Father Knows Best

From Joanne's Dad:

While many of you recognize “Ozzie & Harriet”, most have never heard of Jim Anderson, played by Robert Young on the “Father Knows Best” TV show from 1954 to 1960.  Jim was a thoughtful father who offered sage advice whenever one of his children had a problem.  We’re all little children at heart when our Father graciously “allows problems” in our lives.  We ask Him why?  What’s the reason?  What’s the purpose?  What should I be learning?  But life isn’t a 30 minute TV show; and God rarely reveals everything to our satisfaction.  So Joanne, and everyone else in our family, is wrestling with those same questions.  I believe it’s actually more difficult for Christians since we have rested our entire future on the goodness and sovereignty of a Father who gave His One and only Son to purchase our redemption.   We know that Jesus was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, obedient even unto death, pleading with His Father in the Garden to let His cup of suffering pass.  We even understand that Jesus never saw the fruit of His obedience and sacrifice before He died.   The fruit is us, the Church, making His suffering the most effective and meaningful ever.  So compared to atheists or agnostics who only see cruel fate or chance, we Christians diligently search for God’s purposes in our lives.  But just like our earthly parents didn’t always explain their loving discipline, God doesn’t often reveal His purpose – or we’re just unable to discern His “why”.  

OK God; we disciples are not above our Master; and we know Your goal is to conform us to Christ – whatever it takes.  But our day-to-day living by that faith is sometimes another matter.  Many of you already understand this; the rest of us are coming along behind you.  Keep us in your prayers, for they are effective.

In closing, today was a GREAT day for this Papa, who was trusted for the first time to be home alone with Joanne, since she’s making better-and-better use of the grab bars that I installed to make her more self-sufficient.  I’m now planning to spend two mornings per week with her, reading Joanne some Jesus Calling and Charles Spurgeon while my dear wife Kay gets back to Curves for the first time in months!

Chuck

Comments

[holly smith]

And Oh yes, Mrs. Kay is a dear. Love your family so!! Continuing in prayer, Mr. F. You are such a godly man. Thank you for displaying the glory of Jesus!

Love,
Holly

[Pam Houston]

Praying daily for you all, and knowing that your robust faith in God on every level is making all the difference, for you and for those of us who watch from the sidelines your awesome example of a Christian family that works their faith and faith that works!

[Jan Maniatis]

You rock dad!! So good to hear from you. What a precious papa you are. Praying for your dear family as you have been asked to look at the little, incremental triumphs, successes and leave the big picture in His hands.

[Jen]

What a beautiful post. I am praying for my friend Joanne and will continue.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Love
Jen Medeiros

[Maribeth]

Thanks for posting. I've missed hearing from you!
Yes, it is hard to let go and trust in our Father. When I lost my daughter I was angry for so long. But I know God's shoulders were broad as they handled all the anger, and eventually helped me find my peace.
I am so happy that your girl is doing so well! ;o)

[Kristy]

What a sweet & wise Papa you seem to be...Joanne is very fortunate to be so loved... We are all blessed when you share on this blog.
As always, your family is in my prayers.

[Michal Ann]

I'm so thankful that you're not only able to care for your precious daughter but also that you took time to write such a beautiful post. You put such love and care in all you do! You must be so blessed by the GENERATIONS of your family who are true to the Lord!

My friend noticed that this scripture is a good "911." It's Psalm 91:1, Amplified

"HE who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]."

[[email protected]]

Thanks for the lovely post! The last line made me smile! My prayer for all of you is that you each make time for yourselves and your own mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health. laura

[michelle]

This post is especially beautiful because it is written from the heart while in the thick of a difficult time. Our prayers remain with Joanne and your entire family. With God ALL things are possible. I am blessed daily by the Jesus Calling devotional. Glad you are reading that to her :-)

[Kristin]

I love reading your posts; the fatherly perspective is so touching and I am always encouraged. "...or we're just not able to discern his 'why'." This is what I face all the time. I beg the questions, make my petitions and the responses fly right past me, usually because I have a pretty good idea already of what the answer should be and...I'm usually wrong. ~K

[Kim]

I don't know ya'll but I have been following your daughters story and I've never commented before but I must take a moment to tell you what a beautiful testimony ya'll are living out. You are living out LOVE for a lost world to see and pointing them straight to Jesus. You give Christians a good name. I pray that the God of all grace and mercy lavishes it on you and your family and Joanne. I pray for rest and restoration. I praise God for your testimonies. Thank you for living out loud! Many many blessings to you!

[robin]

I lost my mom to cancer when I was barely 17. She spent the last year of her life in a nursing home because she had had a bad stroke caused by one of her chemo drugs. Losing Mom caused me to have a deeper relationship with Christ. I can now say, with joy, that God allowed our family to experience that very difficult trial because of His deep love for us. By His grace alone, I can view it (in hindsight) as a mark of His extreme love. We know that God loves us and acts purposely. So when He allows these extremely hard things, we can take them, by His grace, as PROOF of His love.

I am so touched by the love so evident in Joanne's family. Your faith is shining, and it's beautiful to see! :) To God be the glory! He's got big plans... ;)

Jeremiah 29:11

[Anita Blackman]

Thanks, "Dad," for sharing this post with us. My dad passed in 1999 at almost 94, and I miss him terribly. He would have installed the grab bars, etc., should I have needed them at Joanne's age. H
e always said he could fix anything but a broken heart, and we thought he was pretty good at that too! I sense Joanne is blessed by the same kind of father. Thank you for sharing your incredible love with all of us who keep you all in our prayers. You are a shining example of our Father's incredible love!

[Rena]

I think of you all and hope you will stay strong for one another. a Maine friend, Rena

[Judy]

Jim Anderson and Ward Cleaver were my favorite TV dads! Glad you can spend some time with Joanne.

[Crystal]

I love Father Knows Best. I have the complete first season on DVD. Being that I am only 36 that is amazing to most people. I just say my Mama and Daddy raised me on some wholesome television.
I loved your post. I am praying for you all. I have been through a trying time over the last two years myself, and I still don't fully understand the why, but I know the Father is in control. I guess the best part about being a Christian is just that. I don't have to have all the answers, just need to trust in the One who does.
Praying for strength and encouragement for Joanne daily. Can't wait to see some of her own words on this page again.

[Amanda]

It is so easy to have faith, praise God and preach when things are going well. When we have health, when we have all our needs and a few wants answered and God is good. It is so much harder to have faith, see the goodness of God, to trust that He actually knows what he is doing and is not some cruel, uncaring entity who delights in making us suffer. Throughout this difficult journey, I have been witness to your family having faith through the most difficult of circumstances, especially Joanne. Your family is faith in action, much better than a book or sermon can ever exemplify. Thank you for the privilege of allowing us to be on this journey with you. Your faith has made mine grow.

[Colette]

I am still praying for all of you!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"
Thank You Jesus!

[sonja]

What a beautiful writing from the heart of a father. Isn't it a comfort to know that the very lonely and uncertain times have already been walked by Jesus... He understands.

Praying for all of you and for great progress for Joanne.

Sonja

[Karene]

What a beautiful, tender post. (I loved watching reruns of Father Knows Best many years ago. You seem to embody Jim Anderson in so many ways. With the added element of being a godly, Christian father.) May God continue to strengthen all of you, even in the midst of not understanding His ways.
With love from So. Calif.

[Lynn]

Yes, Chuck, I DO remember Robert Young and Father Knows Best! ha When reading your note, I couldn't help thinking about the funeral I attended yesterday. A young man in our church with a troubled psychiatric history, great family and church support, excellent medical care, and a long and loving relationship with our Lord took his own life. There are so many questions - and feelings - and yet, it comes down to trusting that someday we will have the answers, but that is not today. And some days, the pain is intense. And some days the joy is intense.

Enjoy your days with dear JoAnn. They are indeed precious. We, out here who don't personally KNOW your family, are still lifting up prayers for all of you!

[janet cline]

Well put!
Praying.....

[Child of God]

It is a very hard walk, treacherous and very challenging. A whole new way of thinking needs to be formed. Praise God He is with you every single step of the way, guiding and carrying you over the very dangerous parts.

You guys are an inspiration and a blessing.

Praying and praying often!
<><

[Kim Feth]

Continuing to pray for you your family daily. What a blessing to have a Dad and Mom so close by to be such a blessing!

Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC

[Allison C. Lee]

Still praying for your family and checking the blog with my morning coffee for updates.We may never meet this side of heaven, but your family and mostly those sweet little girls are always in my heart and pleads to the Father.
" No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepaired for those who love Him." 1 Corinthains 2:9
One day Joanne, it will be glorious...

[Rhonda]

I love reading your posts.....from Papa :) Your love is so evident, your trust in God so tangible. Thank you so much!

I lost both of my parents 20 years ago when I was 27, so am especially endeared when I read something beautiful from a daddy....or mother too. I miss my mom/dad so much!!

I do not know your family, and am only acquainted with you via Living Proof and thus this blog. Yet know I'm praying. When I have a rough day, I look outward to seek whom I can lift up in prayer instead of always talking about my issues/desires........it helps :)

Bless you and yours this day......."And there is no creature hidden from HIs sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of
Him with Whom we have to do." Hebrews 4:13

He knows.......He cares.......bless you!

[Karla A.]

Ah, Chuck! The voice of faith and reason! I smile to envision you at Joanne's side. How blessed she is to have you to call "Daddy." Thank you for sharing your sage reflections. It helps to be steeped in Spurgeon! None of this has taken our Heavenly Father by surprise. He has not just permitted it, He has *ordered* it. And He answers to no one for His actions. This is the essence of faith, which only gets stronger by continual exercise! His grace is sufficient--not barely enough, but MORE than enough. We hold you in our hearts and uphold you in prayers... May Christ be magnified in your faithfulness!

[jessica]

this is SUCH a beautiful post! love this family!!

[Penbleth]

Continued love and best wishes to you all for Joanne's recovery and for strength, comfort and endurance for all of you in what lies ahead.

[Seaweedandraine]

Great post! Thank you Chuck, for the reminder. Sometimes we thing we have things sorted, only to discover that God has something completely different in mind. Lifting you all before our Maker & Redeemer in prayer.
Sheree

[Beverly]

Papa and Daughter,
I don't know either of you but have been following along since January. I believe your two mornings together each week will be like "gold nuggets" for each of you!
Having lived with chronic illness for 20 years, I have learned God never wastes our pain. He asks we just take one day at a time.
Beverly

[Teresa Wenske]

What a wonderful Dad and lovig place to be.

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Votre maison est la confiance dans le mouvement, bien supérieure à un livre ou un sermon, ne pourra jamais incarner. Merci beaucoup à vous pour le bénéfice de qui nous permet d'être sur cette excursion avec vous.