William McLaughlin Obituary

Happy Father's Day Daddy, I miss you!

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,
which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Ephesians 1:16-21

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,
having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,
the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 1:3-23

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In His great mercy
He has given us a new birth
to a living hope through the resurrection
of Jesus Christ from the dead
and to an inheritance
that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.
It is reserved in heaven for you,
who because of your faith in God
are being protected by His power
until the salvation
that is ready to be revealed at the end of time.

Christmas eve 1967; Daddy was 42, Kathy 14, Kitty 13, Karin 11, Billy 10 and Karie "Baby" was 8.

A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.

Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.

Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

Ecclesiastes 7

Father of mercies and God of all consolation,
You gave us the loving Heart of your own beloved Son,
because of the boundless love by which You have loved us,
which no tongue can describe.
May we render You a love that is perfect with hearts made one with His.
Grant, we pray, that our hearts may be brought to perfect unity:
each heart with the other and all hearts with the Heart of Jesus,
and may the rightful yearnings of our hearts find fulfillment through Him:
Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

It is not as though I had already attained it, nor were already perfect; but I follow after, that I may apprehend that for which Christ Jesus also apprehended me.


Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended it, but this one thing I do: forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,


I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.


Let us therefore, as many as would be perfect, be thus minded; and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.


Nevertheless, however much we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.


Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark those who so walk, as ye have us for an example.


(For many walk, of whom I have told you often and now tell you even with weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ.


Their end is destruction, their God is their belly, and their glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)


For our abiding is in Heaven, from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,


who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.


Philippians 3:12-21

For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth,
saith the Lord GOD:
wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.
Ezekiel 18:32

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in
Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free
from the law of sin and death.

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh;
but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

For to be carnally minded is death;
but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.


Romans 8:1-6

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

For by it the elders obtained a good report.

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Hebrews 11:1-16

73:1-14 The psalmist was strongly tempted to envy the prosperity of the wicked; a common temptation, which has tried the graces of many saints. But he lays down the great principle by which he resolved to abide. It is the goodness of God. This is a truth which cannot be shaken. Good thoughts of God will fortify against Satan's temptations. The faith even of strong believers may be sorely shaken, and ready to fail. There are storms that will try the firmest anchors. Foolish and wicked people have sometimes a great share of outward prosperity. They seem to have the least share of the troubles of this life; and they seem to have the greatest share of its comforts. They live without the fear of God, yet they prosper, and get on in the world. Wicked men often spend their lives without much sickness, and end them without great pain; while many godly persons scarcely know what health is, and die with great sufferings. Often the wicked are not frightened, either by the remembrance of their sins, or the prospect of their misery, but they die without terror. We cannot judge men's state beyond death, by what passes at their death. He looked abroad, and saw many of God's people greatly at a loss. Because the wicked are so very daring, therefore his people return hither; they know not what to say to it, and the rather, because they drink deep of the bitter cup of affliction. He spoke feelingly when he spoke of his own troubles; there is no disputing against sense, except by faith. From all this arose a strong temptation to cast off religion. But let us learn that the true course of sanctification consists in cleansing a man from all pollution both of soul and body. The heart is cleansed by the blood of Christ laid hold upon by faith; and by the begun works of the Lord's Spirit, manifested in the hearty resolution, purpose, and study of holiness, and a blameless course of life and actions, the hands are cleansed. It is not in vain to serve God and keep his ordinances.

Thus says the LORD to Cyrus His anointed, Whom I have taken by the right hand, To subdue nations before him And to loose the loins of kings; To open doors before him so that gates will not be shut:

"I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars.

"I will give you the treasures of darkness, And hidden wealth of secret places, So that you may know that it is I, The LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.

"For the sake of Jacob My servant, And Israel My chosen one, I have also called you by your name; I have given you a title of honor, Though you have not known Me.

"I am the LORD, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God I will gird you, though you have not known Me;

That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun, That there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other,

The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these.

"Drip down, O heavens, from above, And let the clouds pour down righteousness; Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit, And righteousness spring up with it. I, the LORD, have created it.

"Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker-- An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?' Or the thing you are making say, 'He has no hands'?

"Woe to him who says to a father, 'What are you begetting?' Or to a woman, 'To what are you giving birth?'

"Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: "Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, And you shall commit to Me the work of My hands.

"It is I who made the earth, and created man upon it, I stretched out the heavens with My hands, And I ordained all their host.

"I have aroused him in righteousness, And I will make all his ways smooth; He will build My city and will let My exiles go free, Without any payment or reward," says the LORD of hosts.

Thus says the LORD, "The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, And the Sabeans, men of stature, Will come over to you and will be yours; They will walk behind you, they will come over in chains, And will bow down to you; They will make supplication to you: 'Surely, God is with you, and there is none else, No other God.'

Truly, You are a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, Savior!

Isaiah 45:1-15

In the past you were spiritually dead because of your sins and the things you did against God.

Yes, in the past you lived the way the world lives, following the ruler of the evil powers that are above the earth. That same spirit is now working in those who refuse to obey God.

In the past all of us lived like them, trying to please our sinful selves and doing all the things our bodies and minds wanted. We should have suffered God's anger because we were sinful by nature. We were the same as all other people.

But God's mercy is great, and he loved us very much.

Though we were spiritually dead because of the things we did against God, he gave us new life with Christ. You have been saved by God's grace.

And he raised us up with Christ and gave us a seat with him in the heavens. He did this for those in Christ Jesus

so that for all future time he could show the very great riches of his grace by being kind to us in Christ Jesus.

I mean that you have been saved by grace through believing. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God.

It was not the result of your own efforts, so you cannot brag about it.

God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.

Ephesians 2:1-10

My Father In Heaven;
My Father who is in heaven Holy is your name, Your kingdom comes.
Your will be done as it is in heaven, give me my daily bread, forgive me.
Of my ways as I forgive their ways, lead me away from temptation, evil.
My Father who is in heaven I lift your holy name on high with praises.
Even though I don't always feel or want to I need to praise your name.
Even when feeling down or after losing everything I need to praise you.
My Father who is in heaven give me my daily bread feed my mind, body and soul.
Feed me with your bread soaked in your blood since you said bread doesn't work alone.
Wash me clean of my impurities of thoughts that infect my tongue my body and my soul.
My Father in heaven lead me away from temptation keep me away from evil.
Have your Spirit lead me through the shadow of death to your still waters.
Lead me to where I can finally see your face, your eyes that saw my worth.
My Father in heaven I lift your name on high I shout to you with praises.
I lift my arms up to you for our Holy embrace the hug that melts all hurt.
We share whispers of love and thanks that makes all things better.
My Father who is in heaven I ask that your will be done as it is in heaven.
May your will be done in healing William's children may your will be done with William.
May your will be done in giving the McLaughlin family, the Miracle.
Thank you for your blessings,
Amen

Forgive us our illusions, Father, and help us to accept our true relationship with You, in which there are no illusions, and
where none can ever enter. Our holiness is Yours. What can
there be in us that needs forgiveness when Yours is perfect?
The sleep of forgetfulness is only the unwillingness to remember
Your forgiveness and Your Love. Let us not wander into
temptation, for the temptation of the Son of God is not Your Will.
And let us receive only what You have given, and accept but this
into the minds which You created and which You love.
Amen.

T-16.VII.12

God is the Light in which I see.
God is the Mind with which I think.
God is the Love in which I forgive.
God is the Strength in which I trust.
There is nothing to fear.

Dear Daddy;
It's my birthday, and I want to thank you for giving me life, and God. For without him, I would not be here to write these words.
Thank You. I love You! I miss U.
Karin

The Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the front gate of the
Temple of the Lord, which faces east. I saw twenty-five men
where the gate opens, among them Jaazaniah son of Azzur
and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, who were leaders of the people.
Then the Lord said to me, "Human, these are the men who plan
evil and give wicked advice in this city of Jerusalem.
They say, 'It is almost time for us to build houses. This city is like
a cooking pot, and we are like the best meat.
So prophesy against them, prophesy, human."
Then the Spirit of the Lord entered me and told me to say:
"This is what the Lord says: You have said these things, people
of Israel, and I know what you are thinking.
You have killed many people in this city, filling its streets with
their bodies.
"So this is what the Lord God says: Those people you have killed
and left in the middle of the city are like the best meat, and this
city is like the cooking pot. But I will force you out of the city.
You have feared the sword, but I will bring a sword against you,
says the Lord God.
I will force you out of the city and hand you over to strangers and punish you.
You will die by the sword. I will punish you at the border of Israel
so you will know that I am the Lord.
This city will not be your cooking pot, and you will not be the best meat in the middle of it. I will punish you at the border of Israel.
Then you will know that I am the Lord. You did not live by my rules
or obey my laws. Instead, you did the same things as the nations around you."
As I prophesied, Pelatiah son of Benaiah died. Then I bowed facedown on the ground and shouted with a loud voice, "Oh no,
Lord God! Will you completely destroy the Israelites who are left alive?"
The Lord spoke his word to me, saying,
"Human, the people still in Jerusalem have spoken about your
own relatives and all the people of Israel who are captives with
you, saying, 'They are far from the Lord. This land has been given
to us as our property.'
"So say, 'This is what the Lord God says: I sent the people far
away among the nations and scattered them among the countries. But for a little while I have become a Temple to them in the
countries where they have gone.'
"So say: 'This is what the Lord God says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you together from the countries where you have been scattered. Then I will give you back the land of Israel.'
"When they come to this land, they will remove all the evil
idols and all the hateful images.
I will give them a desire to respect me completely, and I will put inside them a new way of thinking. I will take out the stubborn
heart of stone from their bodies, and I will give them an obedient heart of flesh.
Then they will live by my rules and obey my laws and keep them. They will be my people, and I will be their God.
But those who want to serve their evil statues and hateful idols,
I will pay back for their evil ways, says the Lord God."
Then the living creatures lifted their wings with the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them.
The glory of the Lord went up from inside Jerusalem and stopped
on the mountain on the east side of the city.
The Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the captives who
had been taken from Judah to Babylonia. This happened in a
vision given by the Spirit of God, and then the vision I had seen ended.
And I told the captives from Judah all the things the Lord had
shown me.

Ezekiel 11:1-25

But rise, and stand upon thy feet:
for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Acts 26:16

The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and
your father's household and go to the land I will show you.

"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you;
I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

Genesis 12:1-3

From this time on we do not think of anyone as the world does. In the past we thought of Christ as the world thinks, but we no longer think of him in that way.
If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!
All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between us and himself, and God gave us the work of telling everyone about the peace we can have with him.
God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold the world guilty of its sins. And he gave us this message of peace.
So we have been sent to speak for Christ. It is as if God is calling to you through us. We speak for Christ when we beg you to be at peace with God.
Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could become right with God.

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

OH! By the way dad...the final chapter is almost complete, and its very interesting how things are playing out, for our book. Thanks, for all your encouragement and support, and helping me through the years, and teaching me to be strong, for what I believe. Love you Dad.

Dear Dad,
Thank you so much, for encouraging me to write my first book, about my life. I feel you are guiding the publishers, to me. They give great hope for success, and they promise the first book signing will be at the Barnes & Noble in Vernon Hills, and we are all very excited, about designing the book dust cover. God bless, you. Dad, and know I always, loved you.

I am going with Frank Sinatra, one of Dad's favorites...."I did it my way". Thank you, God.

You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life,
my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch,
Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord
rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to
live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil
men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and
being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have
learned and have become convinced of, because you know
those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you
have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you
wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting
and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:10-17

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy
of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one
hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God
and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure
of Christ's gift. Therefore He says: " When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.
(Now this, "He ascended"—what does it mean but that He also
first descended into the lower parts of the earth?
He who descended is also the One who ascended far above
all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of
the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure
of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer
be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind
of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in
all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies,
according to the effective working by which every part does its
share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:1-16

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,having their understanding darkened, being alienated
from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past
feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him
and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore, putting away lying, " Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another. "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:17-32

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light,
because their deeds were evil.
For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

John 3:16-21

But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,
and no torment will ever touch them.
In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died,
and their departure was thought to be a disaster,
and their going from us to be their destruction;
but they are at peace.
For though in the sight of others they were punished,
their hope is full of immortality.
Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good,
because God tested them and found them worthy of himself;
like gold in the furnace he tried them,
and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them.
In the time of their visitation they will shine forth,
and will run like sparks through the stubble.
They will govern nations and rule over peoples,
and the Lord will reign over them forever.
Those who trust in him will understand truth,
and the faithful will abide with him in love,
because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones,
and he watches over his elect.
Wisdom 3:1-9

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.
For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as “foreigners in the land.” For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days.
Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.
You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.
For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.
As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.
But the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.
1 Peter 1:13-25

That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord's glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. But the angel said, "Don't be afraid!
I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David's hometown a Savior was born for you.
He is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:8-11

This is Christmas - He came for you...
a beginning of transforming Good News into the reality of your life
and the life of the world. Every star, every planet, every plant, every animal, every cell, and, most of all, every human being was created out of God's compassion. You were created as an object of God's love. He made you in order to love you! His love is the reason you're alive and breathing. Every time your heart beats and every time you take a breath, God is saying, "I love you." You would not exist if God had not wanted you. God's love for you is unconditional, His love for you is unchanging. Everything else will change during your lifetime, but God's love for you is constant, steady, and continuous. It's the foundation for unshakable confidence. There is nothing you can do that will make God stop loving you.
I pray that you will be able to know that love.
I offer this prayer of blessing to you:
That Christmas will indeed be influenced by the spirit of the good news that the angel declared on the arrival of Christ birth. May His, love, peace, hope and joy be known by all in your body, mind and soul. May we all thank God for our many blessings, with a spirit of faith that all will be well.
Amen

Merry Christmas To All, and To All a Good-Night...

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace
given me through the working of his power.
Although I am less than the least of all God's people,
this grace was given me:
to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,
which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
His intent was that now;
the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers
and authorities in the heavenly realms,
according to his eternal purpose which
he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In him and through faith in him we may approach God
with freedom and confidence.
I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged
because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
For this reason I kneel before the Father,
from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you
with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
may have power, together with all the saints,
to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge,
that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask
or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
to him be glory and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
for ever and ever!
Amen.
Ephesians 3

"O Holy Night"
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wise men from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

I remember many happy Christmas's with daddy, before he moved to Libertyville. I will cherish those happy memories, and keep them alive in my heart. I remember daddy dressing up like Santa every year, when we were young children. I remember him being Santa at the Tatler Post Christmas parties. I remember sitting on his knee, and telling him what I wanted, and when he said for me to be good. I'd say, o.k. daddy, his old spice and his laugh always gave him away. Ho! Ho! Ho! to you Dad.

Dear Dad,
Thank you, for my life, and without it I would not have found Nam-myho-renge-ko,Nam-myho-renge-ko,Nam-myho-renge-ko, and I would have never found my answers to so much pain and sorrow, and about cause and effect and how it is ABSOLUTE, and how I am a better person, because of the teachings. Thank you, Dad.

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
I give You thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
When he humbled Himself to come among us as a Man,
He fulfilled the plan You formed long ago,
and opened for us the way to salvation.
Now I watch for the day, hoping that the joy of salvation promised us, will be mine, when Christ our Lord will come again in His glory.
In His love, He has filled me with hopeful anticipation,
as I prepare to celebrate His birth, help me in my weakness,
and free me from sin.
May I live as He has taught, ready to welcome him with love and faith.
Let Your glory take away all my darkness,
and may I be revealed as a child of light at His coming.
When He comes, may He find me watching in prayer,
my heart filled with wonder and praise for Him.
In memory of the coming of our Lord and Saviour, I beg You, Father,
to grant me all the graces I need to be prepared for His coming
to my soul on Christmas.
I ask in particular this favor;
Please Lord, may my father's soul be at peace.
For the love Jesus, Your Son,
has shown us in becoming man to save us,
I beg You to grant my prayer, if it be Your holy will.
That I may rejoice at the coming of Your Son.
Bless me, and protect me from all evil,
and lead me to everlasting peace.
Amen.

Our relationships with those who have died are in no way
interrupted by their death. The form of the relationship has
changed, the manner in which we live the truth of that
relationship changes, but the reality of the bond, the love,
the real connection between us, endures and is eternal.

"Lord, for your faithful people life is changed, not ended.
When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death we
gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven."

It means the faithful departed are alive, that our relationship
with them is still intact, they are just with us in a different way.
That says we are right to pray for them, and to ask them for
their prayers. That says that the gap between heaven and
earth is perhaps not quite so big, after all. That we are not so
alone as we sometimes might think.
I'm happy that the truth that the Church teaches has had an
impact on me. I no longer feel as though my father is lost and
gone forever. Instead, I look forward to seeing his smile again.
I feel connected into an immense family that extends
generations back, all knowing me and loving me. Best of all, I
feel, in some inexplicable way, that I have grown to know my
father much better, since he died. I feel closer to him now,
than I ever did while he was alive, our relationship has
actually grown. A strange thing to observe. And a strange
thing to try to explain.

I heartily join with you in the celebration of William's excellent life.
He is greatly missed but his spirit, intelligence and brightness shine
on with all of us who remember him so fondly today, on his birthday.
I'll lift my glass and toast him proudly;
May the roads rise to meet you.
May the wind be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
The rain fall soft upon your fields
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

My father explain the "Luck of the Irish" to me one day.
It works like this, if you had good luck one day,
you could expect bad luck the next.
Example; when someone dies in the family,
a new baby will be born into the family.
Or, you win a large sum of money one day,
and get a large bill in the mail the next.
Erin go deo!

Dear Dad;
Today, as I remember you on your birthday, I am celebrating your long life, which was a life well lived. You lived your life doing what
you loved. Your legacy will continue to live on for many lifetimes to come, through your children and grandchildren. Your memory will
live on in all the lives you touched, forever in our hearts, and you
will inspire us always. I find myself reflecting on your great dreams, and the amazing strides you made towards accomplishing those dreams. As I look back on all your hard work, and your incredible
life. I know, that it takes a special strength of character, to achieve what you have. You truly were one in a million, through your
strength and courage, you taught me more, then you could have
ever dreamed possible...
I think about you all the time. I still have a hard time believing, that you are gone. You have been such an important part of my life.
When someone has made an impact on your life, as you have in
mine, you never forget. You taught me to have courage, when
faced with adversity, and strength to over come it. You told me to
go ahead and live my dreams. Your words, helped me to realize I could be passionate about my life, and still have the courage of my convictions. I know there were difficult times too, even they, some how, helped me to learn life's lessons, and grow. It helped me to remember, God works with us, through trials and tribulations. I learned, the true meaning of love, compassion, and acceptance; of myself, of our relationship, and the acceptance of reality. That
there really is hope for all people, no matter how small they are. Courage is like love; it must have hope for nourishment.
The most important valued lesson... to live, a life filled with purpose. That is certainly true, of my personal relationship with God. It is the most rewarding relationship...to living a life, of meaning. I am a creature of God. I am deeply rooted in my religious beliefs, because
of you, teaching me the way. I thank you for that. I am absolutely confident, that God, in his infinite wisdom, has a perfect plan for
each one of us. I trust, and have faith in Him.
I have many blessings in my life, above all, I feel your spirit with me.
I know you hear me, and that you are watching over me, I feel
closer than ever to you. One day we will be together again, but
until then, I want you to know, that you have given me, strength. I know that time heals, and that you would want me to be happy, but, right now...you have inspired me, to have courage to move forward.
I'm going to do my best, to make you proud.
Isn't that what we all what, when we are gone? To know, we made
a impact on someones life. To somehow know, or hope, that the world is a different - better place, because of how we walked on
this earth. It is true, angels are in heaven witnessing these events. They eternally share a relationship as God the Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit...it brings me peace, knowing that you are now with your sainted mother, Helen and your father, Charles; your brother's Charlie and Jack, and your sister Catherine. I am sure, they were all rejoicing, when they saw you, coming through the golden gates of heaven. That you were finally Home with the Lord, and at peace.
No matter how many seasons pass, I will miss you, and I will hold
you in my heart. I will remember the good times we shared. When
my time comes, and the angels bring me to heaven, to be with you. They will present me to you, as a new born child of God, with renewed spirit. You will take my hand in yours, and we will embark
on a everlasting journey, into eternity. I will never let you go again.
My goal now, is to live my life, as God wants. He has been a tremendous source of solace in my life, and has guided me... all the way. I am so deeply grateful, for all the gifts, He shares daily.
It restores my faith in love, each and every day.
There is something quite special, about the bond between a daddy and his daughter.
Happy Birthday Daddy!!!
Love From Your Daughter,
Karin

Father,
from the depth of my soul I fervently beseech Thee.
Hear my prayers for mercy, open my heart in welcome,
and by the help of Saint Nicholas keep my family safe from all danger.
May those who serve you constantly in heaven,
keep our lives safe from all harm on earth.
Grant that the homes in which they live, be filled with joy and peace.
Renew our lives by the Spirit that is within us,
in our unity in faith and love.
Guide me on the way, to my salvation, for I trust in you.
Remove the things that hinder me from receiving Christ with joy,
so that I may share his wisdom, and become one with him,
when he comes in his glory.
I love Thee with all my heart, and with all the strength of my soul.
May all the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Grant that we may remember them with charity and kindness.
Continue to heal us, and bless all who mourn
the loss of their loved ones.
Increase my confidence in your love for me.
If it be your will, grant my special request.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,
Savior of mankind, our Savior for all eternity.
Amen.

You were chosen to receive this novena.
The moment you receive it, say:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, give
us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

GOD WANTED ME TO TELL YOU,
It shall be well with you this coming year.

No matter how much your enemies try this year,
they will not succeed.

You have been destined to make it and you shall
surely achieve all your goals this year.

For the remainder of 2008 and all of 2009, all
your agonies will be diverted and victory and
prosperity will be in coming in abundance.
Today God has confirmed the end of your sufferings,
sorrows and pain because HE that sits on the throne
has remembered you. He has taken away the hardships
and given you JOY He will never let you down.
I knocked at heaven's door this morning, God asked
me.. My child! What can I do for you? And I said,

"Father, please protect and bless the person
reading this message.. "

This is a Novena from Mother Theresa that started
in 1952.

Eternal God,
through long generations you prepare a way
for the coming of your Son,
and by your Spirit you still bring light to illumine our paths;
renew us in faith, and hope that we may welcome Christ
to rule our thoughts, claim our love, and ease our grief.
Almighty God,
help me to look forward to the glory of the birth of Christ our Saviour;
His coming is proclaimed joyfully in all the world.
I await His healing power, as I prepare my soul for Christmas.
Let me not be discouraged by weaknesses.
Keep me steadfast in Your love, and Give me the joy of Your love.
All-powerful God,
increase my strength of will for doing good,
that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming
and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven,
where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving To All!

I thank my God every time I remember you,
always praying with joy for all of you.
I thank God for the help you gave me
while I preached the Good News—
help you gave from the first day you believed until now.
God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it
until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.
And I know that I am right to think like this about all of you,
because I have you in my heart.
All of you share in God's grace with me while I am in prison
and while I am defending and proving the truth of the Good News.
God knows that I want to see you very much,
because I love all of you with the love of Christ Jesus.
This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more;
that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love;
that you will see the difference between good and bad,
and will choose the good;
that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ;
that you will be filled with the good things produced in your life
by Christ to bring glory and praise to God.
I want you brothers and sisters to know that what has happened
to me has helped to spread the Good News.
All the palace guards and everyone else knows that I am in prison
because I am a believer in Christ.
Because I am in prison, most of the believers have become
more bold in Christ and are not afraid to speak the word of God.
It is true that some preach about Christ
because they are jealous and ambitious,
but others preach about Christ because they want to help.
They preach because they have love, and they know
that God gave me the work of defending the Good News.
But the others preach about Christ for selfish and wrong reasons,
wanting to make trouble for me in prison.
But it doesn't matter. The important thing is that in every way,
whether for right or wrong reasons, they are preaching about Christ.
So I am happy, and I will continue to be happy.
Because you are praying for me
and the Spirit of Jesus Christ is helping me,
I know this trouble will bring my freedom.
I expect and hope that I will not fail Christ in anything
but that I will have the courage now, as always,
to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth,
whether I live or die.

Philippians 1:3-20

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions:
if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,
and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest;
and how can we know the way?
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also:
and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you,
and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?
he that hath seen me hath seen the Father;
and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?
the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself:
but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me:
or else believe me for the very works' sake.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me,
the works that I do shall he do also;
and greater works than these shall he do;
because I go unto my Father.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter,
that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive,
because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him;
for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you
Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more;
but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father,
and ye in me, and I in you
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them,
he it is that loveth me:
and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father,
and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 14:1-21
Thank You Father.

DAD
:by Judy Burnette
Dad...so many images come to mind whenever I speak your name;
It seems without you in my life things have never been the same.
What happened to those lazy days when I was just a child;
When my life was consumed in you in your love, and in your smile.
What happened to all those times when I always looked to you;
No matter what happened in my life, you could make gray skies blue.
Dad, some days I hear your voice and turn to see your face;
Yet in my turning...it seems the sound has been erased.
Dad, who will I turn to for answers, when life does not make sense;
Who will be there to hold me close, when the pieces just don't fit.
Oh, Dad, if I could turn back time and once more hear your voice;
I'd tell you that out of all the dads, you would still be my choice.
Please, always know I love you, and no one can take your place;
Years may come and go, but your memory will never be erased.
Today, Jesus, as You are listening in your home above;
Would you go and find my dad and give him all my love.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress:
my God; in Him will I trust.
Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,
and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings
shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror by night;
nor of the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor of the pestilence that walketh in darkness;
nor of the destruction that layeth waste at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold
and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the LORD, who is my refuge,
even the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee,
neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For He shall give His angels charge over thee,
to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands,
lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:
the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him:
I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him:
I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation.

Psalm 91

Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped into the next room...
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity, or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed, at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It it the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near.
Just around the corner.
All is well.

The above poem, "Death is Nothing at All" was written by;
Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918), Canon of St Paul's Cathedral.

Peace be with you.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
This is how God showed his love among us:
He sent his one and only Son into the world
that we might live through him.
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us
and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Dear friends, since God so loved us,
we also ought to love one another.
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another,
God lives in us and his love is made complete in us
This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:
He has given us of his Spirit.
And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son
to be the Savior of the world.
If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God,
God lives in them and they in God.
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,
because fear has to do with punishment.
The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
We love because he first loved us.
If we say we love God yet hate a brother or sister, we are liars.
For if we do not love a fellow believer, whom we have seen,
we cannot love God, whom we have not seen.
And he has given us this command:
Those who love God must also love one another.
1 John 4:7-21

Dear Dad;
I feel your presence upon me, and I know you are proud of all my efforts to honor your name, and to stand up with you. Your legacy to me, was far more than your love for me, and how you affected my life. I will always remember you, when I was a young girl, and as a woman. This is something bigger, that we all can hold on to and believe in together. ... Being able to achieve any dream I, or my children, and their children have, and more so, to achieve goals we never dreamed possible. The legacy that will be passed on through generations of McLaughlin's to come, is now, in all our hands.
When it is my time, and I see you again in heaven. I know that I can look you in the eye, and you will smile, open your arms wide for me. You will be proud of me, for doing what you taught me to do. To be strong, stand up for what is right, and be filled with pride, in the McLaughlin name. I want to leave behind my own legacy to be proud of. So my children can hold their heads up high, obtain every dream they seek, and celebrate their Irish heritage. I am blessed in so many ways. I have a loving and supportive family, wonderful and treasured friends, and a life that is full and rich beyond any monetary value. God has been good to us, we thank and praise Him everyday for that.
It broke my heart when you passed over, now, I cherish your spirit, which lives on in me. I believe we all have choices, and my choice is to live a life that is true. I want to know that the people I love, and that love me, can be proud and respect who I am, and how I live my life. We have all been given the most beautiful gift. The love and light that is within us, from the time we are born, it is meant to be shared with others, and the more we honor that, the closer we are to finding our own peace, and joy in this world. When I am finally home with my Father, I want to know that I have left behind my own legacy of peace, and love that will be carried forward.
I know, you would expect nothing less from me.
Dad, I feel your presence, my love will never, ever, leave you.

Dear Dad;
It's been three months since I learned that you passed away. Since then, the path that I've taken, to get to where I am today, every step, I feel your spirit gently guiding me through, to make things right for you. I've written many times here about your strength and sensitivity, and ... what I didn't know as a child to make things right, I can say, I know now. I want you to be at peace, to know your life was not in vain, to know that what your life was, can not be changed. I also felt, it was important to honor your memory. I know you were a very proud man. I know you were proud of your accomplishments, in which you had many. I know you felt blessed, to have had seven children. You were a great patriot, who loved your country. These are facts, that can not be denied. You would always say, "God, Family and Country first." I guess it would be safe to say, you accomplished the "American dream". Although, there may be seven different versions on what "our" life was with you. In spite of it all , we've all grown up to lead responsible, productive, loving lives, and are great parents, with beautiful, smart children. I know you took great comfort in knowing that, through the years.
You had a profound influence on me, you taught me many, many things. The most important is to believe, to believe in God and to believe in myself. I will always have nothing but love for you Dad, you inspired me to be a strong, independent woman. I know in my heart of hearts, that it was a gift from God, that allowed me to grow up with the knowledge that I was not alone, and to be able to survive from a special place in my heart, that keeps my cherished memories,
I have with you, alive. Without it, I do not think, I would have been able to keep my dreams alive, and continue to create new ones.

Dear Dad,
I feel you with me; just as I have felt you with me while you were here on earth. But, I know you knew I love you. Moreover, I know you love me, too.

The will of God, will never take you where
the grace of God will not protect you...
Father, I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me,
and in all Your children.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul;
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you Lord,
and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands,
without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
For you are my Father.
Amen

Brothers and sisters,
if someone is caught in a sin,
you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
Carry each other's burdens,
and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
If any of you think you are something when you are nothing,
you deceive yourselves.
Each of you should test your own actions.
Then you can take pride in yourself,
without comparing yourself to somebody else,
for each of you should carry your own load.
Nevertheless, those who receive instruction in the word
should share all good things with their instructor.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.
People reap what they sow.
Those who sow to please their sinful nature,
from that nature will reap destruction;
those who sow to please the Spirit,
from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,
especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:1-10

Dear Dad,
I want to update you on what has been going on, in my life, since the last time I spoke, to you. I have been married to my husband Dave now for thirty-one years, and after many years of hardship, in the work world he landed his position with All American Homes, and has worked, for the company the last four years, and is the top salesman, in system built homes, and they just brought on an environmentally green “Solar Village Homes” product. I love going over and watching the homes being built, in sections, inside the plant. Everything a stick-built home has to offer, the factory built homes have one better, “no mold from sitting out in the rain”
Ashley (your grand-daughter you have not seen, for many years), is twenty-five years old, and was recently married, to a wonderful man, from our area, August 02, 2008, and they live in Des Moines, IA. After graduating high school she went to the American Institute of Business College, in Des Moines, IA, and has her degree in Accounting. Moreover, after graduating she landed a great job with an International Construction Co., and works in their corporate accounting dept. Also, the year she graduated high school is the same year I went to college for four years, for Business Administration. Thanks Dad, it was your words, to me; many years ago, that helped me, find the will, to get into college. Ashley and I had to pray, for many years, to be able to go to college, and we both have our student loans, to remind us, about the hard work we did, to get through. As you know, for many years I have been praying, to one day have my own business, and if the economy straightens out, along with the funds, I’d like to put a model home up, from All American Homes, using the “Green products” they have to offer, along with using solar energy. This is the closest thing to selling real estate that I can do without a license. The other night I awoke, at my usual 3:00 am bathroom call, and I thought while walking down the hallway “if ever my dream comes true; I’d start the business and put up an environmentally sound model home, and I made a vow, to dedicate that home, to my father: William A. McLaughlin. Dad, contracting is in my blood and I have the knowledge, education, and business help from Dave, since he works for the company, and they offer all the training on all their products, for free. Ashley occasionally talks about moving back to the Dyersville area once they start having our grandchildren, and this would be away I could get her to help us with the business. Her husband Ryan Schultz works in construction, and learning about the “green” “solar” would be a ground breaking opportunity, for him, and good training while the slow season, is here. Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a worse winter, than last year, and we know what that does. Thank God, for spring!
Dad, please watch over us, until I write, again.
Love, Kitty

I got a call and the voice said, he was gone.
I lost all feeling. A part of me had been ripped away. My soul had never been so heavy. At that moment, I would've given up
everything I had, to see my Dad's face again, just one more time.
Some of the greatest memories of my life, is when I had my Dad,
in my life. When I was young, my Dad was everything to me. He would sit me on his lap, he loved to tell me all kinds of stories;
about our Irish ancestors, when my grandma and grandpa came
from Ireland, Dad was a war hero, so of course, lots of war
stories, and about his hopes and dreams. Sometimes he would
do a little magic trick, like the quarter behind the ear or a card
trick. I would play with his pens in his shirt pocket, he would
let me comb his hair, I'd comb it all different ways, he didn't care.
I like the relationship I have with my dad now, and in many
ways, it feels like, we are partners, with God. The one true
thing, that my father held so dear. He's been gone a little over
two months and my heart still aches. Sometimes I miss him
so much, it physically hurts. The time I have with him now, I
can talk to him day or night, there's no one keeping him from me.
It's funny...now that he's gone, I feel closer to him, than ever.
He's in my dreams. His face appears wherever I go...when I look
in the mirror, he's looking back at me, and his voice and his laugh rings loud in my ears. Everywhere I turn there's a little piece of
what he was, in me.
May all of us look to God for strength, for we have all lost the greatest man in our life, our father. We have all been there from
the beginning. We all have different memories, some are better
than others, but, no matter what our time was with are father.
He was just a man, no he wasn't perfect, he wasn't a God. He
was complicated, a mere mortal. An Irishman, with seven
children, who he loved. We loved him for who he was, not what
he was. He was our Dad. He lived his life, his way.
We all feel the same pain, we all feel the depth of the loss. The
loss of a era in our life, that is now gone. How we chose to depict
and remember, is now up to each one of us. How we remember, allows us to laugh, to cry, and to share these stories with each
other. Draw strength from them, and never forget, we are forever changed. There is no time limit to the grieving. We each grieve for whom we have lost, for what we have lost. For most of us, we do
not just "get over it", a phase that has echoed in my ears, for
forty years. I have not yet learned how to get over love. Each of
us should define are own healing process, and not judge an
others. Let us remember, we will "all" be judge one day. We must never forget that we are children in every way dependent upon
God, and this means that there is no limit to what Jesus chose to suffer for love. In the days ahead, respect and comfort each other, know that we are each on a great journey, and no matter how
great our sadness is today, there will be joy again tomorrow. May
the light that awakens us each day bring a rekindled hope to
nurture and renewal us.
I will continue to pray for my brothers and sisters,
may we all find peace.
Daddy, I love you. I will never forget the time we shared together,
and I will remember you always. I will keep you close in my heart, until we see each other again, in heaven.

I may speak in different languages of people or even angels.
But if I do not have love, I am only a noisy bell or a crashing cymbal.
I may have the gift of prophecy.
I may understand all the secret things of God
and have all knowledge,
and I may have faith so great I can move mountains.
But even with all these things, if I do not have love,
then I am nothing.
I may give away everything I have,
and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned.
But I gain nothing if I do not have love.
Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud.
Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others.
Love does not count up wrongs that have been done.
Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth.
Love patiently accepts all things.
It always trusts, always hopes,and always endures.
Love never ends.
There are gifts of prophecy, but they will be ended.
There are gifts of speaking in different languages,
but those gifts will stop.
There is the gift of knowledge, but it will come to an end.
The reason is that our knowledge
and our ability to prophesy are not perfect.
But when perfection comes, the things that are not perfect will end.
When I was a child, I talked like a child,
I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.
When I became a man, I stopped those childish ways.
It is the same with us.
Now we see a dim reflection, as if we were looking into a mirror,
but then we shall see clearly.
Now I know only a part, but then I will know fully,
as God has known me.
So these three things continue forever: faith, hope, and love.
And the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34

Dear Dad,
I wanted to tell you, how much I love going to cemetery, and sitting with you. There is no gatekeeper, to keep me from sitting with you as long as I want, and laughing with you. Nothing or nobody can keep me from visiting, you, because you’ve always been in my heart, and always will.

When God takes something from your grasp,
He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands
to receive something better.

The Will of God will never take you;
Where the Grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the Arms of God cannot support you,
Where the Riches of God cannot support your needs,
Where the Power of God cannot endow you.
The Will of God will never take you;
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the Wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the Army of God cannot protect you,
Where the Hands of God cannot mold you.
The Will of God will never take you;
Where the Love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the Mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the Peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the Authority of God cannot overrule you.
The Will of God will never take you;
Where the Comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the Miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Everything happens for a purpose,
We may not see the wisdom of it all now but trust
and believe in the Lord that everything is for the best!

My father made me proud of him today, when after so many years when I sat in his office, and he told me how things would be at his passing. I am proud of my father, for not lying to me. Thanks Dad. You really came through for me, on this one, and if nothing comes of it. I am comforted that you did not lie, to me. I will continue to think of you, as I always have, through life and I will continue to pray for all our happiness.

P.S. My dad only drank his hot cocoa with milk, and when he carved the meat for supper he was proud to sharpen the knives, like a master butcher. Funny how all the childhood memories come rushing back, as if it were yesterday. Also, how a long distance move, altered all our lives, thanks Joann. I know Dad is looking down on you, and guiding you, to never tire of the compassion you have inside for all of dads children.

Who can toss away the things we remember most; like Dad's velet with the seat attached, his shoe-horn, and little black pocket comb, money clip, watch, change, and small nail clippers, we have our memories of our life with dad, and its the small things we remember, is all about LOVE, how fast 40 years goes when your living life, experiencing the tough life, but never was, or will he be forgotten, but our childhood including the time before and the time after, it was all good memories of daddy..respecting our father was important to us so he and the others good live a great life. Peace be with you, Dad. Love, Kitty

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever,
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
For you, God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Increase the days of the king's life, his years for many generations.
May he be enthroned in God's presence forever;
appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to protect him.
Then I will ever sing in praise of your name
and fulfill my vows day after day.
Psalm 61

I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new,
I thought about you yesterday and the day before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name,
all I have are memories and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part.
God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart.
I believe there will come a day, I will see you once again.
For now my prayers will keep us close, until then.

Fall has definitely come now that the weather is turning cooler
and the leaves are starting to change color. One of the fondest
fall memories I have, is every year growing up, when the leaves started turning, my Dad would pack us kids up in his big Cadillac,
and we'd take a drive to Wisconsin, to the orchard to go apple picking. The air was crisp and cool. We would take a drive along colorful country roads to get to the apple orchard, and along the
way, Dad would stop and look at different pieces of property
to buy. This is when he first started to be interested in real estate and had a dream of becoming a real estate developer. My Dad
was a visionary, he had a knack for looking at a piece of property
and envisioning something great for it. I remember us driving all
over, down rural roads, some without street signs, looking for
a address and when we would finally find it, we found a big,
overgrown piece of land. Sometimes there would be a little
run-down shack on it, out in the middle of no where. Dad would
sit back, look at the property and say, "What do you think of this one?" We would laugh and say, "It looks like the last one!" Dad would laugh, he had the best laugh - hearty and contagious!
Eventually, we found our way to the orchard. We had so much
fun going from tree to tree, seeing who could fill there basket
first. We were lucky we had Daddy to reach the ones up at the
top. He would put us up on his shoulders to reach the highest
ones. When we were all done filling our baskets and loading
them into the trunk of the Cadillac, we all sat down and drank
apple cider. I remember it tasting so fresh and good. Dad called
it God's nectar. We would go back home, and we would make
Dad a big apple pie. Apple was his favorite pie.

Today, Jesus, as You are listening
in your home above;
Would you go and find my dad
and give him all my love.

'Lord,
I love you and I need you, come into my heart, and bless me,
my family, my home, and my friends, in Jesus' name.
Amen.'

One day as he saw the crowds gathering,
Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down.
His disciples gathered around him,
and he began to teach them:
God blesses those who are poor in spirit,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven, is theirs.
God blesses you when people mock you,
and say all manner of evil against you falsely,
to punish you and make you suffer,
because you are my followers.
Rejoice!
Be exceeding glad!
A great reward awaits you in heaven.
For the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
You are the salt of the earth.
But what good is salt if it has lost it's favor?
Can you make it salty again?
It will be cast out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
You are the light of the world—
like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.
Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand,
where it gives light unto all that are in the house.
Let Your light so shine out for all to see,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify Your Father, who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:1-16

God Bless You Father!

My father taught me a lot, and always by example;
My father was an entrepreneur.
He was always starting businesses,
he taught me the entrepreneurial spirit.
The most significant thing my Dad taught me, is my religion.
He taught me how to pray to the Father and believe in His spirit.
I remember kneeling next to my Dad at church,
with my hands together, and him, with his hands together in prayer.
He smiled and looked into my eyes, and said,
"Our prayers and our relationship with God
is the source of our purpose in life."
Over the years my prayer journey has taught me,
that the key is knowing God.
I believe I am a better person because he taught me,
how to rely on God's strength for guidance, and peace.
Thank You Father, for all You have taught me,
I have learned so much.
My heavenly Father taught me step by step,
not just how to pray, but to pray.
Lord, hear the prayer of Your child.
To my Heavenly Father,
I have trusted in Thee, and I will trust in Thee forever;
if it were not for You, I would not be standing before You now.
You promise to carry me through, never to leave me.
Your abiding love saved me, from my emptiness.
You promised me freedom from guilt, fear and shame.
From the moment I come to You, You choose to forgive.
Your grace has freed me from my heavy burden,
that covered me like a blanket through a long cold journey.
I praise You for comforting me and always watching over me.
Father, help me to recognize the voice of evil,
let me never be put to deception,
so I am not brought to a place of uncertainty.
Teach me to be strong as I put Your word into my heart,
so that I will believe that I am free from my past.
In my heart take Your place, let me find comfort in Your shelter.
Help me to grow closer to You, and place
all of my trust in You for my salvation.
You are the greatest of my blessings,
Your love lives in me always.
Amen.

A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
What does the worker gain from his toil?
I have seen the burden God has laid on men.
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;
yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy
and do good while they live.
That everyone may eat and drink,
and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.
I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.
God does it so that men will revere him.
Whatever is has already been,
and what will be has been before;
and God will call the past to account.
And I saw something else under the sun:
In the place of judgment—wickedness was there,
in the place of justice—wickedness was there.
I thought in my heart,
"God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked,
for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed."
I also thought, "As for men,
God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals.
Man's fate is like that of the animals;
the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other.
All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal.
Everything is meaningless.
All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return.
Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward
and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?"
So I saw that there is nothing better for a man
than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot.
For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?

Ecclesiastes 3

Dear Dad,
I know you loved me, because you told me so.
You will always be a part of me, just as, I am forever a part of you.
I am proud to be your daughter, and a McLaughlin,
know one can take that away from me, or change that.
You are safe in my heart, where you have always been.
I must trust and confide in the Lord. For it is through difficult times,
when I was at my weakest place in life, that I became strong!
It was God and all His Glory that shined through!
I find myself again at the foot of the cross crying out to my Lord.
I am bare faced before my God
asking for His grace to pour down upon me.
I pray that God's angels will be around you always.
I pray that God will keep you safe and make you feel loved.
God keep me strong, help me to keep my eyes focused on you.
Hear my prayers and touch my life,
embrace me in your peace, with the glory of your grace.
I ask not just for myself, but for my brothers and sisters,
who carry the same heavy cross of loss.
For you are my rock, for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
I love you eternally.

Therefore if you have any encouragement
from being united with Christ,
any comfort from his love, any common sharing in the Spirit,
any affection and compassion, an open heart,
complete my joy by being of the same mind,
having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Do nothing from rivalry, selfish greed or vain conceit,
rather, in humility value others more significant than yourselves.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.
My dear friends, you have always obeyed God when I was with you.
It is even more important that you obey now,
while I am away from you.
Work hard to show the results of your salvation,
obeying God with deep reverence and fear.
For God is working in you,
giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Do everything without complaining or arguing,
so that no one can criticize you.
Live pure, innocent lives, with spiritual integrity in your heart.
Only then you will be God's children without fault.
But you are living with deceitful and cruel evildoers all around you,
among whom you shine, like bright stars in the dark universe.
Hold firmly to the teaching that gives life;
so then on the day of Christ's return,
I will be proud that my work was not wasted.
I did not run the race in vain, I ran the race and won.
Your faithful service is an offering to God.
I will rejoice even if I sacrifice my life,
pouring my blood out like a liquid offering to God,
just as your sacrifices are an offering to God.
My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will be happy and I want to share my joy with all of you.
You should rejoice with me and we will be joyful together.

Philippians 2:1-18
Amen

When I was seven years old, I made my First Communion.
My Dad gave me a rosary and a little white bible.
In the bible, he wrote, Love God with all your heart.
From that day on, I trusted in God.
God has rescued me, through every struggle in my life.
I have known from my earliest days,
that if you know he is righteous, good and true,
you know that everyone who does what is right,
has been born of him.
My dad, and God, are here always with me.

Dear friends,
I am not writing you a new command but an old one,
which you have had since the beginning.
This old command is the message you have heard.
Yet I am writing you a new command;
its truth is seen in him and you,
because the darkness is passing
and the true light is already shining.
Anyone who claims to be in the light
but hates his brother is still in the darkness.
Whoever loves his brother lives in the light,
and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.
But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness
and walks around in the darkness;
he does not know where he is going,
because the darkness has blinded him.
I write to you, dear children,
because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
I write to you, fathers,
because you have known him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, dear children,
because you have known the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
because you have known him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God lives in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
1 john 2:7-14

Love, as I have loved you.
Walk in the Light!

I'm so sorry to hear that your father has died.
There are times like this, that I really don’t know what to say.
I know how you feel, when I lost my Dad last year.
Your family was so supportive during that painful time.
You are in my thoughts and I will keep you in my prayers.
My love and support will always be here for you.

Dear McLaughlin's,
We are so sorry to hear about your lose.
We read your blog, that's how we found out.
Our love and prayers are with you, at this time.
We know, how much you loved your Dad.
He's in a better place now.
You are the nicest family.
Remember the good times.
Peace be with you.
God Bless You All,

My Prayers and Sympathies go out to Bill's family and friends.
We go way back,to the old neighborhood. Bill introduced Jazz
to the neighborhood, it was my first time hearing it, seeing it, experiencing it. The first time I heard John Coltrane and
Maynard Ferguson was at the Club Laurel on Broadway in
Chicago, with my wife, Rose, about 1964. Always was a fan
of the club, everyone played there. It was the greatest time.
Thanks for the memories Mac.

We remember the day our Dad and JoAnn got married. All of us
kids were happy that our Dad found someone, who loved his
children, as if we were her own. She always went out of her way,
to make us feel loved. She wanted us to be a big part in their wedding and in their new life, and from that day on, we felt lucky,
to have two moms. She insisted that our father's four daughters
be Jr. bridesmaids, and she worked many months to make us all beautiful matching dresses, and our brother Bill, was one of the groomsmen. The wedding was at Holy Name Cathedral church, in downtown Chicago, it was a beautiful sunny day. The reception
was at the Pick Congress Hotel and Mayor Daley Sr. attended the wedding, and made a old Irish toast. Count Basie and Oscar
Peterson played, at the gorgeous reception. Dad was on top of
the world, having his family together. It was JoAnn's compassion
and love that made our family strong, and that made Dad feel content, because family was everything to him.
A special thank you goes out to her, for making our Dad so happy
and fulfilled. We have admired her ability to put the feelings of
others ahead of herself, and for making us feel valued. Through
the years, she helped to keep us a close family, especially during
the holidays. She graciously welcomed us into their home, and
never once forgot our birthdays. Her empathy during this difficult
and painful time, showed us, the kind of mom we have always
known her, to be.
We know Dad is smiling down upon us :).
Dad, we love you. Rest in peace.
Out of something sad... something good and enlightening happens.

My Dad loved music, the night life in the city, hanging out with his friends and making money. He manages to combine all that,
into a business. One of my Dad's greatest pride and joy's of his life,
was when he was in his late twenty's and through-out his thirty's,
he owned the Club Laurel. The nightclub was on Chicago's northside on Broadway, it opened on July, 26th 1955, which happened to be, the same day my older sister, Bill's second daughter, Kitty, was born.
Dad always said, it was one of the happiest days of his life.
The club had live music, seven days a week.
Much of my childhood was spent going to the club on the weekends, in the afternoon when it wasn't open. Dad would be busy with deliveries, making deposits, getting things ready for that evenings business, while checking out new acts, and the bands would rehearse. He introduces me to many jazz greats; Count Basie, Maynard Ferguson, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, just to name a few, it's amazing, how many people started out playing the Club Laurel. There wasn't only jazz legends that started at the club. In the 60's, Dad started booking American pop bands like, Chicago, The Turtles and The Lovin' Spoonful, I remember hearing there hit, Summer in the City, the summer of "66". I was ten years old.
Bill or "Mac", as many of his friends called him, had a successful entertainment business for many, many years and gave many musicians their start. Dad was like the mayor of the north side,
he was involved in 47th. ward politics. Which is the neighborhood where he grew up, went to school, meet my mom and raised a family.
These are the years, I remember with my Dad, his early years. Starting out in the business and making one of his dreams come true. For me, it was just a chance to hang out with my Dad.
All of us kids, would have a blast at the club, we would have the dance floor to ourselves, we had our little dance routines,
like we were on "American Bandstand".
We sat at the big bar and drank Kiddy Cocktails.
We were so cool!

If thou prepare thine heart,
and stretch out thine hands towards him;
If iniquity be in thine hand,
put it far away,
and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.
For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot;
yea, thou shalt be stedfast,
and shalt not fear:
Because thou shalt forget thy misery,
and remember it as waters that pass away:
And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday;
thou shalt shine forth,
thou shalt be as the morning.
And thou shalt be secure,
because there is hope;
yea, thou shalt dig about thee,
and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.
Also thou shalt lie down,
and none shall make thee afraid;
yea, many shall make suit unto thee.
But the eyes of the wicked shall fail.
and they shall not escape,
and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost.

Job 11:13-20

I remember when I was very young, going to church on Sunday, with my dad. Sometimes, he would take us to visit my uncle at his church, for mass. My uncle Charlie had just become a priest. Father Charles, would lean on the pulpit with both elbows, look down on us kids, and preach his stern sermon. For me, being a small child, and him being so high up on the pulpit, he appeared larger than life and created a big impression on me.
My father would smile, bent down and whispered in my ear. He said something about loving me and being proud, as much I want to, I can't remember the exact words. Then he kissed me on my cheek, I remember the feel of his cheek on mine, and the smell of Old Spice.

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand
against the devil's schemes.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore put on the full armor of God,
so that when the day of evil comes,
you may be able to stand your ground,
and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
with the breastplace of righteousness in place,
and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes
from the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds
of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on
praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:10-18.

Finally, let us then cast off the works of darkness
and put on the armour of light.
God Bless You Dad and Father Charles, for showing me the spiritual love, I learned to rely on, during difficult times, through the years. That has formed me to be, the human being, I am today.

When I was young; I stood in the bathroom doorway and watched my dad comb his hair. He would wet the comb and comb all his hair forward to make the perfect part. And I observed him and watched him and saw him look down at me looking at him and he would glanz over and smile or give me a wink. Ever since those days, and when I am in front of the mirror and I am combing my hair forward, I see my father's hair, and I remember the time I spent with my dad and how he looked down at me and smiled or winked, and for all my life I carried that smile in my heart, and always prayed one day to feel that closeness with my dad.

The one thing my Dad was most proud of,
was his Irish heritage.
We must take that,
and carry it in our hearts forever.

O Danny boy,
the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen and down the mountainside
The summer's gone and all the roses falling
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
O Danny boy, O Danny boy, I love you so.
But if ye come and all the flowers are dying
If I am dead, as dead I well may be,
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an Ave there for me.
And I shall hear, though soft, your tread above me
And all my grave shall warmer, sweeter be
For you will bend and tell me that you love me
And I will sleep in peace until you come to me.

Thank you,
Frederick Weatherly"1913",
for this beautiful song.
It was one of my Dad's favorites.
Sleep In Peace, I Love You so.

Dear Dad,
Thank you for my religion,
I lean on it and it directs me.
"Beloved,
do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you,
as if something strange were happening to you.
But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ,
so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.
If you are insulted for the name of Christ,
blessed are you,
for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
But let no one among you be made to suffer
as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as an intriguer.
But whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name.
For it is time for the judgment to begin with the household of God;
if it begins with us,
how will it end for those who fail to obey the gospel of God?
'And if the righteous one is barely saved,
where will the godless and the sinner appear?'
As a result, those who suffer in accord with God's will
hand their souls over to a faithful creator as they do good."
Peter 4:12-19
Rest In Peace.
I Love You,