Growing up in Maine during the fifties and sixties was a wonderful experience. I come from a family of eight. So, it was necessary for Dad to work long hard hours to support such a large family in a rather depressed part of the country.

Dad would work the 'grave yard' shift at the mill in the next town and then come home for a few hours rest before going out to work as a handy man. He taught by example that we should not rely on others to provide for our own.

We attended Sunday School, morning worship and many other functions at the church during the week. But, Dad never 'sent' us to church. He always took us to church.

Sunday afternoon after we got home from the morning services, Mom and Dad would spend time in the kitchen together preparing a hot meal. We always sat together at the dinner table and shared our lives with each other.

When the meal was finished, Dad would ask each of us what we had learned at church that morning. After the discussion was finished, he would open the Bible and have a short devotional and concluded this time with prayer.

I had a brother that entered the ministry only to leave to take up a life of homosexuality and perversion. I know this broke my parents hearts. But, I never remember either Mom or Dad discussing this around the rest of the family. There was never any condemnation of his choice in life. Instead, there were prayers, tears and hours of reading the Word of God.

Dad knew that the life my brother chose was totally against the will of God. But, he recognized that it was a choice one of his sons had made and all he could do was pray and love that son.

Over the years numerous things have crossed my path that would cause a 'normal' person to wilt and succumb to bitterness and hatred. But, I always had the example of my Father. Don't give in to the natural urgings of the flesh.

Learn from the example of Godly people. Be the brother, husband, father, sister, wife or mother that illustrates the Love of a Caring God to those you come in contact with.

It's not the duty of the Pastor to 'save' the lost souls of this world. The pastor is here to minister to the congregation of believers. It is the duty of the believer to live the life before the world in such a way that the world will desire what we have.

Learn by example. Live by example. Be an Example.

God Bless each one!