SUCCESSFUL LIVING

Being a survivor

4 battleships sunk 4 others damaged 3 cruisers 3 destroyers 1 anti-aircraft training ship 1 minelayer 188 U.S. aircraft destroyed 159 aircraft damaged 2,402 killed

1,282 wounded

29 aircraft 5 midget submarines 65 servicemen killed or wounded 1 sailor captured

In all the war I never received a more direct shock. As I turned and twisted in bed the full horror of the news sank in upon me. There were no British or American capital ships in the Indian Ocean or the Pacific except the American survivors of Pearl Harbor who were hastening back to California. Over this vast expanse of waters Japan was supreme and we everywhere were weak and naked.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God...

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God...

For ENDURANCE and PATIENCE

Where does it come from?

Strength through grace

Strength through Jesus

Strength through love

Strength through joy

2 Tim 2:1, Heb 13:9

Eph 3:16

Eph 3:17-18

Neh 8:10

What does it do?

We can fight against evil 1 Cor 10:13

Demosthenes We have courtesans for the sake of pleasure; we have concubines for daily co-habitation; we have wives for the purpose of having children legitimately, and of having a faithful guardian over all our household affairs.

Cicero If there is anyone who thinks that young men should be absolutely forbidden the love of prostitutes, he is indeed extremely severe... When indeed was this not done? When did anyone find fault with it? When was such permission denied? When was it that that which is now lawful was not lawful?

What does it do?

We can fight against evil

We can love and forgive

1 Cor 10:13

Romans 5:5

What does it do?

We can fight against evil

We can love and forgive

We can serve God

We can keep on trusting

1 Cor 10:13

Romans 5:5

2 Cor 6:7

2 Cor 4:16

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength as our labours increase; To added afflictions He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

What does it do?

We can fight against evil

We can love and forgive

We can serve God

We can keep on trusting

We can live without anxiety

1 Cor 10:13

Romans 5:5

2 Cor 6:7

2 Tim 1:7

2 Cor 4:16

I’m not sure how much longer I have left but it appears that the physical and medical signs are all pointing to my end. And, what a great time to go, right at Christmas-time. Just wonderful. The time my Saviour was brought into the world is the very same time he decides to call me home. The irony is astounding. While I struggle to find any logical rhyme or reason in all of this my commitment to following Him has not changed. People look at me like I’m crazy. How can I trust God to deliver me from this madness, when this madness means losing my wife and two beautiful children? And the answer is, I simply don’t know.

It’s the light that permeates the brokenness. It’s the light that the three wise men followed that night when Christ was born. It’s the light that just came to be when God said: “let there be light” on the first day of creation. It’s unexplainable. And as I said before even though it makes no sense, I will follow it until my very end. It’s the light that shines for every man and woman, and thankfully it shines for me, lest I be lost in the darkness that surrounds me without it. Thank you for journeying with me this far. I pray you find the same peace I have.

How do I stay tanked up?

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.