Monday, November 5, 2007

Let not your hearts be troubled.....


“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
John 14:1-3


As many of you probably now know, my Dad passed away on October 19th. He was 75 years old. He and my mother were married for 57 years. I miss him very much. In tribute to my Dad, I thought I'd give you a brief synopsis of his life......


My Dad came from a poor family. His Father was a "lineman" and his job was to string power lines. Due to the nature of his job, he moved his family constantly. Dad was in 13 schools in 12 years. Needless to say, he did not get the best education.


When Dad was 17, his Father moved them to "Snow Shoe", way up in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, near State College. He met my Mother and fell in love. When his Father's job was finished there, he told his Father he was not moving again, and a store owner allowed my Dad to sleep on a cot in the back of his store, all the while, my Dad attended high school. Dad was a Junior in high school at this point, and despite his small stature, was a dynamite football and basketball player. My Mother was a cheerleader and must have been smitten. My Mother graduated that year and Dad still had another year to go. But after Mom graduated, she and Dad got in the car and drove to Butler, PA, where my Dad's family was currently residing.


At this point in his life, he and my Mother decided to get married, so Mom sent home to Snow Shoe for the necessary paper work to get their marriage license. My Mother was raised Catholic and my Dad was Protestant. They were married by a Justice of the Peace, but it wasn't long until my Mother was crying every day until they were married by her priest. Needless to say, they took the long ride back to Snow Shoe to be married. Dad said he only had $5 in his pocket to pay the Priest, but the Priest accepted that and married them. My Mother's tears stopped flowing.


There was much moving around for them for the next 10 years; and three children later, they ended up living in New Brighton, PA. It was about the age of 30 that my Dad gave his life to the Lord. He was a changed man. He was 32 when he felt called to the ministry.

He and my Mother spent the next 20 years serving the Lord. You could call my Dad more of a "country minister", as he ministered to alot of country people. There were no big, stained-glass churches for him. Just simple little churches with families that needed him. He was happy to do the Lord's work.


At the age of 52, Dad decided to retire from the ministry and went back to working as an electrician, which is the type of work he did before he entered the ministry. It wasn't long before Dad began working for a young contractor who had a family. Dad's ministry never ended when he left the church. He ministered to this young man and many others on the job. Bringing many to the Lord. The construction work-place was his new church.


Dad did not waste an opportunity ministering for his Lord. He quietly spoke of his love for the Lord and was always ready to speak to those in need.


I know this story isn't dramatic. This is just a story of one humble man who used his time here on earth to make a difference in people's lives. This is the story of my Dad.


As many of you probably read on Heather's post, his favorite song was
"On the Wings of A Snow White Dove".
Here's the entire lyrics:


On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above
On the wings of a dove
When troubles surround us,
when evils come
The body grows weak
The spirit grows numb
When these things beset us,
He doesn't forget us
He sends down His love
On the wings of a dove
When Noah had drifted on the flood many days
He searched for land In various ways
Troubles, he had some but wasn't forgotten
He sent him His love
On the wings of a dove


Ferlin Husky (peak Billboard position # 1 for 10 weeks in 1960)
Words and Music by Robert B. Ferguson

20 comments:

  1. I'm sorry for your loss. Your story was beautifully written and much appreciated. It sounds like your Dad was a well loved man.

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  2. Kitty, What a wonderful testimony to your Dad! There aren't words to say how sorry I am for your loss. He sounds like a very special person and you must be filled with memories of him. That, in itself, is a blessing.

    Bertie
    Aunt May's Cottage

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  3. I am so sorry for your loss Kitty. What a beautiful post.

    Thank you for visiting me and for your kind words.

    Love ,
    Amy

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  4. Hi Kitty,
    What a beautiful story about your father's life. We don't need to be rich or famous to change people's lives and it sounds like your dear dad had a lot of positive influence on many people's lives.
    I hope you are doing ok, I am sure you are run off your feet at the moment.
    Big hugs across the miles xoox

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  5. Mom, what you have written is so beautiful. He will be so greatly missed. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful family. Love you, Heather

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  6. Oh that was such a beautiful post Kitty, yes I was told about it by Natasha and felt really sad for Heather and you and of course your mother. I love words to the song and must find out what it sounds like now.

    Thank you for coming by my blog, it's nice to have Heathers mum come by to say hi and am so glad you like the journal, make sure you have a good look at them all as they pass through Heathers home :))

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  7. Bless your Dad, a lovely tribute to him - xo

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  8. Hi Kitty, what a beautiful testimonial for your Dad, we are so sad for your loss and hope you are doing ok :)

    Thanks for popping by and such sweet comments :) here's hoping this may bring a smile, you have drawn horse number 14, On A Jeune. A well loved and beautiful horse! Good luck!

    Take care, Jenn and Jacqui :)

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  9. When just one soul comes to know The Lord, All of Heaven Rejoices. How many times must Heaven Rejoiced from your father sharing his love for The Lord, and someone heeding that call. What a lovely tribute Kitty. God Bless you sweet Friend, sending you hugs. :) Rhea

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  10. Kitty,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad sounds like a wonderful person. I know how you are keeping him close to you in your heart.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  11. Hi Kitty,
    I was so sad when I heard about your Dad. I hope you and your family are doing ok now.

    Thanks so much for sharing the wonderful story of his life with us. It was great to learn more about him. He sounds like he was a great Dad!

    All the best,
    Kathy xo

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  12. What a beautiful story and wonderful father you had. I feel blessed just reading about him. Sending my condolences on your loss.

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  13. What a beautiful tribute to your dear father! I am sure the love between you both will help sustain you and your family.

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  14. Kitty, My heart goes out to you and your loss. I was moved by your story and wonderful meaning of your Dad's life. Thank you for sharing your story. Take care and God Bless you in the days ahead.
    HUGS, Celestina

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  15. Kitty, I just ran across your blog. I was so touched to read about your dad. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace in the days ahead. God Bless!
    kim

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  16. very sorry for your loss! :-( I am sure he was a wonderful man!!

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  17. Kitty, so sorry for your loss, the tribute to him on your blog is wonderful. May you and your family have wonderful memories.

    vickie

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  19. It's a beautiful story Kitty. I was so sorry to hear of your loss, and am thinking of you. Take care
    Kim x

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  20. What a beautiful testimony about your father! We all have a purpose in life and it sounds like he found his. That's the most important thing...to run the race set before you and your father did. The best words we can hear at the end of our race is, "Well done thy good and faithful servant." Thank you for sharing part of your Dad w/ us.

    :)
    Kimberly

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I love reading each and every one.... Blessings to you...