Hello There, May today be a special day of blessing on your family. Amen A CHILD OF THE KING! MY FATHER IS RICH IN HOUSES AND LANDS, HE HOLDETH THE WEALTH OF THE WORLD IN HIS HANDS! OF RUBIES AND DIAMONDS, OF SILVER AND GOLD, HIS COFFERS ARE FULL, HE HAS RICHES UNTOLD. Chorus: I'M A CHILD OF THE KING, A CHILD OF THE KING! WITH JESUS MY SAVIOUR, I'M A CHILD OF THE KING! MY FATHER'S OWN SON, THE SAVIOUR OF MEN, ONCE WANDERED ON EARTH AS THE POOREST OF THEM. BUT NOW HE IS PLEADING OUR PARDON ON HIGH, THAT WE MAY BE HIS WHEN HE COMES BY AND BY. I ONCE WAS AN OUTCAST STRANGER ON EARTH, A SINNER BY CHOICE, AND AN ALIEN BY BIRTH; BUT I'VE BEEN ADOPTED, MY NAME'S WRITTEN DOWN, AN HEIR TO A MANSION, A ROBE, AND A CROWN. Fitting verses of scripture to add are plentiful. Undoubtedly, you have already mentally done so. The first long section of Proverbs (12 chapters) are a Father's Day prescription for a sturdy lifestyle. May I suggest 3:5&6 as a learning goal for each family member. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" A DAY FOR DADS-What is a word fitly spoken that meets the need of most readers? This is a true challenge when you know that readers run the gamut from the joy of new fatherhood to the sorrow of recent separation by death. Forgive me for resorting to personal reference. My father has been dead since 1961; but not a day passes that I do not recall some joy or some learning experience shared. PRAYER NEED-A reader shared with me that they are struggling with shingles. This is a condition of utmost seriousness and irritation. Since they are actively involved in full time service, they are feeling the limitations severely. Thank you, family. NEXT WEEKEND-Phil and I will be involved in a quick trip to Iowa. On Friday, with my brother, Jack, to help me, I am going to have a lunch date with some family and friends. Friday evening is the fiftieth anniversary meeting for my high school class. As president, I will moderate. This class was small (28). Most survive, and plan to attend. Over the years, several have either remained or become active christians. This fact has marked our past reunions very distinctly. I had planned to begin the return on Saturday; but the directors of Adventureland Theme Park have kindly invited me to participate with the local church that has a service for employees early on Sunday. THOUGHTS?- My initial plan was to ask another to write. They refused and offered wise counsel-that I should not ask you to adjust to a different "voice". I will write a major editorial piece. My daughter and son-in-law, Jeanine and Randall McKnight can "open" electronically to add current news and thought before mailing to you. That way, if Sharon and Arafat kiss in Jerusalem you can hear about it here. DIRTY BOMBS-Or whatever the news may be, reveals how tense our situation is. If I have not turned you to Proverbs 3:25 since 9/11/01, it is a grave oversight. "Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh". WINDOW DRESSING?-I am praying that the meeting of Roman Catholic bishops in Dallas provides some real answers for some hurting persons. This story of pedophilia seems to become more rotten almost daily. I am concerned that the slightly better atmosphere around religion will become polluted by the rightful cynicism here. TOO SERIOUS-The State of Texas is taking preliminary steps to test high school athletes for steroid usage. You will have to look hard to find a greater sports fan than yours truly, but isn't this a little "over the edge"? FATHER-SON- "For I was my father's son", are the opening words of Proverbs 4:3. The relationship is probably of David to Solomon. This has been the subject of many studies and speculations. The greater lesson here is of influence and right counsel. Take time to read the wise words that make up chapter four. Proudly,-I was my father's son. His, Ron Krantz P.S. BORED?- A reader offers this to pass time. 1. Park at the end of your driveway or on a side street facing a busy cross street. 2. Put on a pair of oversize aviator style sunglasses. 3. Sit in the driver's seat and aim a hair dryer at oncoming traffic. SORRY!