November 26, 2009
Because this program will air first on Thanksgiving Day, I want to take the time to express my gratitude to those of you who have been faithful listeners of Heartland Focus since we started back in 2007. I do occasionally meet people in unusual places like grocery store lines and garage sales who make the connection between me, my voice and this program. It is such a privilege to share educational principles from a Christian perspective, and I am sincerely grateful for those of you who have given me feedback that says, “you are right on target, keep it up.”
I am also very grateful for our business, personal and church sponsors who pay their hard-earned money to make sure that this program stays on the air. When you hear me say, “today’s program is sponsored by…,” keep in mind that these are not sponsorships from nameless corporations who would hardly miss the $30.00 it takes to cover a weekly broadcast. Rather, we are referring to real, hometown folks who believe that rearing and educating children in a God-honoring way is worth talking about… and spending a little money.
I am also thankful for the school that I serve, Heartland Christian Academy, which provides the forum and material for the educational instruction that I try to offer through this program. When I think of what the Lord desires for me to share, the faces of real children, real parents, and real educators come to mind. To be able to share both my love for the Savior and my love for learning on a daily basis with children and teachers makes being the Principal at Heartland a “dream job” for me.
It is with the encouragement of my wife, Laraine, and even out-of-state children who go online to listen to the program, that I do the research and write the transcripts for the weekly broadcasts. Very few Thursdays at 7 AM go by that my wife doesn’t have the radio, or now radio over the television, tuned in to hear what the Lord has laid on her husband’s heart. Thank you, Laraine.
And, finally, my “attitude of gratitude” list would be severely incomplete if I did not offer my sincere thanks to Phil Ehlke, Shine the Light, and the staff at YourQ FM. It is such a pleasure to work with a group of godly, dedicated professionals. Between Phil and our Heartland tech guy, Matthew Stinar, they make sure that the message gets out over the air and online. I am grateful for people who can use technology to “get the word out.”
From all of us at Heartland Focus, may your family be blessed and your Thanksgiving weekend be a special time to stop and give thanks to whom it all truly belongs: Jesus Christ.
Our broadcast today is sponsored by a new friend of Heartland Focus, The Yellow Umbrella a unique new Gift Shop & Gallery, in Bemidji, featuring the handmade work of local artists with a Grand opening Dec 5th. Check it out at
**www.yellowumbrellashop.com** or call 218-333-6962. Yellow Umbrella is at the
Corner of 4th Street and Wood Ave. SE, Bemidji