Basics I Knew Our Children Had to Learn

By Billy Graham

1. Learn the difference between right and wrong. It takes more character to do right over wrong. Everyone needs to learn rules for living.
2. Honesty is rewarding. A good conscience is worth more than millions. Honesty is related to happiness.
3. Suffering is part of life. Hardships are a part of normal living. Complainers do not get very far in life.
4. Self-discipline is a good thing. Discipline is the road to success.
5. There is a God is heaven. The best way to teach is by example.
6. Finish what you start. Winners never quit and quitters never win.
7. Love is a necessary part of living. Got to learn to love God, family and others.
8. Sin displeases God. Disobedience hurts God, others and yourself.
9. Becoming a follower of Jesus is the goal of life. Jesus has a personal plan for everyone.
10. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit are necessary for living out God’s will.

Prayer for My Kids

Several from our Stone Creek Church family requested the sample prayer I have prayed over my children and now grandchildren. I wanted to list it for you along with a great article I read a long time ago from Billy Graham. Please know you are loved greatly, Papa G

“Lord, I pray for Jimmy/Stacy that he/she will have the spirit of Daniel and the three Hebrew children: an excellent spirit and skill in learning, wisdom and knowledge in all sciences.

I pray he/she will increase and grow mentally, physically, spiritually and socially.”

And for Stacy I would add, “Lord, help her to take things and ponder them in her heart; give her a spirit like Mary.” Based on Luke 2:51

Prayers based on Daniel 1:4, 8-9, 17 5:12, 14 and Luke 2:52



Stacy's dedication in Pekin, Illinois

6 hours of driving for 5 hours together!

Yesterday I was blessed with one of my sons in the faith, Carlos Ortiz from Dallas, TX.

He was at a Round Table meeting in St. Louis, MO and then drove three hours here to just hang out. We had steak together, a fun meeting at a local pastor friend’s church anniversary celebration, and then hung out at my house until midnight!

He drove the three hours back to St. Louis and then flew back home by nine this morning! Wow, the things we do for friendship and spiritual fathers/sons! I was so blessed and encouraged and Carlos was too.

Here are some quick thoughts on friendship and the relationship that spiritual fathers and their spiritual children have:

● Spiritual fathers/children lift each other up. We all get down and under heavy burdens. Without others to lift us up, we can’t make it.
● Spiritual fathers/children let each other out. Some people like to release the wolves on us. But we all need those who will let us out, regardless of whether we are totally on our game or not.
● Spiritual fathers/children pull each other away. What I mean is we need those who pull us away from the mundane and keep us living our dream.
● Spiritual fathers/children lead each other in. We lead each other into avenues of service and truth. We lead each other higher in God.
● Spiritual fathers/children look each other up. We call each other, get together--even drive 6 hours like Carlos did just to spend 5 hours with me!
● Spiritual fathers/children labor with each other. We cannot live withdrawn to ourselves. If we do we miss out and become deceived in some way.

Be encouraged and know you are loved, Papa G.

Antioch Prayer Model

Dear Sons and Daughters,
Here is a way to pray for your church/youth group/ministry. Trust it is a blessing!
Love you much and wish the best for you,
Papa G.


The Church at Antioch is an example of what God wanted the Church to be. Look at Acts 11:19-30 and pray that you would model the Church at Antioch by:

1) Being a “Cutting Edge” church (vv. 19-20)
2) Being an “Evangelistic” church (vs. 21)
3) Being a “Discipling” church (vv. 22-24)
4) Being a “Generous” church (vv. 27-30)
5) Being a “Word” church (Acts 13:1)
6) Being a “House of Prayer” church (Acts 13:2)
7) Being a “Missions Minded” church (Acts 13:3)