Advice for My Son

These words of advice where written for my son while he was in his sophomore year of college.

Respect those in authority - God Himself is the one who has granted authority to all men. You must respect that!

Submit to authority - those in authority have been granted authority for a reason. Men who have gone before you know the pitfalls and are trying to save you from them. If they seem harsh it’s because the danger of failure or harm is present.

Rules are good - God made some Himself.

Take one day at a time - Each day has enough trouble in itself. Don't go looking for more stuff to deal with when today's plate is already full. God made 'day' a measure of time, for this purpose, so that we wouldn't try to fit all the worries, or work, or fun into one long continues load without a break. So,

Take a break - Stand up, take a deep breath, go for a run. Walk around campus and smile at people. Give your mind a break too. You don't have to figure it all out today.

Make time for people - They are who it's all about! We were put on this earth for relationship with them. Every goal in life has to do with people, so invest in them.

Do your laundry - Mindless chores are therapeutic.

Breathe, Laugh, Dance - It's good for you!

Sleep - When you lay your head down at night think of good things - like laughing and dancing.

Trust God - He made the plan.

Think about your Mom - she loves you and prays for you.

Believe - God is who He says He is. He can do what He says He can do. You are who God says you are. You can do all things in Christ. God's Word is alive and active in you. (Beth Moore, Believing God)

Be - humble, thankful, respectful, prayerful, and wise. Be a servant, a warrior, a leader, a counselor, a student, a teacher, a friend, an authority figure, a helper, an encourager, a spiritual leader. Be a man!

Walk on Water - step out of your comfort zone, grab onto the hand of Jesus and do what He has asked you to do. It's a mighty thing!

Love - deeply and fully. It's one of God's blessings, so pour yourself deeply into His plan and His children. It's an act of sacrifice - a drink offering, holy and pleasing to the Lord.

Immerse yourself - in the Word of God. I'm talking full immersion baptism. Get in over your head and then walk around dripping it off on people.

Pray Hard - You've heard "Battles are won on our knees" it's true. Think about it, a battle is not won by one person it's won by a mass force of power. Look around; ask God to open your eyes and allow you to see angels sitting on chariots of fire.

Be Silent - it's the only way you can listen. God's greatest revelations happen in silence.

Wise is the man who takes the words of his mother to heart and applies them.

I love you son,
Mom