Living Forward

I am thankful for many good memories of the past. God has been so good to me, but I am determined not to live my life looking in the rear view mirror. As a senior it would be easy to think it is all over. I can’t do the things I once did like water ski, fly my personal plane to the beach and land on it and picnic with my wife and children, flights for the American Red Cross on beautiful sunny days, seeing clouds from all sides and poking holes in them with the surprise of what is on the other side, trips to Canada fishing with my family, a flight to Colorado to see the Rockies, my son John and I riding our bicycles to the pink church and inventing our own game of bicycle tag, a trip to the mountains on a motorcycle with Mary. It has been quite a do list and much of it has been done. My prayer is: “Oh Lord, don’t let me focus on where I have been but where I am going.” Some people live with a “done” list but I choose to live with a “to do” list. I want to teach in Haiti at 80, I want to live the rest of my life with one lady, sweet Mary. I know the best is yet to come. I will see Jesus and all the heroes of the past. I want to learn to play a musical instrument. I want to explore the universe. I want to fly a jet. That might happen during the millennial reign. We still have family gatherings but not like the one we are going to have in the future. There is just no reason to live life looking in the rear view mirror. I will not back into my future. I will continue to be thankful for where I have been, but the joy comes when I focus on where I am going. jfs

1Co 2:9 But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him."

Take You Daddy

“Take you daddy” is not good English but the phrase warms my heart. It came from asking my children, “Do you want daddy to take you?” The memory of little arms reaching for me while saying, “Take you daddy take you daddy” still lingers in my mind and heart. We all need a place to run from this bullying world. Lately I have found myself saying, “Take you Daddy take you Daddy.” In Daddy’s arms things look different. The big bad political wolf turns into a teddy bear. The troubled world looks more like a fight in the sand box. I would like to remind you that Daddy is in charge and in your scary moments join me as we cry out, “take you Daddy.” Jfs


Isa 40:10 Behold, the Lord GOD shall come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him.

Isa 40:11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.