Author: dennisconrad

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A Tribute Letter

A Letter of Tribute To Dan U.L. Conrad

A Letter of Tribute To Dan U.L. Conrad

In 1994, Dennis Rainey, of Family Life, wrote a book with David Boehi titled The Tribute: What Every Parent Longs to Hear… This book was the reason I decided to write a letter of tribute to each of my parents back in the 1990s before they passed away. My wife and I treated my parents to a special meal at an upscale restaurant. It was there that I read the letters to them.

Earlier today, when I rediscovered that Dennis Rainey book on my bookcase, it brought back a flood of memories. Imagine my surprise when I opened the book and discovered the original letters I had written and read to my parents before they passed away.

Thank You, Father
Written to Dan U.L. Conrad

The commandment is clear: “Honor your father and mother.” In the New Testament, it says in Romans 12:10, “…Honor one another above yourselves.” Now, it is time to pay “tribute” to you, Dad.

I want you to know that I am grateful for so much.

As I compiled this list, I got choked up thinking about these and all the selfless decisions you made in favor of our family. I am truly thankful for…

Your providing a steady paycheck for the family and creating a sense of security and stability in my life.

The memory of feeling your whiskers when you’d wrestle me.

Taking me fishing to a stocked pond on a school day.

Buying me a bird, a hamster, and helping me to care for my pets when I did not.

Letting me take my bird in the car on a trip to Kansas and letting be bring back turtles.

Helping with science fair projects like the ones on Babbitt and the Electric Dam Project, and making a wood car for Cub Scouts.

Listening to “baseball” on the radio with me.

Standing up with me when I broke a window with a baseball. You showed me I need to apologize and be responsible; you repaired it while I helped and watched.

Faithfully going to church.

Driving my friends and me, when it was your turn, to Lutheran Catechism and driving me on my paper route when it was rainy.

Listening to speeches over and over, correcting me without judgment.

Being generous by giving me extra spending money and encouraging me to take care of my car.

Getting me up in the morning, so I would not be late to college.

Picking me up from the airport after trips.

Being proud of me when you talked with your friends.

Spending time in the garage, cleaning, clearing, sorting, and sharing your dream of giving your tools away as gifts.

Dad, I want you to know how very much I appreciate you.

I love you, DAD! Thanks!

Love, Dennis.

Join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.

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Wisdom Prayer

Provoke Children to Anger?

Provoke Children to Anger?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for parents as they bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In the process of disciplining and instructing children, anger can appear out of almost nowhere.

Once at the proverbial boiling point, the anger can move from emotion to action.

Many deeply regret the comments made in anger or actions spurred on by anger.

When either of these happens, stop and ask for forgiveness: Ask for God’s forgiveness, and ask the offended person or person for forgiveness.

The Apostle Paul had a special message for proper family dynamics and wrote specifically about anger in Ephesians 6:1-4 (ESV):

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.’ Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

If there a need to address unresolved family issues, do not delay. Take steps to heal. If you have been wronged, be willing to forgive the transgressor.

Tell me what you think below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Love and Respect?

Love and Respect?

Dear Lord, I pray for the wisdom for husbands to love their wives and wives to respect their husbands. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs wrote Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Most needs. I remember opening the book and reading about the “crazy cycle.” The Love and Respect PDF summary (https://blog.12min.com/love-and-respect-pdf/) describes it this way:

“Without love, she reacts in a disrespectful way; without respect, he reacts in an unloving way.”

The book is based on what Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:33 (ESV):

“However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

Marriages face all kinds of challenges. Don’t be discouraged. There is an another verse that may be instructive. Ephesians 5:20-21  addressed relationships between believers:

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Marital relationships can be fulfilling and, at times, difficult. Yet, the reciprocity of love and respect when coupled with mutual submission will hopefully provide a construct for discussion, healing, and resolution.

God be with you.

Tell me what you think below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Boldly Proclaim?

Boldly Proclaim?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are willing to open their mouth boldly to proclaim the Gospel. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

What does it mean to be bold? Synonyms include: brave, daring, and courageous. Why is boldness in spiritual matters so important? Some people fear sharing their faith. People cite various reasons. The most common reasons are probably fear of rejection and dislike of confrontation.

Pray for boldness before sharing. Why? God can give you confidence and exactly the right words to say. Your tone of voice and the words you use may fit perfectly into God’s plan.

Apostle Paul was held in chains when he wrote Ephesians 6:18-20 (ESV):

“…To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Boldly proclaim the Good News. What you share may the beginning of another person’s journey to faith. Just casually mention what Jesus has done in your life. Your words may not impact them now, but years later they may think back and remember what you said.

Tell me what you think below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those willin to address each other with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Imagine how life would be if people started to greet each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. It would certainly be uplifting, and it would likely bring smiles and head nods.

Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:19 (ESV) writes about this:

“Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.”

Greet the next person you meet with one of the Psalms, a hymn, or a spiritual song. Start to sing the words and the melody of a traditional hymn or a modern Christian praise song. Will they be shocked? Will they join you? 

Relationships build upon such shared experiences and a memorable greeting will go a long way toward affirming those we encounter. Greet someone in this way. Tell me what happens. Oh! But remember Proverbs 27:14: “Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing.”

Please tell me what happened in the comments below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Don’t Get Drunk with Wine?

Don’t Get Drunk with Wine?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who avoid getting drunk with wine, but are filled with the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, amen.

If and when drinking becomes an obsession, it can be devastating on many levels. It can change a person’s behavior, affect their heath, and impact the lives of those around them.

In Ephesians 5:15-18 (ESV) the admonition against drinking wine in excess is clear.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”

Are you affected by alcoholism? In recovery? In either case, rely on the Spirit of God within you. It may require taking one day at a time. Celebrate Recovery® is one Christ-centered program that offers practical help to combat alcohol, hurts, hang ups, and addictions. Don’t hesitate to reach out before matters get out of control. If things are already out of control, make a bold move. Call someone for help. Or perhaps you know someone in need. Reach out and lend support.

Tell me what you think below.