Here is a collection of advice that we have received from our fathers. Thanks for sending in your submissions!
My dad taught me to never, never give up - to be determined and always keep trying to achieve any goals I wanted. “If at first you don’t succeed, try try again.”
You have two legs your cat has four, it doesn’t need you carrying him everywhere.
I don't recall ever hearing the words "I love you" but maybe they were just drowned out by his time, actions and other words that have spoken the sentiment far, far louder than the three words ever could.
Another priceless blessing has been his whole-hearted love and commitment to Jesus. Everything flows from that core. "Nearer my God to Thee" is his favorite hymn, a desire he exemplifies in his daily life.
My dad told me that the only legacy we have (except in Jesus) was your family's good name. So guard against doing anything that would bring your family name into disrepute.
If you do that son, you will have lived a life without regret.
I had him say to me a couple of times… “I brought you into this world, if you don’t smarten up and fly straight, I’ll take you right back out of it.” … lol…
“WE ALL HAVE THE SAME WORTH.” DAD WOULD SAY THAT AT THE DINNER TABLE IF THE CHATTER GOT A LITTLE GOSSIPY, AND ESPECIALLY IF THE COMMENTS WERE ABOUT PEOPLE’S APPEARANCES. THE WAY HE SAID IT WAS SO GENUINE AND HE HIMSELF RARELY SAID A BAD WORD ABOUT ANYONE. WHEN HE WOULD CALL US OUT LIKE THAT WE TOOK IT TO HEART - AND STOPPED TALKING!
When I was trying to make a difficult decision he would ask - in 20 years will you regret your decision?
I WAS NOT made of sugar and would not melt. “Put on a raincoat and boots and out you go”
Don’t pick a fight, but if someone starts one make sure you win.
I don’t know if my father ever made a commitment to Christ but I do know that he had a very rough and sad upbringing. In spite of that, he was adamant in teaching us the difference between right and wrong. He absolutely hated cheating and lies. I feel fortunate to have had him for a father and I marvel at his wisdom in raising us 7 kids. Much of that may have been due to my mother, but then my father showed good wisdom in choosing her.
IT VILL VORK.
If we ever had a dispute, Dad would always make sure he made it right between us before bed time. Even after I moved from home, if we had a tense call during the day, he would call later that night. If he was in the wrong, he’d admit it and if I was in the wrong, he was quick to forgive.
Best advice from Dad: Justice is the Lord’s responsibility. Don’t take the responsibility on yourself. Forgive. You will live longer and be at peace.
If you are not wise with your finances - you will never own a pot to cook in or a cupboard to store it in.
He actually said: …a pot to pee in or a window to throw it out of; but same message, be wise with money.
Dad was a craftsman and took pride in his work and never took shortcuts. That stuck with me then and now.
Advice from my father, Johnny Tompson. He quoted often his favourite Bible verse for us to follow: Proverbs 3:6 - In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
1) Honour and obey your mother. Help her and keep her happy.
2) Work hard, you will learn new skills, and will develop confidence.
3) Do your tasks first, then your schoolwork, and then you can play.
4) Be thankful and do not complain.
5) Instead of scolding little brother (or anyone) for doing something wrong, show him carefully how to do it (or ask Dad, and learn together).
6) Develop patience by asking the Lord for love.
7) Use whatever talent you have for the Lord.
At school I learned to read music notes and play the flutophone. So I had to play it with our church orchestra of about 8 people! (That included my father playing the banjo)! As a teen I learned to chord on the guitar, marked the hymns in the hymnbook when to change chords, and played at church. I wasn't very musically talented, but did my best. My sisters June and Diane were wonderful pianists and played at churches all their lives.I loved children and led Sunday School classes as a teen.
8) Set a goal, and do it. Goal: Buy a bike - needed $30. Father had a box factory, so the summer of 1950, I nailed the bottom three boards on celery crates, at 1c per box. 3000 crates, 12000 nails! Bought a 2nd hand Raleigh!
9) Always be polite. Compliments are better than criticism.
10) Pray every day.
My father who decided to take me out of school before I finished Gr. 8 so that I learn a trade and bring $ home, believed kids should finish a trade and earn $ at 18 yrs. Not still going to school. That is how it would be in Germany.
As I was entering the workforce still too young to get a stamp book for UI at almost 16 - he said something to me that I found profound: "Whatever you do in life, do it the best you can - for it pays your bills and puts food on your table".
I have applied that to my life in all things. I found it worthy to pass on to my children. Thank you father.I added to this by saying something my kids really understood - the fun you want on weekends is directly related to what you do and how you do your work from M-F. Respect work - it keeps you mentally, physically, and financially fit.
Happy Father's Day to all new fathers who one day will be talking to their teens on this topic. I don't exclude the mature father who has passed these crossroads and has grandkids sitting on his lap, and will perhaps have such conversations with them as well.
