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I hear ya Dennis !!!!! Guys will spend Thousands of dollars to better their herd but not think twice about a young man in need of support. We all need to realize that the big C knows no age and is a very ugly disease to cope with !!!!! I`ll bid $300 on Wisdoms gift of life !!!! Thank you Andy !!!!
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Mitch, I tried to call you the other day....i just have to meet you.......your heart is right where it needs to be!!!! God bless you brother but ......i got you by 100.......my bet is 400 on wisdoms pakage and i'll top myself on (trust me folks I don't have money to throw away but I will throw it this childs way anyday!!) I will bid 500 on Tom's package!!......ok here we go again....I'm winning both again.....DO YOU CARE......DO YOU CARE????........DON"T WAIT TILL IT"S TOO LATE.....CARE NOW BEFORE IT"S YOUR CHILDS TURN!!!!! This is where is counts!!!!! Where are the BIG boys NOW!!! lets see your donations where they really count.....i saw some bragging going on earlier about some six figure donations going here and there........PLEASE....make it count HERE first if you want to EARN ANY RESPECT!! SAM I lve you brother and wll pray that eyes are opened to you threww this industry......God bless ALL!!
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WOW I don't cry often...But I am crying happy tears...There are still great people out there thank-you all this will mean so much to his family...
It is so hard going through stuff like this until you've been there you don't even think about how much the stupid little stuff adds up like gas running back and forth from the hospital to home staying involved with all of your kids, the phone calls letting family and friends stay informed,food,child care,being away from your job...The list goes on and on
THANK-YOU ALL SO MUCH...
I JUST ASKED PEOPLE TO PRAY...AND YOU ALL REALLY STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE
It is so hard going through stuff like this until you've been there you don't even think about how much the stupid little stuff adds up like gas running back and forth from the hospital to home staying involved with all of your kids, the phone calls letting family and friends stay informed,food,child care,being away from your job...The list goes on and on
THANK-YOU ALL SO MUCH...
I JUST ASKED PEOPLE TO PRAY...AND YOU ALL REALLY STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE
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I don't know if you are following Sam's moms updates so I figured I would post this one.
Hello to all from a chilly, fall day in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The Bish family is doing pretty well. I (Mom) had Sam at the hospital yesterday for his blood counts which were all in the good/normal range. Sam is doing pretty well at home. He does not get sick during the day anymore but continues to get sick once or twice during the night. His appetite is returning but is still not back to normal yet. We are thankful he is eating though....he just finished some ice cream which he seemed to enjoy. So far we have been fortunate to avoid the mouth sores from the Methotrexate....we thought maybe Sam was getting them this weekend but at this point there are no signs of mouth sores. Praise God! Sam has been a bit more lethargic today and wanting to lay around a lot more. I am not to concerned about this though. He apparently needs his rest and at least he is able to do this from the comforts of his own home. Not much else to report at this point. I just wanted to give a short update on how Sam and our family were doing. Keep praying for Sam and all the other children affected by Childhood Cancer. Keep spreading the word about September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month...only a few more days to spread the word about this.Childhood Cancer Awareness color is Gold
Hello to all from a chilly, fall day in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The Bish family is doing pretty well. I (Mom) had Sam at the hospital yesterday for his blood counts which were all in the good/normal range. Sam is doing pretty well at home. He does not get sick during the day anymore but continues to get sick once or twice during the night. His appetite is returning but is still not back to normal yet. We are thankful he is eating though....he just finished some ice cream which he seemed to enjoy. So far we have been fortunate to avoid the mouth sores from the Methotrexate....we thought maybe Sam was getting them this weekend but at this point there are no signs of mouth sores. Praise God! Sam has been a bit more lethargic today and wanting to lay around a lot more. I am not to concerned about this though. He apparently needs his rest and at least he is able to do this from the comforts of his own home. Not much else to report at this point. I just wanted to give a short update on how Sam and our family were doing. Keep praying for Sam and all the other children affected by Childhood Cancer. Keep spreading the word about September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month...only a few more days to spread the word about this.Childhood Cancer Awareness color is Gold
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I will bid 500.00 on Wisdoms package. Andy I don't know if you remember me ,my son and I have been to your place a couple times to purchase fence. This is a good thing you are doing, and I hope I can't afford to win . Come on bidders lets run it up there. God Bless. Allen
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Friends fellow farmers...i know i'm not the most well liked farmer in these forums ......sometimes i speak my mind and alot of times it may be wrong or come off in the wrong way...bUT i PROMISE YOU MY HEART IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE!!!....... I'm about to tell you a TRUE STORY that means the world to me and changed MY world for ever!!
My son at 10 years old last year developed some very painful stomach pains .....actually he suffered from them for some time ....we (his mother and father) worried ourselves sick about these bouts of pains that he had...(I MANY TIMES WISHED THEM UPON MYSELF!). I would cry like a little baby while watching my son go threw terrible pains in his stomache which would eventually lead to un controlable throwing up........every 20 mimnutes to the mark he would wake up in terrible pain screaming he had to throw up......eventually it happened so often he just sucked up the pain and dealt with it........I felt every drop and it has had it's toll on my heart ever since....tO WATCH A CHiLD IN PAIN HAS GOT TO BE THE MOST STRESSFUL TRYING TIMES OF ONES LIVES.....I WOULD NOT WISH IT UPON MY WORST ENEMY!!.....to make a long story of pain and agony short he was one of the lucky ones......he tested out ok after many ......many....many tests.....thank my heavenly LORD!!!! He is on Medication and should be ok....but the book is still out on Sam.......I can only write how I feel for him and his parents........I had 17 days (WHICH SEEMED LIKE AN ETERNITY IN HELL) with my son in the hospital all the while being there learning of many life threatening illnesses of many children coming in daily.......not to mention worrying and praying about your own child.....it left me feeling empty inside.....but the Lord provided....he saw over my prayers and the prayers of many he chose to answer my prayers and the prayers of many.........to this I AM AND ALWAYS WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL TILL THE DAY I DIE!! I ASK YOU ALL....open up your hearts and minds to this child Sam.....yes one child one problem....that we can focus on and make a difference.....lets pitchin together to make this a HUGE benefit for Sam and his family....WE can make a difference.....but only together......PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEKEEEP THE BIDS COMINGTHROW IN SOME SEMEN AND MAKE SOME MORE FUND RAISERS!! ANYTHING WE can do to make this huge......this in itself will be a great marketing campaign....but if your giving for that purpose.....please don't give at all....this campaign is all about giving from the heart....PLEASE .........LETS MAKE THIS BIG....I'm getting off easy!!!!! Like I said earlier....in a different forum i saw Some bragging of some giving towards the industry we all are involved in...........that is wonderful....however, all giving should be done in secret and with know acknowledgement what so ever....otherwise it was not given from the heart as they expect something in return.......
My son at 10 years old last year developed some very painful stomach pains .....actually he suffered from them for some time ....we (his mother and father) worried ourselves sick about these bouts of pains that he had...(I MANY TIMES WISHED THEM UPON MYSELF!). I would cry like a little baby while watching my son go threw terrible pains in his stomache which would eventually lead to un controlable throwing up........every 20 mimnutes to the mark he would wake up in terrible pain screaming he had to throw up......eventually it happened so often he just sucked up the pain and dealt with it........I felt every drop and it has had it's toll on my heart ever since....tO WATCH A CHiLD IN PAIN HAS GOT TO BE THE MOST STRESSFUL TRYING TIMES OF ONES LIVES.....I WOULD NOT WISH IT UPON MY WORST ENEMY!!.....to make a long story of pain and agony short he was one of the lucky ones......he tested out ok after many ......many....many tests.....thank my heavenly LORD!!!! He is on Medication and should be ok....but the book is still out on Sam.......I can only write how I feel for him and his parents........I had 17 days (WHICH SEEMED LIKE AN ETERNITY IN HELL) with my son in the hospital all the while being there learning of many life threatening illnesses of many children coming in daily.......not to mention worrying and praying about your own child.....it left me feeling empty inside.....but the Lord provided....he saw over my prayers and the prayers of many he chose to answer my prayers and the prayers of many.........to this I AM AND ALWAYS WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL TILL THE DAY I DIE!! I ASK YOU ALL....open up your hearts and minds to this child Sam.....yes one child one problem....that we can focus on and make a difference.....lets pitchin together to make this a HUGE benefit for Sam and his family....WE can make a difference.....but only together......PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEKEEEP THE BIDS COMINGTHROW IN SOME SEMEN AND MAKE SOME MORE FUND RAISERS!! ANYTHING WE can do to make this huge......this in itself will be a great marketing campaign....but if your giving for that purpose.....please don't give at all....this campaign is all about giving from the heart....PLEASE .........LETS MAKE THIS BIG....I'm getting off easy!!!!! Like I said earlier....in a different forum i saw Some bragging of some giving towards the industry we all are involved in...........that is wonderful....however, all giving should be done in secret and with know acknowledgement what so ever....otherwise it was not given from the heart as they expect something in return.......
Hey Dennis,
Thanks for your post. Just so you know, I am one of the guys who like you. I'm happy to hear about your son. May the Lord continue to keep him healthy throuhgout his entire life.
In most cases, people perceive what they wish to. Keep speaking your mind, it's appreciated by the rest of us who are afraid to. If people would take just a few seconds to put themselves in anothers position to try a understand what they are trying to say, or do, a lot of misunderstandings would never take place. I have recently changed the way I look at this deer industry. I now see it as an oppurtuntinty to help others in need. I feel the Lord has opened my eyes to a way of getting a lot more attention brought to our industry's problems which we face right now. If our(no names, just the industry's) generosity could be publicized to the whole country, especially the hunters, I beleive that ,in turn, the hunters would know that they,too, are playing a part in something much greater than themselves. Take time to imagine yourself as a non-highfence hunter with a child in need, just realizing that what he/she has always boycotted does more than just sell hunts, but donates to funds that just may help his/her child.
This is not meant to come off as just a marketing technique, but it could be used as a means to let people/hunters know that we do care about larger issues our world faces. Our hearts should remain on what matters most--helping others first.
I understand there has been a lot of donations and giving done thus far. My hat is off to all those who have given freely in the past, to any charity. Broadscale advertising of what our industry has done and what our industry is willing to do could be a great thing.
This post ended up going a little different than I had imagined, I don't want to take any emphasis off what was going on here.
$600 on Wisdom's package.
Thank you PM for updating on Sam, I appreciate it. If you woudn't mind continuing with that once in a while , it would be great.
Thanks for your post. Just so you know, I am one of the guys who like you. I'm happy to hear about your son. May the Lord continue to keep him healthy throuhgout his entire life.
In most cases, people perceive what they wish to. Keep speaking your mind, it's appreciated by the rest of us who are afraid to. If people would take just a few seconds to put themselves in anothers position to try a understand what they are trying to say, or do, a lot of misunderstandings would never take place. I have recently changed the way I look at this deer industry. I now see it as an oppurtuntinty to help others in need. I feel the Lord has opened my eyes to a way of getting a lot more attention brought to our industry's problems which we face right now. If our(no names, just the industry's) generosity could be publicized to the whole country, especially the hunters, I beleive that ,in turn, the hunters would know that they,too, are playing a part in something much greater than themselves. Take time to imagine yourself as a non-highfence hunter with a child in need, just realizing that what he/she has always boycotted does more than just sell hunts, but donates to funds that just may help his/her child.
This is not meant to come off as just a marketing technique, but it could be used as a means to let people/hunters know that we do care about larger issues our world faces. Our hearts should remain on what matters most--helping others first.
I understand there has been a lot of donations and giving done thus far. My hat is off to all those who have given freely in the past, to any charity. Broadscale advertising of what our industry has done and what our industry is willing to do could be a great thing.
This post ended up going a little different than I had imagined, I don't want to take any emphasis off what was going on here.
$600 on Wisdom's package.
Thank you PM for updating on Sam, I appreciate it. If you woudn't mind continuing with that once in a while , it would be great.
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I just got off of the phone with Sam's mother...Sam has a very long and painful road a head of him...He has tumors in his his legs the right femur and his left Tibia ...he also has spots on his lungs and spine...They are doing chemo to reduce the size of the tumors in his legs so they can do surgery...he is home now but will be back at the hospital as long as everything is OK ...On OCT 15th sooner if not... She really needs prayers that the tumors will shrink, some have but some have not changed...
She also need prayers to keep Sam healthy his white blood cell count is low now...On Oct 15 he will go back in for another round of chemo...Then will go in again at the end of Oct/beginning of NOV for surgery on both of his legs...He will then need painful physical therapy for his legs...After that he will need to get his lungs taken care of...They are going to count on surgery for that (I believe) then they will need to give him Radiation for his Spine because it is in an inoperable area...They are a family of Five the dad works and they have insurance, but the trips back and forth for all the treatments and blood work is adding up they have many thing left uncovered by insurance also...We were both choked up several times and it is hard to write with your eyes filled with tears. I believe I have everything correct, but will forward her information and The updates on Sam...If anyone wants to donate, but can not afford to you can send e cards to Sam's room in October or mail gas cards toys anything cheap just to let them know you care...She can not believe that people that do not know them are so touched by her sons story and wants me to convey that to you...She was very choked up by your generosity.
THANK-YOU ALL SO MUCH
She didn't update it yet today but here is where you can follow his progress
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/Sambish
She also need prayers to keep Sam healthy his white blood cell count is low now...On Oct 15 he will go back in for another round of chemo...Then will go in again at the end of Oct/beginning of NOV for surgery on both of his legs...He will then need painful physical therapy for his legs...After that he will need to get his lungs taken care of...They are going to count on surgery for that (I believe) then they will need to give him Radiation for his Spine because it is in an inoperable area...They are a family of Five the dad works and they have insurance, but the trips back and forth for all the treatments and blood work is adding up they have many thing left uncovered by insurance also...We were both choked up several times and it is hard to write with your eyes filled with tears. I believe I have everything correct, but will forward her information and The updates on Sam...If anyone wants to donate, but can not afford to you can send e cards to Sam's room in October or mail gas cards toys anything cheap just to let them know you care...She can not believe that people that do not know them are so touched by her sons story and wants me to convey that to you...She was very choked up by your generosity.
THANK-YOU ALL SO MUCH
She didn't update it yet today but here is where you can follow his progress
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/Sambish
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Tom you are so right, Sam’s dad “could or could not be” a hunter who was strongly against high fenced hunting. But to us deer raisers it did not matter what Sam’s dads position on hunting was, we gave. Weather it was donating semen or bidding. We gave. In giving we have touched and changed lives for ever. Tom by your idea you have dropped a pebble into the still waters what will send ripples far and wide. Hunters and non hunters will hear of how a bunch of Christian deer breeders touched the lives of a family in need that most breeders did not know.
Amen to that Wisdom. And Sam's dad may very well not be a hunter. The way you put it is more clear . We gave. I am not the best when it comes to words or trying to get people to understand. That is the message I think the hunting society could stand to hear.(we gave regardless of anyones opinion on HF hunting) By the way , it wasn't my idea. I won't take credit for something the LORD pressed me to do. I guess my point was, that we , as an industry, care about people, even in individual cases like Sam's. If I didn't start this auction thing, someone else would have. I believe that God wanted this to happen and it started. We as an industry , not indinviduals, could use our giving as an asset for advertising to others to help our industry stay alive. Here again, this may be in the wrong forum, but it makes sense, atleast to me. It seems really hard to talk about advertising our industry and helping others all at the same time and not feel like the readers take you as a selfish person. Please take note that as i was, and still am, astonishingly touched by Sam's story, I was also (not sure how to put this), revealed a way to inform/advertise just how this industry works. It is full of people ,(you know who you are), that are first in line to help for a greater cause, putting themselves aside.
God bless every deer farmer/rancher in our country. May their generosity be beyond what is expected of them.
Take care,
God bless every deer farmer/rancher in our country. May their generosity be beyond what is expected of them.
Take care,
Very well said Tom. I do think the story of Sam fits in this forum as well as another. In the fellowship forum we build up each others faith. And in scripture it says faith with out works is dead. So we are putting our faith in God to work in the lives of the needy so His Spirit may move forth changing things not humanly possible. But it also fits in the “with out hunters forum” That forum is all about advertising. The fellowship forum isn’t talking about it were doing it - Advertising on the deepest level, the human needs level.
God loves you and so do I
God loves you and so do I
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NAIL IN THE FENCE
Make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence.
(Most importantly the last sentence)
There once was a little boy who had a bad
temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails
and told him that every time he lost his
temper, he must hammer a nail into the back
of the fence. The first day the boy had
driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next
few weeks, as he learned to control his
anger, the number of nails hammered daily
gradually dwindled down. He discovered
it was easier to hold his temper than to
drive those nails into the fence.
Finally the day came when the boy didn't
lose his temper at all. He told his father
about it and the father suggested that the
boy now pull out one nail for each day that
he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally
able to tell his father that all the nails
were gone. The father took his son by the
hand and led him to the fence. He said, 'You
have done well, my son, but look at the
holes in the fence. The fence will never be
the same. When you say things in anger,
they leave a scar just like this one. You
can put a knife in a man and draw it out.
It won't matter how many times you say I'm
sorry, the wound is still there. A verbal
wound is as bad as a physical one.
Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They
make you smile and encourage you to succeed.
They lend an ear, they share words of praise
and they always want to open their hearts to us..'
It's National Friendship Week. Show your
friends how much you care Send this to
everyone you consider a FRIEND, even if
it means sending it back to the person who
sent it to you. If it comes back to you,
then you'll know you have a circle of friends.
YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I AM HONORED!
Now send this to every friend you have!! And to
your family .
Please forgive me if I have ever left a hole in your fence.
Make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence.
(Most importantly the last sentence)
There once was a little boy who had a bad
temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails
and told him that every time he lost his
temper, he must hammer a nail into the back
of the fence. The first day the boy had
driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next
few weeks, as he learned to control his
anger, the number of nails hammered daily
gradually dwindled down. He discovered
it was easier to hold his temper than to
drive those nails into the fence.
Finally the day came when the boy didn't
lose his temper at all. He told his father
about it and the father suggested that the
boy now pull out one nail for each day that
he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally
able to tell his father that all the nails
were gone. The father took his son by the
hand and led him to the fence. He said, 'You
have done well, my son, but look at the
holes in the fence. The fence will never be
the same. When you say things in anger,
they leave a scar just like this one. You
can put a knife in a man and draw it out.
It won't matter how many times you say I'm
sorry, the wound is still there. A verbal
wound is as bad as a physical one.
Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They
make you smile and encourage you to succeed.
They lend an ear, they share words of praise
and they always want to open their hearts to us..'
It's National Friendship Week. Show your
friends how much you care Send this to
everyone you consider a FRIEND, even if
it means sending it back to the person who
sent it to you. If it comes back to you,
then you'll know you have a circle of friends.
YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I AM HONORED!
Now send this to every friend you have!! And to
your family .
Please forgive me if I have ever left a hole in your fence.
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I love this forum........this is the first one I look for when I log in! It makes my heart feel good! There are so many people in life wondering how to find happiness....wondering why they are even here.......wondering what life is all about.......some never do find the answer and it is in front of them their entire life.........the answer is GOD......living for him daily....when you do you will find true peace......you will have all the answers to all your questions about life and purpose..........you will give with a free heart .....you will crave to help others.........life will be different and you will walk with a smile on your face and a peace in your heart!! I only pray that all of those that read this give it a try you will be glad you did!! I pray that many more feel the need to help out with Sam and his family.....may God Bless them! remember he never asked for this disease......let's help him while we can......PLEASSE DONATE!
Painted meadows
So true. Words are like tooth paste squeezed out of the tube. Once the tooth paste is squeezed out it can not be put back in.
That’s where the cross comes in: Forgiveness. The cross we are to bear is to forgive as we are forgiven. For if we do not forgive we are not forgiven.
On the last day when I cry out for the Lord,-- Lord, Lord - I long to hear the words I knew your love Andy.
The whole gospel is simplified if we look at it this way.
On judgment day when we look Christ in the eyes Christ will ask each of us one question the same one question. That question He will ask is, DID YOU LEARN TO LOVE.
The gospel is so simple but we always seem to complicate it with religion and religion is nothing more than works if it does not come from a grateful heart.
So true. Words are like tooth paste squeezed out of the tube. Once the tooth paste is squeezed out it can not be put back in.
That’s where the cross comes in: Forgiveness. The cross we are to bear is to forgive as we are forgiven. For if we do not forgive we are not forgiven.
On the last day when I cry out for the Lord,-- Lord, Lord - I long to hear the words I knew your love Andy.
The whole gospel is simplified if we look at it this way.
On judgment day when we look Christ in the eyes Christ will ask each of us one question the same one question. That question He will ask is, DID YOU LEARN TO LOVE.
The gospel is so simple but we always seem to complicate it with religion and religion is nothing more than works if it does not come from a grateful heart.
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Andy that reminded me of this
AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS, THE CHURCH'S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP, WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND, BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING, HE BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING.
IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS ONE OF HIS DEAREST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW MOMENTS TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE.
WITH THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE PULPIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK.
"A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST," HE BEGAN. "WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANY ATTEMPT TO GET BACK TO THE SHORE.
THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT EVEN THOUGH THE FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, HE COULD NOT KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE WERE SWEPT INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED."
THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT, MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE, FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN, LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY.
THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY, "GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH BOY WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE. HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION. THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND HE, ALSO, KNEW THAT HIS SON'S FRIEND WAS NOT. THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY THE TORRENT OF WAVES.
AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, 'I LOVE YOU, SON!' HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON'S FRIEND. BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK TO THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH THE RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT.
HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED.
BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UP STRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER'S MOUTH.
"THE FATHER," HE CONTINUED, "KNEW HIS SON WOULD STEP INTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT BEAR THE THOUGHT OF HIS SON'S FRIEND STEPPING INTO AN ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS.. THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED HIS SON TO SAVE THE SON'S FRIEND. "
HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR US. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED. I URGE YOU TO ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE." WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN HIS CHAIR AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM.
THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL.
WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE AT THE OLD MAN'S SIDE.
"THAT WAS A NICE STORY," POLITELY STATED ONE OF THEM,"BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A FATHER TO GIVE UP HIS ONLY SON'S LIFE IN HOPES THAT THE OTHER BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN."
"WELL, YOU'VE GOT A POINT THERE," THE OLD MAN REPLIED, GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. A BIG SMILE BROADENED HIS NARROW FACE. HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS AND SAID, "IT SURE ISN'T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? BUT, I'M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY GIVES ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD TO GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME.
YOU SEE...
I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR IS MY SON'S FRIEND."
AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS, THE CHURCH'S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP, WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND, BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING, HE BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING.
IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS ONE OF HIS DEAREST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW MOMENTS TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE.
WITH THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE PULPIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK.
"A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST," HE BEGAN. "WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANY ATTEMPT TO GET BACK TO THE SHORE.
THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT EVEN THOUGH THE FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, HE COULD NOT KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE WERE SWEPT INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED."
THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT, MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE, FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN, LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY.
THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY, "GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH BOY WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE. HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION. THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND HE, ALSO, KNEW THAT HIS SON'S FRIEND WAS NOT. THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY THE TORRENT OF WAVES.
AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, 'I LOVE YOU, SON!' HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON'S FRIEND. BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK TO THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH THE RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT.
HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED.
BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UP STRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER'S MOUTH.
"THE FATHER," HE CONTINUED, "KNEW HIS SON WOULD STEP INTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT BEAR THE THOUGHT OF HIS SON'S FRIEND STEPPING INTO AN ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS.. THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED HIS SON TO SAVE THE SON'S FRIEND. "
HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR US. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED. I URGE YOU TO ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE." WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN HIS CHAIR AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM.
THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL.
WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE AT THE OLD MAN'S SIDE.
"THAT WAS A NICE STORY," POLITELY STATED ONE OF THEM,"BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A FATHER TO GIVE UP HIS ONLY SON'S LIFE IN HOPES THAT THE OTHER BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN."
"WELL, YOU'VE GOT A POINT THERE," THE OLD MAN REPLIED, GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. A BIG SMILE BROADENED HIS NARROW FACE. HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS AND SAID, "IT SURE ISN'T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? BUT, I'M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY GIVES ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD TO GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME.
YOU SEE...
I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR IS MY SON'S FRIEND."
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2009
- Messages
- 1,231
- Location
- PA
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 10:27 PM
Hello to all of Sam's prayer warriors. Sam went for blood work today at a local Close to Home Urgent Care by our home. It was nice not to to hassle taking him to the hospital for this and being able to take him right down the road from our home. When the Urgent Care called me with this blood work results they said Sam's White Blood Cell count was really low. I called over to the hospital and spoke with an on call nurse who said this happening was normal right after a chemo treatment. Sam's blood counts should be at his lowest this weekend and we were told to keep him away from crowds. I was really hoping he could go to church but we must obey the doctors orders. Sam can't afford to get sick right now. Sam also has had a cough for the last few days which I found out today can also be due to having a low white blood cell count.Sam was already headed to the movies when the call came about his blood count...I feel it was Gods plan...Sam's mom was so happy he was doing something a normal boy would do...She said he had not done that since he had gotten sick In the midst of all of this Sam was able to go to a matinee movie today with the head of our children's ministry from our church. Thank you so much Lisa for showing Sam a wonderful afternoon. They went to see the movie Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs and both of them seemed to really enjoy it. From a mom's standpoint, I was just so happy that Sam was able to do a fun activity today instead of being cooped up at home. He is missing out on so much like school, church, and time with friends on a regular basis. I am so glad he got to have some fun today.
Our family received 3 quilts in the mail today for all 3 of our kids. What a blessing that someone would take the time to do this for our family/children. We also received some gift cards and some donations today to help with medical expenses for Sam. The generosity of people is just amazing. Thank you is not enough of a word to describe how much this means to us. I have not allowed myself to really start thinking about the medical bills yet but I know this is a reality for our family. God has already provided so much for us and I know he will continue to walk this road with us. I have to trust that all of this will work itself out. Our kids also received another care package in the mail today filled with some of their favorite snacks. They enjoyed opening this and had big smiles on their faces as they went though the box. Thanks to all of you for thinking of our children. If it is praying for them or mentioning them on this website or sending them cards and gifts. It just truly means alot to us and to them. Keep the prayers up for a good weekend and for Sam not to get to sick do to low blood counts. Mike and I also have an opportunity to go out on a date on Saturday night. I am really looking forward to that time to connect with my husband and just have a break. Thanks to some dear friends Jay and Colleen who will be staying with our children so we can go out. So many blessings abound every day and for this we are thankful. Praying for Sam!!
Hello to all of Sam's prayer warriors. Sam went for blood work today at a local Close to Home Urgent Care by our home. It was nice not to to hassle taking him to the hospital for this and being able to take him right down the road from our home. When the Urgent Care called me with this blood work results they said Sam's White Blood Cell count was really low. I called over to the hospital and spoke with an on call nurse who said this happening was normal right after a chemo treatment. Sam's blood counts should be at his lowest this weekend and we were told to keep him away from crowds. I was really hoping he could go to church but we must obey the doctors orders. Sam can't afford to get sick right now. Sam also has had a cough for the last few days which I found out today can also be due to having a low white blood cell count.Sam was already headed to the movies when the call came about his blood count...I feel it was Gods plan...Sam's mom was so happy he was doing something a normal boy would do...She said he had not done that since he had gotten sick In the midst of all of this Sam was able to go to a matinee movie today with the head of our children's ministry from our church. Thank you so much Lisa for showing Sam a wonderful afternoon. They went to see the movie Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs and both of them seemed to really enjoy it. From a mom's standpoint, I was just so happy that Sam was able to do a fun activity today instead of being cooped up at home. He is missing out on so much like school, church, and time with friends on a regular basis. I am so glad he got to have some fun today.
Our family received 3 quilts in the mail today for all 3 of our kids. What a blessing that someone would take the time to do this for our family/children. We also received some gift cards and some donations today to help with medical expenses for Sam. The generosity of people is just amazing. Thank you is not enough of a word to describe how much this means to us. I have not allowed myself to really start thinking about the medical bills yet but I know this is a reality for our family. God has already provided so much for us and I know he will continue to walk this road with us. I have to trust that all of this will work itself out. Our kids also received another care package in the mail today filled with some of their favorite snacks. They enjoyed opening this and had big smiles on their faces as they went though the box. Thanks to all of you for thinking of our children. If it is praying for them or mentioning them on this website or sending them cards and gifts. It just truly means alot to us and to them. Keep the prayers up for a good weekend and for Sam not to get to sick do to low blood counts. Mike and I also have an opportunity to go out on a date on Saturday night. I am really looking forward to that time to connect with my husband and just have a break. Thanks to some dear friends Jay and Colleen who will be staying with our children so we can go out. So many blessings abound every day and for this we are thankful. Praying for Sam!!
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2009
- Messages
- 3,353
- Location
- Fombell PA
Not many things keep me tossing and turning at night....but this fund raising we are trying to do and not very successfully has me doing just that.........so here I sit 3:30AM wide eyed and wondering how can I get us to band together as an industry and make a BIG difference for one families life who could really use our help!! Two people have generously donated their semen above...... would have thought we would hqave higher numbers by now but we don't.......I realize a lot of you out there can not afford to put in a bid any higher than where they are at right now......however, i also realize there are many of you out there that CAN afford it and unfortunately are turning a blind eye......folks these are dollars well spent as you will receive a much greater REWARD in Heaven for your generosity than the actual items you are bidding for! Trust me I have never met this family in my life......I realize there are many families in need ....However, here is one we can focus on as an industry and band together to REALLY have a positive impact on their lives!
I am a deer farmer just starting out........this being said I don't have a lot to offer........but I would like to take the list of people that committed to buying semen from my Breeder Buck last year........last year I offered to sell semen (if collected) out of my Breeder buck Hefty (aka RDM Hefty) for $75.00 a straw.....I had 25 people express interest in roughly 72 straws. I am going to send out emails to all that did respond and see who is still interested........what i would like to do is offer half of the total proceeds approx. 2,700.00 dollars towards this family and Sam.......God willing the old guy will have a good collection........I would also like to leave it up to each individual should they decide to pay a little more for each straw 100% of those proceeds will go towards the family as well.........I am hoping this is a way we can get more people to give and make it more affordable for them!! Please let's make this a great thing for this family..........my feelings won't be hurt if anyone else wants to use this same idea to raise more funds for this wonderful family.........please let me know if you would be interested in this offer as i am certian I will have some people back out of their earlier commitment. thanks for taking the time to read this long winded post!!
GOD BLESS!
I am a deer farmer just starting out........this being said I don't have a lot to offer........but I would like to take the list of people that committed to buying semen from my Breeder Buck last year........last year I offered to sell semen (if collected) out of my Breeder buck Hefty (aka RDM Hefty) for $75.00 a straw.....I had 25 people express interest in roughly 72 straws. I am going to send out emails to all that did respond and see who is still interested........what i would like to do is offer half of the total proceeds approx. 2,700.00 dollars towards this family and Sam.......God willing the old guy will have a good collection........I would also like to leave it up to each individual should they decide to pay a little more for each straw 100% of those proceeds will go towards the family as well.........I am hoping this is a way we can get more people to give and make it more affordable for them!! Please let's make this a great thing for this family..........my feelings won't be hurt if anyone else wants to use this same idea to raise more funds for this wonderful family.........please let me know if you would be interested in this offer as i am certian I will have some people back out of their earlier commitment. thanks for taking the time to read this long winded post!!
GOD BLESS!