America is in crisis and unless we address this problem our nation will not recover. Take a look around our nation. Can you see it? Can you hear it? It is all around us every day. What are we doing about it? What are you and I doing about it?

We hear all sorts of suggestions as to what is our nation’s biggest concern. The news media and TV commentators blather on and on as to what they think is the nation’s problem. Elected officials, locally and nationally speak with “authority” on what they believe to be our nation’s biggest concerns. Some say it is the “liberal left”, while others say it is the “fanatical right”. It is the healthcare crisis, its national security, its immigration, it’s our schools, it’s the _____ political party, and on and on the list can go as to what and why our country is in crisis. Everyone is pointing fingers as to whom or what is the problem.

I would suggest to you that all these issues are symptoms of a root cause. As nation we are trying to fight a stage four cancer with an aspirin a day. While it is important to address the symptoms of a disease, unless we address the root cause, the symptoms will continue to grow leading to a painful death. An aggressive treatment plan is needed.

If all these things are symptoms, what is the real issue, what is the root cause to our American crisis? What is so prevalent in our nation that can create such a crisis? The root cause is something that many will not accept as real while other will agree that it is the problem, but only in word. They will never be moved to action. What about you, what about me? Are you or I willing to get out of your comfort zone? How radical are you (or I) willing to go? The root cause for this crisis in America is … stay tuned to the next post where we discuss what I believe to be the root cause for America’s crisis.

So what are you thankful for today?

First, we should be thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ and for what He has done for us on the cross and His victory over death that we might have eternal life. If we lived a pauper’s life for the remainder of our lives we would be blessed beyond measure. To think that the God of all creation created the universe for mankind would be more then enough but then to think that He would send his only Son to die that we, sinful, rebellious individuals might be redeemed is more then we could ever deserve. As has been said before if we got what we really deserved, Hell would be our home right now. Praise God for His mercy and grace to us.

Second, I’m thankful for my wife. She truly is a godly woman and my best friend. We have been married for 18 years and each day gets sweeter and I become more thankful for her love, encouragement, faithfulness and yes, even on those occasions I need her subtle corrections. I have seen her down but not out, I have seen her up but not over bearing. She truly is an example for other women. If I had nothing but Jesus and her, my life on earth would be complete.

Third, my children bring such blessing. While far from perfect, they are growing into godly young people with a heart to serve others. I am blessed that their hearts are open to God’s word and are developing their own biblically based convictions and standards for their lives. In a world where families are pulled apart and going every-which-way, we are each other’s best friends.

While there are many other things I am thankful for and we could go on for some time, I will end with this one final thing. I am thankful for a godly heritage. Both my parents and Sherry’s parents are godly examples of faithfulness to the Lord. I have seen each sets of parents go through dark and what seemed like lonely times in their lives and they have been faithful throughout it all. I have seen God’s strength work in and through them. They have been our counselors and friends. I know of many friends that have struggles conflicts with their in-laws but for Sherry and me we are blessed to call our parents our best friends.

Well, I have listed the greatest blessings to me. Now I get to go and enjoy the rest of the day, fellowshipping with my family and best friends and wrap the day up with a family tradition we started about 13 years ago – watching our kids decorating their gingerbread houses.

Enjoy the day and while there are a lot of things to be thankful for, God and family should be at the top of our lists.

I was reading the 25th chapter of Proverbs today and in doing so I came across verse 17: “Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbor’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.” It reminded me of a story some friends told us that happened quite a few years ago. They had invited some guests over to their home for dinner and an evening of good conversation. Well the night when on, and on, and on. The hosts began to get very tired as they had had a long day and knew they had to get up early the next morning. The night continued to draw on and on and on with the guests doing almost of the talking. Finally, well past midnight and to the surprise of the hosts, they found themselves waking up in a dark room. Apparently they had fallen asleep while their guests were talking and having no one to bore, I mean talk to, the guests let themselves out turning out the lights behind them. The moral of the story is: Don’t overstay your welcome.

I trust that we will all have a great Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday with friends and family yet remember Proverbs 25:17

Welcome to Faith of a Father.  

This is a first for me but it is my intent to share how God is working on and in me as I travel this road of parenthood.  I trust that this will be an encouragement to others.  Please add your comments, suggestions, and how God is working in your life as well so that we can all learn from each other.

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Psalm 127:4

– Donn