~For the Mothers in my Life~

"If I am Thy child, only God, it is because Thou gavest me such a mother." -Augustine

I bless God with a sincere and deep gratitude for the three holy mothers in my life. My first mother (Sherry Dickinson) bore me next to her heart for nine months and has continued to carry me in her heart with love, instruction, and prayer for these following 36 years; I am who I am due to God blessing my life with my mother. My second mother (Martha Bryan) has done the same in such an excellent way so as to replicate her noble self in the lady who is now my wife and mother of our children; I am a blessed man due to the mother of my wife. The third mother in my life (Heather Dickinson) is my wife and the mother of our children. I now sit here staring at the computer unable to find sufficient words to praise her enough. She is beyond precious and virtuous, and she excels my ability to laud her as she deserves; I and our children are filled with joy to belong to her life. "Thank you, God, for Heather!"

Regarding our three mothers: "Her children arise up, and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." -Proverbs 31:28-31

Discipline verses Salvation

A chairman, in representing one of his preachers, said, “He has not much salvation to offer, so he goes it heavy on discipline.” Is not that the real seat of the difficulty with preachers who have so much more zeal and success in getting people out of the church than they do to get them to unite with the church? They have not much salvation to offer. They can see the disease, but do not furnish a remedy. A person who has the toothache will not make up any more faces if you cut off his head. But is that the best way to treat him? To destroy a church is not the best way to promote its purity. Piety, prudence, and patience will go further towards getting people fitted for the kingdom of God, than will a furious zeal to turn them out of the church. Before you begin proceedings to turn members out of the church, read the chapter on Discipline in “Fishers of Men.” Above all, read Matt. 18:15-17. Then pray for them, until your heart is filled with deep, tender love for their souls. If proceeding against them, act just as you would if the person complained of was your own brother or son. Remember that the great object to be gained is the salvation of the soul.

- Minister Benjamin Titus Roberts (bishop of The Free Methodist Church) published in "THE FREE METHODIST" quoted in Pungent Truths