Father’s Day 2011

As each year goes by I find I have more and more in common with my Father. This past October my Father turned 70 and in January I turned 35. For whatever reason I never really thought about the time span in our ages. It was not until Friday early morning that this popped in my head. Roughly 8 hours after witnessing the birth of my fifth child Jillian. My dad was just about 35 years of age when he welcomed me into the world.

What I have come to find out is that in very interesting way our lives parallel each other. We both grew up with very strong father figures who equipped us with scriptures and a zest for education. We both married “very” strong willed, God fearing women. We both held church leadership offices shortly before heading to seminary. We both enrolled at Concordia Seminary after other employment.

As I look back over the past 35 years, I see more traits of my father and grandfather in me. Two men with whom God has worked through to spread His ministry. Mannerisms, sayings, and demeanor’s are present in both of us. When I look in the mirror these days, I see an updated version of my father. I would guess that is the wish of most sons… To see his father’s life and hope to emulate him. It is my hope that I can continue to be the father to my children that my father was to my sister and I.

I grew up in what most would call “one of the ghettos of Cleveland.” I am a 35 year old, God fearing, husband of one wife, father of five children, never dabbled in drugs, and not only finished high school, but college and half way through grad school. My grandfathers and more importantly my father set the example for the way to live life.

So, today I stare at the statistics with a triumphant smirk. Acknowledging my role model and my blessing from God; My Father. Happy Father’s Day Rev. Hosea J. Ekong

I believe my sister said it best: Some say that your relationship with your earthly father helps to formulate your first image of God… I am thankful to both of my Fathers for always Protecting, Providing and Supporting me.

It is my desire to pass these lessons on to my children…

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Coffee Cups

Who in the world uses all the coffee cups in the house over a two day period. I mean if your going to drink that much coffee… Rinse the mug you are using out. Not use everything resembling a mug.

This probably means two things….
1. You drink entirely two much coffee.
2. You like the feel of multiple mugs throughout the day.

No chance at returning those two never used mugs now. Removed the tabs and somehow messed up the covers. Outstanding.

Greek ELCE in 9hrs 22mins

At 7:30A cst I take my Greek qualifier. It will be a brutal test. It will also determine if I’m on the 4yr or 5 yr plan. I’m as prepared as I can be for the qualifier. It’s a matter of trusting my brain and no doubting myself. I ask that all that see this say a special prayer for Fall Greek class and our instructor Rev. Jeff Gibbs.

Much to say

I have much to say on a variety of topics, but no time to say it. In 3 weeks watch out for a number of blogs to be posted.

Time management

First rule of thumb when it comes to time management …

NEVER try to manage another persons time. Especially, when you yourself have yet to manage your own. If you can get past this first step then I have a whole power point on time management. The first step is always the most important. By attempting to manage other peoples time, you neglect managing your own.

Father’s Day

Technorati Tags: Fatherhood,Father’s Day,Love,Respect,God,Father,Life,Children

Normally, this would be section where someone would rave about them being a wonderful father.  Well, if that is what you’re looking for might as well close this browser now.

It isn’t everyday I get to share the admiration I have for my fathers.  Notice the plural there.  Father’s Day is so focused on the human aspect of giving thanks for the fathers that do what they’re supposed to do.  Very rarely, do we reflect on God, Our Father and say a special thanks for his infinite love he has for us.  So, this blog will be split into two to recognize my father and God, Our Father.

God, Our Father

He who loved me first before I was ever a twinkle in my parents eyes. He loved us so much to do send his only begotten Son to die for forgiveness of our sins.  The same Father who has been there since the beginning of time and patiently stayed by our sides during all of our mistypes.  The Father whom when I need encouragement, I turn to His Word for guidance. The Father that has blessed me with wonderful family, friends, fellow Christians, unbelievers, enemies, co-workers, etc to stimulate my growth as a man.  The same Father of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, John the Baptist, and Paul.  The same Father who protected his people wandering for 40 years regardless of their missteps.

A Father’s whose credits can’t be put on paper because they still continue at this very moment.  The Father who was, is, and is to come.  As I know the Father isn’t depended on my existence, but I am dependent entirely on his existence. Hear my prayer, Father, that we not forget all you’ve done for us without so much of a petition.  We thank you Father for all you did, do, and continue to do until the end times. If you’re reading this you only know of some of the blessings you have reaped. I assure you, those don’t even scratch the surface of what he has done for us.

My attempt is not to dummy down God’s work, but to provide yet another view of how he has affected our lives.

My Dad

Many call him Pastor or Mister Ekong, but I will always know him as daddy.  Our relationship early can best be described as misunderstood, but always mutually respected. The son of a Chief who later became a founding father of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria.  He always had large shoes to follow in and as such he worried if his life would be his own and not that of what others assumed and directed. The shadow of his father still follows him today.  The example his father set was improved on by him and passed down to me.  I always was taught about respect and carrying myself the correct way.  Learning that as his son I was a direct reflection on his leadership and abilities of a father. My father is a quiet man who leads by example.  Husband to one wife and father to two children. 

Teachings as a child that have stuck with me throughout my life.  Keep your eyes opening and listen before speaking.  Be observant of your surroundings and the people you associate.  Lessons he taught me without specific instruction was caring about others feelings and positions in life.  Never to forsake anyone and to always put my best foot forward are examples of timeless lessons. We had a rough time during my teenage years for obvious reasons.  Boy trying to grow into a man long before it was his time.  Even when I disappointed him, he stayed firmly by my side guiding me with the Words of God.

He has always been a man of God, but for a time there we knew he was meant to be a pastor. It was true lesson watching his transformation into what God has always meant for him.  Boy, did God give him some serious clues that this was his path.  See, this is important because as I got older I saw the same signs and direction from God and I was able to recognize it when it was my time to take the steps to follow suit.

Our relationship since I left college has only grown and reached a level neither of us would have ever thought.  We turn to each other to discuss church issues, The Great Commission, life, family, the ministry, etc…

My father called me the week before graduation upset about the scheduling of after graduation activities. I had been so selfish, that I had missed just how proud he was of me for that accomplishment and the steps I would be taking later this summer.  His words literally brought me to tears.  We aren’t men of many words… okay that’s a lie. We often say a lot, but what we say means a great deal.

It is only now at 33 years that I realize at my core I am my father’s son.  I’m proud to say I’m his son and I strive to improve on the example he has set for me and pass that example on to my children.

QUOTE:

“Father only means that you are taking care of your children.  That’s what it means to be a father. It doesn’t mean having babies. Anybody can make a baby, but a father helps to raise his children. There is another word for fatherhood. It’s called RESPONSIBILITY!”  -Malcolm X

Technorati Tags: Fatherhood,Father’s Day,Love,Respect,God,Father,Life,Children

When people ask who is your hero?  I don’t say a superstar, artist, actor, etc… It is my God Our Father and my parents. 

Graduation Party

Technorati Tags: College,Concordia Universitydia University-Ann Arbor,CUAA.EDU,Family,Friends,Graduation,Life,Lutheran

Finally arrived at the house and tons of folks are there.  People from the Michigan District Office.  People from Christ the Good Shepherd, LCMS.  Family and Friends rounded out the rest of the participants of the party.  Then there was a special guest, Instructor Suzanne Mahler and her husband Jay.  She and I conversed numerous times as she was my first instructor upon entering the ADP program at CUAA.  She is very delightful woman and I razed about her to family.  Actually during my first class Linda was due with Jocelyn so the whole class got to meet her in our last meeting. Whenever, I had class and knew she was teaching I would seek her out to say high and catch up.

She is simply the most amazing teacher in the world.  I loved her classes so much I actually took two classes my last semester of electives.  I had already completed my requirements and her classes were above the bar bonus.  I would recommend her to anyone at Concordia.  She’ll keep you the entire class length and you won’t even care.  Along with Waterman’s classes, the things learned in Mahler’s classes with stick with you for a lifetime.  Everyone adored Jay and Suzanne.  I was so excited she came.  She even mentioned no one at Concordia had every invited her to a open house. Shame on them.  I wish I could have had more instructors to show my gratitude, but I’m sure the others had invitations.

Everyone had fun at the open house Linda did a wonderful job planning it.  We got pictures with everyone and the kids behaved as well. Perfect angels that day, they had everyone thinking they ran around with Halo’s over there head.  Some of the things I remember was the CTGS folks having what looked like a Leadership meeting outside, Joel and my Dad on the porch talking theology, and John being a great wine host. Nate Bishop stopping by in a mini-van with his two kids and one on the way.  So much fun.  Especially, when everyone enjoys everyone else’s company.