My Dad's Birthday and for Fathers Day.

Today is my Father's Birthday and I honor him by making this my first post

My Father's Legacy by Luke Cook

To my Dad, whom I had the honor of sharing a name with. I was named Kenneth Lucas. Cook after my dad's Kenneth Martin Cook. Growing up I didn't like having the same name which it why I use Luke as my main name. However, having grown up and matured to some respects I feel honored and proud of my name and that I bear his name. 

My dad was born on May 25th 1953 and he was 62 at the time of writing this but today in 2022 he is turning 69 years old. It seems amazing how much time has gone by, I remember when he got his coffee cup that read" I am 40, to bad my hair couldn't be here to celebrate this day"  So much has changed but somethings never change. My dad recently retired from a job he worked out for 30 some years.  My mind cramps at the thought of that, having never had the same job for more than 2-3 years now. I find that quite remarkable. 

One thing that has never changed is his outlook on life and his calm demeanor throughout the years. Through good times and the  not so good times. He has been a moral, rock and compass to us 4 kids. 

Thinking today, about all he has given me throughout my life, not just the basic things, ie: roof,food and love, but living out what he believes throughout his life. I know my dad has a humble opinion about himself and doesn't think he has had much impact in this world for God, but I believe  if he could only see himself through God's eyes he wold understand the impact he has not only had on this world but on us 4 kids, and grandkids.

My dad told me in the past that he wanted to be an architect but he never happened. I do believe though because of the grace and love God poured into his life, he built something that far surpasses he could of ever built as an architect. He built us 4 kids. I can't speak personally for the other 3 but from my own perspective I will share mine.

I am my father's legacy, I heard these words recently while watching a good inspirational film.  God said he made man in his image, well I am the image of my earthly father as well. I think not only do I have certain aspects in me, but I also carry things in me that happened long after I was born. They say you are a product of your environment, the people and the place you grow up is what shapes you. Sometimes this is bad and sometimes good. I have been blessed to not only been born in a good place but surrounded by good people as well. My dad has been instrumental in my growth as an individual, he was the building blocks that made me who I am today. His choices during his life, his discipline and character has shaped me more than my dad can imagine. 

Like father like son, is a good saying. Someday I hope my son and daughter can be as proud as I am of my dad, as a father and a person. Who has had desires, temptations and dreams just the same as me and because he has come before me, I can learn by his example, even though he is not perfect, he has I know way back in his day's of youth, disciplined himself, been responsible, and lives well as he continues to do. 

Mere words can not express my full celebration of this day.  So I will end this with a simple Happy Birthday Dad! I love and honor you on the this day. A day of celebration, rejoicing and gratitude. 

The article below reminds me of my dad's legacy he has passed onto me. It is also hard on  days being an expat,  where you may gain the world, but you miss out on so many things. Happy to be home to celebrate his birthday with him this year.  Happy Birthday Dad! May God bless you on this day and forever more with health, good living and contentment.  

Nice legs dad :P 

Dad of the century

Don't give up Dad on your goals.  Leave the past behind and with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead  go straight for the goal—your reward the honour of being called by God in Christ.

Still the greatest Dad!

Dad helping me with my tiny house

A Father's Legacy by Greg Laurie

Thursday, January 15, 2009

The greatest legacy we pass on as fathers is not our inheritance. It is not even our good name. It is the spiritual heritage that we give to our children, desiring them to walk in the way of the Lord.

When David was on his deathbed, he said to his son,

"As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever" (1 Chronicles 28:9 NKJV).

God has placed parents as the authorities in the life of the child. And in many ways, we as fathers represent God to our children.

A story I've often told about a little boy illustrates this well. The little boy was frightened one night by a very loud thunderstorm. He called to his father in the next room and said, "Daddy, I am scared."

His father called back from the next room, "Son, don't be scared. God is with you."

The boy paused for a moment and then said; "Yeah, but I want someone with skin on right now."

Fathers, in many ways, are like God with skin on to their children. I don't mean that literally, but I do mean that fathers are the representatives of God to that child.

Consider this: many of the attitudes a child will develop about God will be based on their relationship with their fathers. While I am not trying to lay a guilt trip on fathers, I do want to say that we fathers need to do everything we can to be a godly influence on our children. When our children see their mom or dad contradicting what they know is true, great damage can be done. Sadly, many children do not honor their parents simply because they are not very honorable. Many adults have never grown up themselves, so they abandon their responsibilities to their families to chase after their own interests.

That is why Andrew Murray said, "The secret of home rule is self-rule: first being ourselves what we want our children to be."

Our children must see the gospel lived as well as preached. We are not only to be witnesses to the world. We also need to be witnesses in our homes. Children pay attention to what really matters to us and how our Christianity affects us in day-to-day living.

You are an example. The question is, will you be a good one or a bad one?

We find an interesting insight in an often-quoted passage regarding parenting — one that is usually quoted when children go astray. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it" (NKJV).

This phrase, "in the way," could also be translated, "in his bent." The Amplified Bible translates it this way: "Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it."

We see in this a recognition that every child is different. I hope, as parents, that we realize this about our children. Every child has a unique and distinct personality. Just as no two snowflakes are exactly like, it is the same with children.

This is why we need to observe our children. We need to watch our children. Then we need to adapt our training accordingly.

This doesn't mean we turn away from the principles of Scripture, but that we adapt them to each child. For example, stern words get some children in line, while others need a different approach.

My point is that we need to recognize the unique characteristics in the lives of the little ones whom God has entrusted to our care. We want to do our best to point them in the right direction and train them in the way of the Lord.

How often we think, "I'm too busy for the kids!" Yet time goes by so fast. Treasure each moment with your children, and don't neglect them. Express your love to them.

To know that our children walk with the Lord — that is our great hope. But we need to remember that they don't belong to us; they belong to God. Our responsibility is to point them to Him.