness which He saved me from. I love you both so much, and it is going to take Christ’s interpretation of that love when you get to heaven before you can truly understand or I can truly express it any further. There just are not words adequate enough to articulate that which is in my heart. As long as Christ gives me breath you will never feel unloved, un-needed or uncared for. Your need is my gift to offer, your want is my desire to fill; His love is my heart to give to you. Your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed and certainly it has not gone misunderstood. I have no way of repairing the past; I can only hope that you have seen Christ’s hand in this new son you have acquired these last few years. Heaven knows he has given me new eyes to see my parents with.
Dad, I can’t call you Father anymore; for my Father resides in Heaven, but you’ll be glad to know He gave me a new heart. He gave me a heart that has an endless ability to love a heart that is tender to His voice and tender to your voice. I am so thankful He gave us these years to become close – needing each other. It is wonderful to enjoy each other’s company, learning from each other and praying for one another. My prayer is that He mends the heart of your youth Dad, so that the tender heart you carry today can bridge the gap to your youth. So that when that time comes that He calls you to go home to meet Him and you’re Dad, you will do so with enthusiasm, desire and peace. I wish I could wipe away all your pain from those early years for you and grand-Dad. This I promise you Dad, that he loves you so much, and if he could have figured out how to turn it around he would have. He loved you dad – I saw it in his eyes and heard it in his prayers. He was a rock Dad, he had to be – God needed him to be, and placed him right where he was to fulfill His purpose.
When Great Grand-dad died, Grand-dad knew he was the senior Spiritual Leader of that extended family – and he loved them all as well. Grand-Dad knew that Christ’s second highest of all His commands was to love one another. In the end grand-Dad showed that Love of Christ to me through the last words of advice he had the chance to give me. When I questioned him on my sister’s life choice in her marriage, he said, “Bob, Love your sister with all your heart – that’s what Christ wants you to do, that’s what your sister needs you to do…… you know in your heart I’m right son”.
Dad, I love you with every ounce of my being, and I know now that you have always loved me….. Forgive me for ever doubting that, and know that your Dad loved you just as much or more – because He knew best the author of Love – Christ, that you can take to the bank. Christ has been working in your heart Dad, I see it, I hear and I feel it, let him finish – we all have edges that could be smoother. The bond that has grown between us is generating strength for me. Christ has used you to mold me. I told you once before that He has taught me to look at the whole package when dealing with people at work, and in the church. Once I applied that practice to my own life I better understood my past along with yours and Mothers. I understand a lot of things that you probably thought I would never get, but Christ is now my tutor and mentor. Dad, I will always be here for you, no matter what. I hope this little work is an encouragement to you, because you sure have been for me. Semper Fi Dad, forever and ever.
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