"A Word"
From Your Shepherd

Dr. Leland (Gus) O. Flaherty

Past "Words"

E-mail Pastor Gus

June is the month in which we honor our fathers. Dads, we truly appreciate you and the loving care you give to your children. Last month, I shared a few thoughts that children had about their mothers. I thought I would do the same for you dads this month. Enjoy!

One evening a little girl and her parents were sitting around the table eating supper. The little girl said, "Daddy, you're the boss, aren't you?" Her Daddy smiled, pleased, and said, " yes". The little girl continued, "That's because Mummy put you in charge, right?"

Today nearly 100 years have elapsed since the first Father's Day was celebrated. Fathers of 1900 didn't have it nearly as good as fathers of today; but they did have a few advantages: In 1900, fathers prayed their children would learn English. Today, fathers pray their children will speak English.

A company held a contest for kids with the theme: "The Nicest Thing My Father Ever Did For Me." One kid answered, "He married my mother."

Did You Know?
There are more collect calls on Father's Day than any other day of the year. An estimated $1 billion is spent each year in the United States for Father's Day gifts, but Dad is still paying the bill when it comes to telephone calls from the kids.

The little girl was sitting in her father's lap as he read her a goodnight story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. By and by she was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke, "Daddy, did God make you?" "Yes, sweetheart" he answered, "God made me a long time ago." "Oh she said," then "daddy, did God make me too?" "Yes, indeed honey" he assured her. "God made you just a little while ago." "Oh" she said. Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, "God's getting better at it now isn't he?"

In the frozen foods department of our local grocery store, I noticed a man shopping with his son. As I walked by, he checked something off his list, and I heard him whisper conspiratorially to the child, "You know, if we really mess this up, we'll never have to do it again."

The child was a typical four-year-old girl-etc, inquisitive, bright as a new penny. When she expressed difficulty in grasping the concept of marriage, her father decided to pull out his wedding photo album, thinking visual images would help. One page after another, he pointed out the bride arriving at the church, the entrance, the wedding ceremony, the recessional, the reception, etc. "Now do you understand?" he asked. "I think so," she said, "is that when mommy came to work for us?"

I trust you will have a blessed Father's Day. Be sure to join us on June 15 for DADFEST…And why not invite another dad you know to come to DADFEST with you.

Blessings to you
Pastor Gus Flaherty