Fatherly Advice

Although we pause to acknowledge and celebrate Father’s Day one Sunday of the year, the love, teachings, and lessons from fathers impact lives daily.  My dad has been in Heaven with Jesus for 17+ years now, but the things he taught and modeled for me are still very much a part of my life, even these many years later.  Some lessons were intentional while others were observed, thought about, and then applied because I saw their worth. 

* If you don’t know how to spell or pronounce a word, look it up in the dictionary.  Correctness is important.

* Never stop learning.

* Details matter.

* The best way to get somewhere is the way you know.

* You can learn something from everyone you meet.  Either you will take what they are saying and doing and build on it or you will conclude that it may be best to go in a different direction.

* Choices have consequences.

* Kill them with kindness.  (Even though I did tell him one time that was fine, but they weren’t dying fast enough.)

* Money doesn’t grow on trees.

* Smile before you answer the telephone.

* Respect people and their time.

* Be thankful and express gratitude.

* No matter what occurs, choose to be a person of integrity.

* Measure twice; cut once.

* Humor and laughter add to life.

* Lists help you keep organized.

* Always do your best.

* Dress for the occasion.

* Use proper language.

* Turn off the lights when not needed.

* Change the oil in the car regularly and keep it in good repair so it will run properly, get better mileage, and last longer.

* Family is worth investing in.

* Take and make time for family and friends.

The love, instruction, discipline, and example of my earthly father, has encouraged me to love, desire, accept, and trust my relationship with my Heavenly Father.  Wisdom and instruction have been given and modeled.  Now I must make the choice to accept and apply it.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  Listen my son to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

Proverbs 1:7-8

My son, do not despise the LORD’S discipline,

     and do not resent his rebuke,

because the LORD disciplines those he loves,

     as a father the son he delights in.

Proverbs 3:11-12

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

Proverbs 4:1

Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

Proverbs 4:13

A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.

Proverbs 13:1

Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded.

Proverbs 13:13

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.

Proverbs 16:20.

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.

Proverbs 23:12

A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

Proverbs 28:7