LIFE LESSONS FROM DAD (Post # 300)

One month ago today Dad left this world to receive his reward. It's been a very difficult month, but it's given me more reason to reflect on the many things he taught me; Dad was such a great teacher (and the fact that I don't always get it right does not reflect the fact that he was such a great teacher). So, for my monumental 300th post, and in memory of Dad, I want to share my top ten list of the most important things he taught me. As was his custom, I'm going to back up every lesson with Scripture. I hope you get as much wisdom and insight from Dad as I have.

• 10. Always keep your promises. Jeremiah 44:25
• 9. Tell the truth, always. Zechariah 8:16
• 8. Get out of debt and stay out of debt. Proverbs 22:7
• 7. Do things right the first time. Jonah 1
• 6. Be kind to people, even when you don't want to. Matthew 25:34-40
• 5. Be patient. Ephesians 4:2
• 4. Never complain. 1 Corinthians 10:10
• 3. Work hard. Colossians 3:23-24
• 2. Trust God. Proverbs 3:5-6
• 1. Be good to each other (That was his marriage advice to Steph and me, but it works for everyone). Matthew 7:12

What else should I add to this list?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

REJOICE AND BE GLAD

B. C. Brannon, 91, of Borger, died Friday Oct. 15, 2010, in Amarillo.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wed. Oct. 20, 2010, at the Church of Christ at Borger. Burial was in the “Garden of Love” at Westlawn Cemetery under the direction of Minton/Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger.

B. C. was born April 30, 1919, in Dodd City, to Isaac and Lizzie Brannon. He was the minister at Jim Hall St. Church of Christ. He was a retired airplane assembly mechanic. He was a longtime Borger resident. He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Ronald Williams, Earnest Earl, and James Henry, first wife Vera, and second wife Shirley.

He married Jonell Wilson Nov. 26, 1994, in Plainview.

He is survived by his wife Jonell of Borger, sons, Bobby Ray Brannon and Robert Brannon, both of Portland, OR, and Robin Charles Brannon of Edmond, OK; 12 stepchildren, brother L. J. Brannon of Childress, sisters, Verdele Jackson of Gainesville, TX and Adele Bates of Bonham, TX, 11 grandchildren, 36 step grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

To send condolences, sign the online guestbook at http://www.mintonchatwell.com/.

I have decided that October is my new least favorite month. Not only did we lose Dad, but we also found out today that we lost our baby. We are hurting, but we know that God is faithful and just - His ways are far higher than our ways, and His thoughts are far higher than our thoughts. His knows exactly what we need and what is best for us. He also knows how to comfort us in our time of greatest need.

Rejoice, Family, and be glad that Dad doesn't have to suffer anymore - ever again! - and that Baby never has to deal with this world, but gets to party with Dad, Mama, Ron, Ernie, Gram, and all the rest of those who have gone on before. Great is their reward!

Shalom